The source of Seraphim of Sarov helps in some ways. Famous images of the Diveyevo elder. Discovery of the relics of Seraphim of Sarov

Seraphim of Sarov is the patron of what? To answer this question, you first need to know the life path of the elder. After all, the name of this saint is widely known throughout the world, and he is especially revered in Rus'. The Lord gave him the ability to heal, as well as talk about the past and predict the future. Prayers with requests to the holy saint work miracles: they fulfill your most cherished desires, heal, and help you find a way out of a difficult situation.

Brief description of the life path of the venerable elder

The heavenly patron Seraphim of Sarov is from Kursk. The exact date of his birth is known - July 19, 1759. At baptism the baby received the name Prokhor.

Miracles began to happen to the boy from a very early age. There was a case when Prokhor could not resist and fell from the bell tower of the temple. Everyone saw the miracle that the boy remained completely unharmed.

In 1776, in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a fateful meeting took place between the young Prokhor and the elder Dosifei, who indicated to the young man that he should take monastic vows in the Sarov Wasteland.

After 2 years, the young man ended up in the Tambov province, where he became a novice in the Sarov Monastery. And 8 years later, in 1786, he did what Dosifei told him - he took monastic vows and became the monk Seraphim.

Seraphim did not need rest at all; the Lord himself gave him the strength to serve. In 1794, he accepted the silent feat and settled in the forest so that he could pray unceasingly.

Father Seraphim spent 16 years in the desert, and in 1810 he returned to the monastery to take another retreat, which lasted until 1825. Everything changed on November 25 of the same year. In a dream, the Mother of God appeared to Seraphim of Sarov and ordered him to stop fulfilling his vows and begin to host people in order to help them with her advice, guidance and healings.

Miracles through the prayers of Father Seraphim

For his love for God and his feats of asceticism, Father Seraphim received from the Lord the gift of healing people, as well as predicting important events. He knew everything about the past and future, gave wise advice, helped to overcome difficulties. Sometimes what he advised seemed strange and incomprehensible to people, but those who exactly fulfilled what was predicted were later convinced that everything that Father Seraphim said made sense.

Seraphim of Sarov - patron of what? People came to him for advice and with requests; he helped in the treatment of physical and mental illnesses, and sometimes with advice he prevented trouble.

He helped everyone who turned to him with prayer and water from the miraculous spring. Many cases of healing hopeless patients with the healing water of Father Seraphim have been recorded.

After the death of the saint, the healing spring continues to work miracles. Its water is truly healing, it brings you back to life, gives you health and peace of mind.

However, the main miracle that remained after Saint Seraphim of Sarov was prayer. It has long been known that people endowed with certain abilities do not heal themselves; through prayer they send their requests to God, who, loving them, fulfills their requests. Saint Seraphim of Sarov still prays for all of us before God, therefore miraculous prayer fulfills the wishes of this old man, saves him in difficult moment, helps to overcome trouble.

Icons of Seraphim of Sarov

Now there are many revered icons of the holy elder Seraphim of Sarov. His image is depicted not only on icons, but also on frescoes.

There are picturesque icons that were painted by skilled artists shortly after the death of the reverend elder, with the involvement of people who personally knew him. Preserved famous portrait Seraphim of Sarov, which is now kept in the Moscow Theological Academy.

IN Christendom The face of Seraphim of Sarov is revered, people pray to him, and people turn to him with requests for help.

Seraphim of Sarov - patron of what?

Here we come to the main question. The memory of Holy Father Seraphim is revered by believers twice a year: January 15 and August 1. But this does not mean that they pray to the saint only on these days. Sincere prayer will be effective at any time, the main thing is to believe and think about good.

Whose patron is Seraphim of Sarov? They turn to him with requests for help, and also in despondency under sinful circumstances, they pray to deliver him from demonic temptations. He is asked for the grace of giving love. It helps in the development of memory, relieves diseases of the spirit and body, and helps in solving problems of a material nature.

Prayers to Seraphim of Sarov are effective; if you forgive not only for yourself, you can pray for your loved ones and for your enemies.

Prayer for a Happy Marriage

Seraphim of Sarov is the patron saint of marriages. Lonely girls turn to this saint with a request to arrange their fate. It has long been known that in order to receive help, prayer alone is not enough. The prayer will be effective if read over water. And for this it is best suited living water– spring.

Taking a liter of water, say a prayer over it, while placing a lit church candle and an icon of Seraphim of Sarov near the vessel. You should drink the water prepared in this way and also sprinkle it on your bed and room.

Of course, we should not forget that the main attribute of such a request is faith in God and confidence that a miracle will happen and you will meet your destiny.

It is believed that Seraphim of Sarov is the patron saint of late marriages, so those who have already lost all hope of arranging their destiny often turn to him. If you are over 30 years old or more and still single, contact Father Seraphim and be sure that your sincere prayer will be fulfilled.

Very strong help there will be a prayer of a mother who wants her daughter to get married, because the Lord accepts any request of the mother for his dearly beloved child.

How to pray to Seraphim of Sarov

This saint is very loved and revered in Rus'. It has long been the case that people addressed him lovingly: Seraphimushka, elder, father, saint of God, Father Seraphim, wonderworker.

Address yourself in prayer the way you like best, the main thing is that it comes from the heart and is pure with good thoughts.

So, Seraphim of Sarov is the patron of what? Probably, everyone will answer this question for themselves, because it is known that the elder’s faith and reverence for God worked true miracles.

After the saint died, Orthodox people they turned to him with faith, and a miracle happened. Back in 1895, a special commission recorded 94 miraculous healings that occurred after prayer to Father Seraphim. This is only a small part of the real cases of help from a saint who is always ready to support a believer.

Prayer to Seraphim of Sarov

Seraphim of Sarov was born under the name Prokhor, into a merchant family in Kursk. When he was just a boy, his father began the construction of the Kursk Cathedral, but died before finishing the work. Prokhor’s mother, a very religious woman, took over the continuation of the construction, and then the first miracle happened to the boy. Having fallen from the bell tower while visiting a construction site with his mother, he found himself on the ground, safe and sound.

After this incident, the boy devoted most of his time to Holy reading, and by the age of 17 he decided to serve God. The mother approved of her son’s choice and blessed him on his way to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. From there, Prokhor was sent to the Sarov Hermitage, where he spent many years, and subsequently received the name Seraphim of Sarov.

Then there were years of hermit prayers in a desert cell, and then, 25 years later, saints appeared to him, ordering him to come out of seclusion and receive people - the sick and infirm.

This is how miracles began to happen through the prayers of Seraphim of Sarov - healing from fatal illnesses.

Miracles of Seraphim of Sarov

Whoever did not come to Seraphim, he healed everyone with the help of the miraculous water of his source. One day a woman came to him, so exhausted from illness that she could not even eat the food allowed by fasting. Seraphim ordered her to wash herself in the waters of his source, and the illness passed.

There is also famous story about the healing of a woman with dropsy. She walked to his monastery for two days; during a stop at the monastery, she was already told to die. But having arrived at Seraphim, he received her first, dried himself with a towel, which she had brought with her as a gift, and ordered her to come tomorrow. The next day he gave her a vessel to draw water from the spring and wash herself. Arriving at the hotel, the woman, contrary to the doctors’ contraindications, washed herself with this water and was completely healed.

Of course, Saint Seraphim of Sarov healed not only with water, but also with prayer. Holy people do not heal themselves, but they pray with their sinless souls for the sick and God listens to their requests.

Subsequently, the miraculous prayer of Seraphim of Sarov arose, which saves hundreds and thousands of people after his death. After all, the saint still prays for us before God.

After his death, the miraculous spring still continues to heal. Once the mother sent her son there, who had suffered from drug addiction for many years. His mother asked him to go there with his wife and get married in the Diveyevo Monastery. They did so, but the disease did not subside.

Three years later, the man, still hopelessly addicted to drugs, alcohol and tobacco, went to the monastery of his own free will. He plunged three times into the sacred spring, and instantly felt how all the blackness had left his soul. At that moment he recovered and became an exemplary family man.

Prayer for marriage

Seraphim of Sarov is also addressed in prayers for marriage. He is considered the patron of late marriages, so if you are over 30, 40 or more, Seraphim of Sarov will help you find a worthy husband.

In order for the prayer to Seraphim of Sarov to work, it should be read on the water. Take 1 liter of water (preferably live, spring water), light a candle on the table, place the icon of St. Seraphim in front of you and read the text of the prayer. Water should be consumed internally, and the room and bed should be sprinkled with it.

In addition, the mother’s prayer for her daughter’s marriage to Seraphim of Sarov is most powerful. For God, there is nothing louder and more sincere than words imbued with ardent love for your child.

Prayer "All-Merciful"

In 1928, a miracle happened to one old man. In a dream, Seraphim of Sarov appeared to him and dictated the All-Merciful prayer - a prayer to the Mother of God. The elder was threatened with arrest (in those years the church was actively oppressed), and the Saint told him to write down a prayer and go through life with it on his lips. She will help both him and the church survive.

The next day there was an arrest and many years of camps, all 18 years of which the elder incessantly prayed to the Mother of God.

Prayer for marriage

Prayer for daughter's marriage

Prayer "All-Merciful"

The meaning of the icons

Which icon is for what:
“THE HOLY TRINITY” - written by Andrei Rublev. The symbol of the “Trinity” is God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Or - wisdom, reason, love. One of the three main icons that should be in every home. In front of the icon they pray for forgiveness of sins. It is considered confessional.
“Iverskaya MOTHER OF GOD” is the keeper of the hearth. She is considered the patroness of all women, their helper and intercessor before the Lord. An icon used to remove the “crown of celibacy” from both men and women. In front of the icon they also pray for the healing of physical and mental illnesses, for consolation in troubles.
“MOTHER OF GOD OF KAZAN” is the main icon of Russia, the intercessor of the entire Russian people, especially in difficult times. troubled times. All the main events in life take place with her, starting with baptism. The icon gives a blessing for marriage, and it is also an assistant in work. An icon that stops fire and helps those with vision problems. Before the icon they pray for help in various everyday needs.
“THE MOTHER OF GOD OF VLADIMIR” - written by the Evangelist Luke. The icon is considered one of the most revered images Holy Mother of God in Rus'. Tsars were crowned and high priests were elected in front of this icon. Before her they pray for the humility of those at war, for softening evil hearts, about the healing of physical and mental weakness, as well as about the healing of the possessed.
“TIKHVIN MOTHER OF GOD” - written by the Evangelist Luke. The icon is considered a child’s icon; it is also called a “guidebook”. She helps children in illness, calms the restless and disobedient, helps them choose friends, and protects them from the bad influence of the street. It is believed that it strengthens the bond between parents and children, that is, children do not abandon their parents in old age. Helps women during childbirth and pregnancy. Those who have problems also turn to her.
“SEVEN ARCH” is the strongest icon in protecting the house and any premises, as well as the person on whom it is located, from evil, envious
people, from the evil eye, damage and curses. Reconciles warring parties, brings peace and harmony, she is also hired for important matters. At home it should be opposite front door to see the eyes of the person entering. Before installing the icon, you need to read a prayer, and then observe who stops coming to your house.
“QUICK TO HEAR” - the image was painted in the 10th century. They pray in front of the icon when quick and urgent help is needed, for the healing of mental and physical ailments, including paralysis, blindness, cancer, and also ask for the birth of healthy children and the release of prisoners.
“HEALER” - the icon is one of the most ancient and revered. In front of the icon they pray for healing of the soul and body; it protects from various misfortunes, troubles, sorrow, eternal condemnation, and takes care of liberation from imprisonment. Childbirth assistant.
“INEXHAIBLE CHALICE” - The Mother of God prays for all sinners and calls for an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy and consolation, proclaiming that the inexhaustible cup of heavenly help and mercy is prepared for those who ask with faith. It brings prosperity to the home, and also helps to heal from bad habits, drunkenness, drug addiction, and gambling.
“UNBREAKABLE WALL” - located in the main altar of the Kiev St. Sophia Cathedral. For more than ten centuries, this miraculous icon remained intact. That's probably why it's named like that. In front of the icon for every need: healing for the sick, consolation for the grieving, admonition for the lost, protect babies, raise and teach the young, encourage and instruct husbands and wives, support and warm the old, deliver from all misfortunes.
“THREE-HANDED” - the miraculous image of the Mother of God was painted in the eighth century in honor of St. John of Damascus, a church hymn writer who was innocently slandered. In front of the icon they pray for healing from hand pain or injury, from fire, as well as from illness, grief and sadness.
“UNEXPECTED JOY” is an icon about forgiveness of sins and grateful healing. Before the icon they pray for the conversion of the lost, for the health and well-being of children, for the healing of deafness and ear diseases, for the preservation of marriage in love and harmony.
“BLESSED MATRONA” is a very powerful saint of our time. People turn to her for any difficult issue. She is our “first helper” and intercessor, intercessor for us before the Lord. The relics are located in the Intercession Monastery on Taganka, where every day countless people come and turn to her for help.
“NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER” is the favorite saint of the Russian people. He protects from poverty and need: when his icon is in the house, he makes sure that there is prosperity in the house, and protects from the need for anything. In addition, he is the patron saint of all travelers, drivers, sailors, pilots and just people who are on the road and worship St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant are located in Italy.
“THE HOLY GREAT MARTYR PANTELEMON” is a great healer, patron of doctors. During his lifetime he brought healing to many people from serious illnesses. And now people receive a charge for miraculous healing from the icon with the face of St. Panteleimon.
“GEORGE THE VICTORIOUS” is the patron saint of Moscow, as well as an assistant to those people whose work involves weapons, risking their lives - military, police, firefighters, rescuers. In addition, these include athletes and people starting a new business.
"SERGY OF RADONEZH" - founder of the Sergius - Trinity Lavra in the 14th century. He is the patron saint of all students. They take the icon with them when taking exams and tests. It is very good for the icon to always be in the pocket of your purse or briefcase every day when the child goes to school.
“SERAPHIM OF SAROV” is one of the beloved and revered saints of Russia. He devoted his entire life to serving our Lord and founded the Diveyevo convent in the Nizhny Novgorod province. Prayer to Holy Father Seraphim of Sarov helps very well with diseases musculoskeletal system, spine, joints.
“GUARDIAN ANGEL” - they pray to him: for help with headaches; about his patronage, from
insomnia, in grief, about happiness in marriage, about driving away evil spirits, about getting rid of harm from wizards and sorcerers. About the intercession of widows and orphans in despair, about deliverance from sudden or sudden death, about the exorcism of demons. Those going to bed pray to him for deliverance from prodigal dreams.

Day of Seraphim of Sarov January 15: how does the saint help*

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The Holy Reverend Seraphim of Sarov was born in Kursk to an ordinary merchant family under the name Prokhor. As a child, his parents were engaged in the construction of a city temple and it was during this period that the first miracle happened to him, the boy fell from the bell tower and did not receive a single scratch, and from then on Prokhor began to be interested in Holy reading, and as a 17-year-old teenager he decided to serve the Lord.

And then the parents assigned their son to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, after which he ended up in the Saratov desert, where he later received his name. In this article you can find out what Seraphim of Sarov helps with, what the significance of the image is, where the shrines are located and much more.

How does the icon of Seraphim of Sarov help and its meaning?

It should be noted that the icon of Tenderness of Seraphim of Sarov is revered not only by Orthodox people, but also by Catholics, because the entire life of the saint is truly an example of the believer’s desire to achieve spiritual perfection. Every day the saint overcame various difficulties, hardships and temptations, tempering his spirit more and more each time.

All existing lists of Prokhor are truly unique, since this is the rare case in icon painting history when the miraculous face is identical to his lifetime appearance, from which the image acquires significant expressiveness.

This firmness of faith in the Almighty, boundless kindness is completely revealed to the believer through the written image of the saint. Orthodox people come from all over Russia and even from abroad to venerate the relics and shrines.

And on the eve of the holiday in honor of the Saint in the Old New Year, some of the pilgrims specially come to the cathedral so that, together with the residents of the monastery, they walk along the groove of the Virgin Mary that night in a procession of the cross with the reading of the Theotokos rule, where the prayer service “Rejoice to the Virgin Mary” is repeated over a hundred times.

The pilgrims themselves are convinced that this kind of service, illuminated by the presence of the Saint, gives an extraordinary feeling of celebration.

Useful articles:

What they ask Seraphim of Sarov:

• They pray for an end to mental suffering and for the attainment of peace;
• Also in the prayer service, the image is invoked to restore harmony between the external and internal worlds, thus finding spiritual stability in oneself.
• The holy preacher will help guide the believer to the true path if he gets lost and takes the wrong road;
• Orthodox people also turn to the face
• Prayerful petition can help deal with despair and pride;
• They also ask the miraculous image for a cure for serious illnesses. There is evidence that the Saint, even during his lifetime, could heal even from fatal diseases, and for this he used prayer and water drawn from a source. If you call upon St. Prokhor in a prayer service, he will especially help with diseases of the legs, internal organs and some other problems. The healing itself takes place not only on the physical plane, but also on the spiritual plane;
• For young girls who sincerely read the prayer, the image will help create strong relationships, get married, change their personal lives for the better, and for those who are already connected by family ties, it will help strengthen love and relationships;
• In addition to all of the above, the divine image also promotes advancement in trade and business, however, only in cases where the funds earned will be spent not only on yourself, but also allocated to charity and to support a loved one.

When is Saint Saint's Day celebrated?

The celebration takes place several times a year:

• January 15 (January 2, old style) - in honor of the day of the repose of St. Prokhor in 1833;
• August 1 (July 19, old style) – the discovery of the incorruptible relics of Seraphim on his birthday. Moreover, the relics themselves were found several times, in 1991 there was a second time, in the USSR and also on the Saint’s birthday.

Which churches have the Miraculous Icons of Seraphim of Sarov

• The incorrupt relics of the elder can be seen in the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery;
• In Moscow:
• In the Patriarchal Monastery of the Deveyevsky Metochion, part of the relics of the saint is also kept;
• The relics of St. Prokhor can be seen in Novospassky, Sretensky, Donskoy and many other monasteries;
• But in the Danilov Monastery, not only part of the relics are stored, but also two lists with the divine face;
• The miraculous image, together with particles of the stone on which the Saint prayed during his thousand-day standing, as well as a piece of clothing, are kept in the central Yelokhovsky Epiphany Cathedral;
• In Kuntsevo you can invoke the image in the cathedral named after the Saint in a prayer service;
• There is also a shrine in the church in honor of the image of Our Lady of All Who Sorrow.
• In St. Petersburg:
• At the Seraphim Cemetery in Old Peterhof there is the Cathedral of St. Seraphim;
• In Estonia:
• You can bow before the divine image in Narva in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ

Miracles of Seraphim of Sarov

Lyudmila’s son returned from the army, but still could not find a good job. The guy himself is strong and healthy, but they only took him as a salesman or courier, which for young man It didn’t promise any prospects, and it was somehow embarrassing. My son Lyudmil did not have an education, but it can always be obtained in absentia, the main thing is that he has “golden hands.”

The woman began to cry out to the Saint in prayer, since she always turned to this image during various hardships in life, and it was precisely in his time that he helped Lyudmila when she could not for a long time to get pregnant, he begged Vanechka. This time, the mother also decided to turn to the face to ask for her son to help him find a normal job. About a week later, Vanya’s godfather called and said that there was a place for him at the service station;

Victoria gave birth to a daughter, Dasha, but, unfortunately, she was not entirely healthy; doctors diagnosed her with a congenital heart defect. The doctors themselves said that if the child does not grow out of everything by the age of six, then it will be necessary to carry out complex operation. The whole family spent every day in prayer in front of the miraculous image.

Victoria’s mother made a special trip to Diveevo and brought her granddaughter the sacred crackers on the relics and healing water from the source. Soon the girl's heart leveled out and began to work well. Now Victoria’s daughter is already 15 years old, she is completely cured, and she was taken off the register, thanks to the help of the miraculous prophet.

Prayers addressed to the Saint

Prayer for trade

“I trust in you, Seraphim of Sarov, and pray for successful trading. Let the matter be argued, and the trade be molded. Amen".

Be baptized and leave the Temple, purchasing an additional 3 candles and an icon of Seraphim of Sarov. Arriving home, you light candles, place an icon next to it and turn with prayer to Saint Seraphim:

“Help me, Seraphim of Sarov, establish successful trading. I am not contacting you for profit, but because of meager sales. Send me a buyer who is generous, accommodating and not harmful. Protect me from ruin and from vain zeal. Thy will be done. Amen".

There is another prayer, also addressed to the saint. It only helps if an evil thought has been brought to bear on your case:

“I turn to you, Saint Seraphim, and ask you to ward off evil defilement. Just as success in trade fails, so meager ruin is sown. Do not refuse me grace-filled help and cleanse me from the envy of others. Do not punish them for the spoiled business, but grant me good luck in trading matters. Thy will be done. Amen".

Prayer for Healing

“Oh, great servant of God, venerable and God-bearing Father Seraphim! Look down from the burning glory upon us humble and weak, burdened with many sins, your help and consolation to those asking. Penetrate us with your compassion and help us to immaculately preserve the commandments of the Lord, to firmly maintain the Orthodox faith, to diligently offer repentance for our sins to God, to gracefully prosper in piety as Christians and to be worthy of your prayerful intercession for us. To her, Holiness of God, hear us praying to you with faith and love and do not despise us who demand your intercession: now and at the hour of our death, help us and protect us with your prayers from the evil slander of the devil, so that those powers may not possess us, but may we be worthy of help with you will inherit the bliss of the abode of paradise. For we now place our hope in you, merciful father: be truly a guide to salvation for us and lead us to the unevening light of eternal life by your God-pleasing intercession at the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, so that we glorify and sing with all the saints the venerable name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever centuries. Amen".

Prayer for marriage

“O wonderful Father Seraphim, great miracle worker of Sarov, quick and obedient helper to all who come running to you! During the days of your earthly life, no one left you weary and inconsolable, but everyone was blessed by the vision of your face and the benevolent voice of your words. Moreover, the gift of healing, the gift of insight, the gift of healing for weak souls has appeared abundantly in you. When God called you from earthly labors to heavenly rest, your love is not simple from us, and it is impossible to count your miracles, multiplying like the stars of heaven: for all over the end of our earth you appeared to the people of God and granted them healing. In the same way, we cry out to you: O most quiet and meek servant of God, daring man of prayer to Him, rejecting none of those who call upon you, offer up your powerful prayer for us to the Lord of Hosts, may He grant us all that is useful in this life and all that is useful for spiritual salvation, may He protect He will teach us from the falls of sins and true repentance, so that we can enter without stumbling into the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, where you now shine in eternal glory, and there sing with all the saints Life-giving Trinity until the end of time. Amen".

God bless you!

In this video you can learn more about the image of St. Seraphim of Sarov:

There are a large number of legendary icons in Christianity. One of the most popular is the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, the importance of which is very difficult to overestimate. The saint was born in the 18th century, but over the years of his life he contributed to the formation Christian faith righteous deeds. During his lifetime, he managed to help a large number of people. And today prayers are addressed to his image.

In the article we will look at some facts from the life of the saint, the meaning, how the icon of Seraphim of Sarov helps and what miracles are being performed today.

Life of the Reverend

Seraphim was born in the mid-18th century in Kursk. The saint's family was wealthy.

When the boy was three years old, his father died. Shortly before Seraphim's death, he began construction of the temple. After his death, all responsibilities fell on the boy's mother. One day she took her son with her to a construction site. A child, while playing, fell from a bell tower. The woman was very frightened, but when she went downstairs she saw her son safe and sound. In this she considered God's provision.

The second time the boy's life was in danger was when he was 10 years old. He became very ill. There was no hope for recovery. But one night little Seraphim dreamed of the Mother of God, who promised to heal him.

At this time, a miraculous icon of the Sign of the Mother of God was moving around Kursk. Agafya, that was the name of the child’s mother, placed her son next to her and asked for his speedy recovery. After this, Seraphim, or, as he was also called after baptism, Prokhor, began to recover.

Later, when the boy grew up, his older brother, who was engaged in trade, began to teach Prokhor his skills. The boy was not interested at all. His soul yearned for God. He visited the temple daily and prayed all the time. To do this, he had to wake up early in the morning in order to be in time for the morning service. Prokhor quickly learned to read and write and began to read the Holy Scriptures. Mom paid attention to her son’s desire to be closer to the Lord and was happy about this, so she did not force him to go help his brother.

Already in adolescence, the young man decided to devote his life to serving God. His mother did not object to her son and gave her blessing.

His first teacher was the recluse Dositheus from the Kiev Pechersk Monastery. It was he who considered a true servant of Christ in the guy and blessed the young guy to live in the Sarov desert.

At the age of nineteen, Prokhor was received by Elder Pachomius as abbot in the desert in Sarov. And so began the service of the venerable Lord. Afterwards they began to call him Seraphim of Sarov. Throughout his life he carried his special attitude towards the Mother of God.

Death of Seraphim

The icon of “Tenderness” of Seraphim of Sarov was in his cell all his life, near which he anointed parishioners with oil from a lamp. And it was near this icon, praying, that the elder gave up his soul to God. Before his death, the Mother of God came to him in a dream and informed him of his imminent death. Knowing that he would soon be gone, the elder prepared a grave for himself and gave his final orders.

The old man awaited his death with joy. This was an opportunity for him to reunite with the Lord.

And Seraphim of Sarov bequeathed his main inheritance - the icon of “Tenderness” - to the sisters of the Diveyevo monastery. And he gave the order to build a separate cell for her, for which he allocated funds.

“Tenderness”, the favorite icon of Seraphim of Sarov, in the photo below.

Finding the relics

Only at the beginning of the last century was the canonization of St. Seraphim of Sarov carried out. On his birthday, the relics were transferred to the Sarov monastery. The procession with the relics and icon, as historians report, was grandiose and lasted all day. They claim that this was the first time such a holiday took place in Russia. During the opening of the coffin with the relics, everyone present fell to their knees, including the emperor, who also participated in the procession.

In the same year, a book was published with the teachings of the monk, which he managed to write before repose.

Iconography

The icon of Seraphim of Sarov is of great value for Orthodox people.

The portrait of the elder was painted during his lifetime. Today it is stored in America.

Below is a photo of the icon; it depicts Seraphim of Sarov younger than the age at which he passed away.

His gaze is confident, happy and intent. The face expresses calm, the shape is thin, the hair is combed back. Generally appearance The saint radiates kindness and grace.

Near the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, one cannot leave the feeling that he is looking straight into the soul.

Iconographic images of the saint

Often on icons Seraphim of Sarov is presented in 4 forms:

• The most common one is an old man with a staff.
• Feat of standing. The period when Seraphim stood on the stone in a prayer position for about 1000 days.
• An image with a rosary in one hand and the other blessing those in need.
• Prayerfully folded hands crosswise on the chest.

History of the icon

Before we talk about how the icon of Seraphim of Sarov helps, let’s consider its history.

The first was written immediately after the death of the elder. He was awarded this thanks to his bright deeds during his life. Seraphim constantly received parishioners, saved them from illnesses, and helped with advice. He was merciful and generous.

The next and one of the largest icons was painted a little later, at the beginning of the last century. In the year when the relics of the monk were transferred. This happened thanks to Nicholas II, who initiated the canonization of St. Seraphim.

On these icons the elder is depicted both from the waist up and to his full height. He holds a cross in one hand and raises the other up, crossing his fingers. With this gesture he directs everyone who looks at the icon towards the sky.

Where is the icon?

As noted above, one of the first icons is in America. In general, today, perhaps, there is not a single Orthodox church, where there would be no image of Seraphim of Sarov.

And, of course, the most ancient icon located in the Sarov Monastery in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

The miraculous face is located in Old Peterhof at the Seraphim Cemetery.

The miraculous image is kept in Estonia in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ.

One of the most famous images the elder with the stone are kept in the Elokhovsky Epiphany Cathedral.

Some of the elder’s relics remained in the Danilov Monastery. Two miraculous lists are also stored here.

Icon of Seraphim of Sarov. Meaning, what it helps with

Often many of us, when we come to church, do not even know where which icon is located and how it helps. We mistakenly approach the first one we like, and ask for ourselves and our relatives. This does not mean that our hopes will not be met and that our requests will go unnoticed. After all, if we come with faith in our souls and truly need help, the Lord will not leave us.

But it’s much better to understand which saint, angel, archangel is responsible for what, and purposefully ask for protection and blessings.

Seraphim of Sarov differs from all other saints in his great love for the Almighty, for which he was gifted with the ability to heal and the ability to predict the future.

He knew almost all the questions and answers that those suffering came to him with. Therefore, to this day, the icon of the elder brings grace and blessing to the house.

Of course, not everyone believed him and often questioned his words, but later they were convinced that they were wrong. The icon especially helps those who truly believe in its healing power.

Healing Methods

His methods are quite simple. He helped only with prayer and holy water. Nothing has changed today. It is better to ask a saint for help, turning to him in prayer.

Despite enough simple methods, Seraphim could heal even seriously ill people, often already incurable. The world knows plenty of such cases even today.

Water from the holy spring is considered healing. It is located in the Diveyevo Monastery. Many people come there to bathe in the sacred spring and be cured of illnesses.

With the help of prayer, he asked the Lord to help everyone who asked for help during life, and after death he prays for all those in need.

The meaning of the icon of the saint “Tenderness”, or as it is called the “Seraphim-Diveevskaya Icon”

It was believed that the icon brought health. The monk called her “The Joy of all Joys.”

The Mother of God often appeared to the elder. Once she cured him of a fatal disease.

Today the original is kept in the church Vladimir icon in Moscow.

In the image, the eyes of the Virgin Mary are humbly lowered, which indicates that she is waiting for the coming of the Son of the Lord. Both hands are crossed on the chest in a cross.

It is believed that this icon patronizes the female half of humanity:

• Girls ask for help in personal matters. So that the husband is good and faithful, the children are healthy.
• The Mother of God also helps with everyday problems.
• Instills in a person confidence and strength to cope with everyday troubles.

The Virgin Mary, by her example, demonstrates how one can overcome despair and still remain humble.

Seraphim's "Tenderness" is considered the purest and most sublime image of the Virgin Mary.

What do they pray for before the face of Seraphim of Sarov?

Since the priest was revered during his life, immediately after his death many prayers and akathists were written. And this despite the fact that Seraphim had not yet been canonized at that time.

Often they pray in front of the icon:

• About saving the family.
• About healing both your own and your loved ones.
• In case of difficult childbirth.
• If a girl wants to get married successfully.
• About getting rid of bad habits.
• In case of difficulties, get rid of temptation.
• About help at work.
• Women come to us when they cannot conceive a child.
• In moments of grief and despair.

When turning to a saint through prayer or on your own, it is very important to have an open heart and pure thoughts. Otherwise, the request will not be fulfilled. It is very important to sincerely believe in what you are asking for.

How to pray correctly?

It is not often that people who come to church understand how to pray correctly and why to do it.

Prayer is a conversation with the Almighty. She shows us our sins. But how to do it correctly?

Correct reading of a prayer is not an easy task that needs to be learned.

1. Reading it requires full concentration. Memorization and automatic reading will not bring any results. It is important to focus on what you are saying. A technical reading of a prayer can cause “prayerful” pride, which is also considered a sin.
2. Sincere repentance and true awareness of your sins.
3. Come to terms with it. One of important factors, which does not allow a sincere reading to imperceptibly move to pharisaism.
4. While reading the prayer, you can light a church candle. And it doesn’t matter where you pray - in church or at home in front of the image.
5. Before reading any prayer, you must read the “Our Father”.
6. When turning to a particular saint, it is important to take into account real events from their lives. And if we talk about Seraphim, he spent his whole life working and believed that this was the only way to get closer to the Almighty.
7. He said that you need to be happy with what you have.
8. Turning to him helps to find peace and mental balance.

Saint's Memorial Day

The saint's day of remembrance is celebrated twice a year.

These days, solemn services are held in churches throughout the country in honor of the memory of the saint. And men who bear the name Seraphim celebrate their name days.

Miracles performed through prayers to Seraphim of Sarov

It is impossible to list all the miracles that were performed during the life of the saint and after his death. But we can recall the most famous and first:

1. The first and most famous miracle was when he fell from a bell tower as a child and remained unharmed. This case has already been written about above.
2. The next miracle happened to the saint in his youth, when he was in a monastery. His body was swollen with dropsy. In a dream, the image of the Virgin Mary appeared to him, who touched his leg with her staff. Since then, Seraphim has been on the mend.
3. Seraphim predicted exact date his death brother 48 years before it happened.
4. He had the gift of foresight. He always knew in advance the contents of the letters that came to him, without even opening them.
5. Even the animals listened to him. One of the ministers who lived with Prokhor, after his death, said that he witnessed how the elder hand-fed a bear that was initially trying to attack him.

In the article we looked at a brief description of the saint’s life, the miracles that happened to him, a description of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, its meaning, and what it helps with. And also how to read prayers correctly so that they have their power. We hope that our article will be useful to you.

The monk is one of the most beloved saints of Russia. He lived recently, at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, and was glorified at the beginning of the 20th century under the care of Emperor Nicholas II, also glorified among the saints of the Tsar-Passion-Bearer. Seraphim of Sarov is a healer, a mourner and a prayer book about the many needs of people: his health and that of his family, success in trade, a happy marriage. The saint greeted everyone who came to him with the words: “Christ is Risen, my joy!” His soul seemed to be in heaven all the time, next to the Lord, to whom he completely devoted his life. At first he renounced the world completely, remaining in silence. More than once he was attacked by robbers or envious people, beating him and trying to steal - but he had nothing to steal, and he responded to anger only with pity and love for the offenders... When he was honored to ascend to the level of holiness, living a righteous life and constantly being in prayer, The Lord called him to bring his light to people: he began to accept everyone who wanted to hear his advice.

LIFE OF THE REVEREND

The monk overcame many difficulties on his life's path. He came from the family of a pious merchant. His father died early, and his mother raised him and his brothers and continued the trade left behind by her husband. As a child, the future saint, who bore the child name Prokhor, was saved by the Lord from death in a truly miraculous way: he and his mother climbed the bell tower of a rural church and accidentally fell straight from the top floor of the bell tower. The mother, who saw her son fall too late, ran downstairs in fear... However, the boy was alive and unharmed! Everyone saw this as a sign of God, and the future saint himself, from childhood, began to dream of monasticism - of dedicating himself to God. Soon, as a young man, Prokhor went to Sarov monastery. After spending several years there in obedience, he was tonsured a monk and received the rank of priest - from now on until his death he remained in the rank of hieromonk. Then he took a three-year vow of silence, living in a cell near the monastery. Having withstood the test of silence, he took a blessing from the abbot of the monastery to become a hermit. This type of asceticism, also called a retreat, is undertaken only by very brave people who want to devote themselves to God and pray for the whole world, remaining in the unknown. By the command of God, after some time, having fulfilled the feat of silence and prayer, the monk returned to the monastery. Now the saint could help people with advice and perform the Sacraments of the Church for them. Living in solitude, constantly in prayer, he became very famous in the vicinity of the monastery thanks to his miracles. Many received spiritual consolation from him. However, for the monk himself, glory meant only trials: evil people envied him. It is not known who exactly committed the crime, but the old man was beaten and mutilated. After the attack, he barely survived; until his death, the monk remained hunchbacked and moved with a staff, but did not murmur against the Lord and did not take revenge on the offenders. By God's providence, the saint continued to give spiritual advice and heal everyone who came to him, not far from the monastery, in a small secluded cell. For his humility and gentleness, and his feats of prayer, the Lord honored him with the gift of miracles. He helped people with advice and performed the Sacraments of the Church for them. Having learned about the meekness and gentleness of the monk, which were so clearly manifested, more people began to come to him. The monk blessed the women who often visited him to receive advice and spiritual consolation to create the Diveevo Convent. He himself did not live in this monastery, but he instructed the sisters in letters or conversations, and took part in the development of plans and construction of the monastery. He himself dug the so-called “ditch” - a small ditch around the monastery, prophetically saying that it would be guarded by the Mother of God herself and the Antichrist would not be able to cross this ditch. In addition, the monk predicted his canonization, saying: “The king who glorifies me, I will also glorify,” that is, I will help him become a saint. He was officially recognized as a saint during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II, truly a great saint, a passion-bearing king. A prayer to Seraphim of Sarov is an appeal to the wonderworker and righteous man as to a living priest living next to us, because the monk really bore the priesthood. Perhaps even today a righteous priest and wonderworker lives next to us, in a rural monastery...

ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD THE TOUCHING SERAPHIM OF DIVEEVSKAYA

The image of the “Unbrided Bride” is an image of the Mother of God on the day when Archangel Gabriel, at the command of God the Father, appeared to Her to announce Good News- that it is She, a pure and chaste girl, who will conceive through the action of the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God, the Messiah, who will save humanity from the power of sin. On the icon, the Blessed Virgin is depicted as the Archangel saw Her, who spoke about Her purpose: with her hands folded in prayer on her chest, her gaze downcast. The miraculous image of “The Unbrided Bride” is painted on canvas attached to an icon cypress board. Around the head of the Most Holy Theotokos, along the halo, is the inscription: “Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.” The icon belonged to the elder. This image was constantly in the cell (room in the monastery) of the saint, that is, the venerable saint of God constantly prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of him. It is known that the Mother of God Herself appeared to him after prayer. With oil from the lamp, which always burned in front of the icon, the monk anointed the sick and mourning people who came to him. He also called the Mother of God “The Joy of All Joys,” invoked Her blessing on all matters, and advised all others to do the same. The saint died in prayer before the icon “The Unbrided Bride” on January 2, 1833. In 1927, the Diveyevo monastery was closed, but the abbess of the monastery, Abbess Alexandra, secretly left with the miraculous icon and several sisters to Murom. For many years persecution of Orthodoxy was guarded by the sisters of the monastery, and then by pious laity. In 1991, when it was falling apart Soviet Union, the image of the “Non-Bride Bride” was handed over to Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus'. Realizing the spiritual and material value of the icon, he left the image in the Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God of the Patriarchal Residence in Moscow (Chisty Lane), and now this image is taken out for veneration by all believers in the Epiphany Cathedral of Yelokhov only once a year, on the day of memory of the icon.

WHERE IS THE MIRACLE-WORKING ICON?

The Holy Trinity, Seraphim-Diveyevo Church houses unfading relics. In the capital. The Patriarchal Church of the Deveyevsky Metochion preserves a fragment of the relics of the Most Holy One. Novospassky, Sretensky, Donskoy and other churches. The Danilovsky Monastery has preserved not only a fragment of the relics, but also several copies of the image of the Immaculate One. The main Elokhovsky Epiphany Cathedral Church preserves the miraculous image together with particles of the stone in which the Blessed One ascended during his thousand-day stand, and also part of the clothing. Kuntsevo Church, named part of the Noble One, you can offer a prayer to the image. The cathedral also has a shrine in honor of the image of the Mother of God. Seraphim's place of eternal rest in Old Peterhof is the Temple of the Wonderworker; Narva Cathedral in honor of Christ can be worshiped before the sacred composition.

WHAT DOES IT HELP WITH?

People turn to the icon of Seraphim of Sarov with prayer in many life difficulties. They ask for a saint

• • about healing diseases,

• • for help in sudden troubles,

• • for health problems in children,

• • if it is impossible to get rid of vices, bad habits,

• • in case of difficulties with housing, housing issues, mortgages.

One day, a mother took her seven-year-old son with her to the construction of a cathedral, which his father had begun. The boy was staring, stumbled and fell from the top construction site to the ground, but remained unharmed. This was the first sign - the boy received God’s protection, which then manifested itself throughout his life.

Prokhor was a good student, willingly attended church services, loved prayer, and read liturgical books. Once, during a serious illness, he saw the Mother of God in a dream, promising him healing. After the boy touched the miraculous icon of the “Sign” of the Most Holy Theotokos, he recovered. This event played a special role in Prokhor’s life - he decided to completely devote his life to God and go to a monastery. The pious mother did not interfere with her son’s decision to completely devote his life to God - to follow the monastic path.

At the age of 17, he and other pilgrims went on pilgrimage to Kiev Pechersk Lavra, and then, on the advice of the perspicacious recluse Dosifei, to the Sarov monastery. Prokhor fulfilled all monastic obediences, rules and regulations with great zeal, never being “idle.” Already in these years, Prokhor, following the example of other monks who retired into the forest to pray, asked for the blessing of Elder Joseph, who was his confessor, in free time also go into the forest for solitary prayer.

In 1780, Prokhor became seriously ill, the illness lasted three years, but not a word of murmur came out of Prokhor’s mouth; he was constantly in prayer. And then the Most Holy Virgin Mary appeared to him with the apostles John and Peter and, pointing to Prochorus, said: “This one is of our kind!” Then I put it right hand on his head, and soon Prokhor recovered. According to legend, the Mother of God appeared to him twelve times during his life. After his eight-year stay in the Sarov desert, Prokhor became a monk with the name Seraphim.

In 1787, Saint Seraphim was ordained to the rank of hierodeacon; the young ascetic was more than once privileged to see the holy angels and the Lord Jesus Christ during divine services. In 1793 he was ordained to the rank of hieromonk, in the same year the Monk Seraphim began the feat of desert living in a forest cell on the banks of the Sarovka River. Here he indulged in solitary prayer, coming to the monastery only on Saturday, before the all-night vigil, and returning to his cell after the liturgy. The Monk Seraphim earned his own food by planting a vegetable garden and a bee garden near his cell. Sometimes he became so immersed in inner prayer of the heart that he remained motionless for a long time. The hermits, who occasionally visited him, finding the saint in such prayer, quietly withdrew with reverence, so as not to disturb his contemplation.

In the spring of 1810, after his 15-year stay in the desert, the Monk Seraphim returned to the monastery. Without interrupting his silence, he added one more feat to this feat - he shut himself up in a monastery cell, not going anywhere and not receiving anyone, he was constantly in prayer and contemplation of God. While in retreat, the Monk Seraphim acquired high spiritual purity and was granted special grace-filled gifts from God - clairvoyance and miracle-working. The Mother of God with Saints Clement of Rome and Peter of Alexandria appeared to the ascetic and allowed him to finish his retreat.

The Monk Seraphim of Sarov began to receive those who came to him for blessings, advice and spiritual consolation, lovingly calling everyone: “My joy, my treasure.” The elder saw the hearts of people, and, like a spiritual doctor, healed mental and physical illnesses with prayer and words of grace. People felt his love, affection and were drawn to the elder. They say that there were days when crowds of people came to the cell of Seraphim of Sarov. Many various healings St. Seraphim performed over the seriously ill. He had the custom of anointing the sick with oil from a lamp that burned in front of his cell icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” (Rejoice Unbrided Bride), prayed, and the sick received healing.

The elder saw the past and the future, outlined a person’s future life in a few words, gave advice that seemed strange, but later they turned out to be saving for those for whom they were intended. Since 1831, the Monk Seraphim foreshadowed the upcoming famine to many, and, on his advice, a large supply of bread was made in the Sarov monastery, so there was no famine in the monastery.

Diveevo monastery

St. Seraphim was a true father for the sisters of the Diveevo women's community he founded; the sisters turned to him in all their spiritual and everyday difficulties. At the direction of the Mother of God, he separated the maidens from the widows and founded a separate Mill community for the maidens. To support the community, a mill was built, where the girls lived. The Mill community was surrounded by a ditch dug by the sisters at the behest of St. Seraphim. Fulfilling the instructions of the Mother of God, Seraphim of Sarov ordered the sisters to dig a ditch along the path along which the Mother of God passed. The Monk Seraphim said that this ditch is high to heaven and will always be a wall and protection from the Antichrist.

This work was to be undertaken only by the sisters of the community. St. Seraphim said: “This groove is the piles of the Mother of God. Here the Queen of Heaven herself walked around her.” “Whoever passes the Canal with prayer and reads one and a half hundred Mother of Gods, everything is here: Mount Athos, Jerusalem, and Kyiv!” A legend has been preserved that the monk gave his blessing to take earth from the ditch for healing. According to legend, the Monk Seraphim himself laid the foundation for the Canal of the Mother of God, seeing the negligence of the sisters, who, due to the exorbitant burden of such work, kept putting off digging it.

And in last period During his earthly life, the holy elder took special care of his beloved child. On January 2, 1833, the Monk Seraphim gave up his soul to the Lord during a kneeling prayer before his icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”.

After the death of St. Seraphim, the communities united into the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery, which 20 years later was transformed into a convent. The Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery is called the fourth inheritance or lot of the Most Holy Theotokos. Her first destiny is called Iberia - this country fell to the Mother of God when the apostles cast lots for who would go to which country to preach the Gospel. Holy Mount Athos is the second lot of the Most Holy Theotokos, the third destiny is the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery.

Like many monasteries, the Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery in the years Soviet power was closed, and only in 1991 it began to come back to life and regain its former significance. Thousands of people flock here to walk with prayer along the famous Theotokos Canal and venerate the main shrines of the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery - the venerable relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov and the miraculous copy from the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness,” which belonged to the monk.

The Monk Seraphim of Sarov throughout his life refuted the words that it was no longer possible to achieve the states that the ancient ascetics had. He always said that at any time, until the end of the world, there can be true ascetics, for “Christ is yesterday and today, the same forever.” All that is required of a Christian is the determination to follow the commandments of Christ and the example of His life.

The spiritual path of St. Seraphim is marked by great modesty, characteristic of Russian saints. Chosen by God from childhood, the Sarov ascetic, without hesitation or doubt, ascends from strength to strength in his quest for spiritual perfection. And with his example and instructions he calls us to do the same.

Instructions of St. Seraphim of Sarov

A huge number of people came to the venerable elder for help. He was all glowing with spiritual joy, saying: “There is nothing worse than sin and nothing more terrible and destructive than the spirit of despondency.” With this quiet, peaceful joy, he abundantly filled the hearts of the people around him, greeting them with the words: “My joy!” And the oppression of the everyday life of many people grieving and seeking God became easier under the influence of grace pouring out from the saint of God.

The Monk Seraphim of Sarov said: “Get peace, and thousands around you will be saved,” he confirmed this truth with his life. This commandment is the most important step on the path of spiritual growth and directs us to the teaching of acquiring the Holy Spirit. Venerable Seraphim of Sarov in his conversation with the future ascetic of the faith - N.A. Motovilov, who was healed of an incurable illness through the prayer of the holy elder, said: “The goal of Christian life is to acquire the Spirit of God, and this is the goal of the life of every Christian who lives spiritually.<…>The purpose of life is worldly ordinary people there is the acquisition, or making of money, and among the nobles, in addition, the receipt of honors, distinctions and other awards for state services. Acquiring the Spirit of God is also capital, but only grace-filled and eternal.”

After the death of St. Seraphim of Sarov in 1833, his memory was carefully preserved among the believing people. Stories and legends about his life, spiritual exploits, instructions and recommendations were passed on from generation to generation. The sisters of the Diveyevo monastery did a lot to preserve the teachings of the reverend elder.

And now with great power his reminder sounds: “The Lord is looking for a heart filled with love for God and neighbor; this is the throne on which He loves to sit and appear in the fullness of His heavenly Glory. ″Son, give Mi your heart“, He says, “and I myself will add everything else to you,” for the Kingdom of God can be contained in the human heart.”

“Fasting, prayer, vigil and all other Christian deeds,” the monk taught, “no matter how good they are in themselves, however, the goal of our Christian life is not in doing them alone, although they serve as means to achieve it. The true goal of our Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God.”

The Monk Seraphim considered prayer to be the most effective way to be imbued with the Holy Spirit: “Every virtue done for Christ’s sake gives the benefits of the Holy Spirit, but... prayer most of all brings the Spirit of God, and it is most convenient for everyone to correct it.” And he reminded that prayer should not be formal: “Those monks who do not connect external prayer with internal prayer are not monks, but black brands!” And he further explained: “In prayers, pay attention to yourself - collect your mind and unite it with your soul. First, for a day, two or more, do this prayer with one mind, separately, listening to each particular word. Then, when the Lord warms your heart with the warmth of His grace and unites it in you into one spirit: then this prayer will flow within you incessantly and will always be with you, delighting and nourishing you...” St. Seraphim believed that, by fulfilling this rule with humility, one can achieve Christian perfection in worldly life.

In a conversation with N.A. The Monk Seraphim explained to the Motovilovs: “The warmth of God’s grace is not in the air, but in ourselves. It is precisely this same warmth for which the Holy Spirit, through the words of prayer, makes us cry out to the Lord: warm me with the warmth of the Holy Spirit! Warmed by it, the hermits and hermits were not afraid of the winter filth, being dressed, as in warm fur coats, in grace-filled clothing, woven from the Holy Spirit. This is how it should actually be, because the grace of God must dwell within us, in our hearts, for the Lord said: The Kingdom of God is within you. By the Kingdom of God, the Lord meant the grace of the Holy Spirit. This Kingdom of God is now within you, and the grace of the Holy Spirit shines from the outside and warms us, and, filling the air around us with a variety of fragrances, delights our feelings with heavenly delight, filling our hearts with unspeakable joy. If only we ourselves loved Him, our heavenly Father, truly, in a filial way. The Lord listens equally to a monk and a layman, a simple Christian, as long as both are Orthodox and both love God from the depths of their souls, and both have faith in Him.”

The wise old man continues his instructions through his icon image. One of the visitors to the exhibition of icons of Kuznetsov’s writing says this about the image of Seraphim of Sarov:

Icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov, icon painter Yuri Kuznetsov

Veneration of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Popular veneration of “Father Seraphim” began long before his canonization. Not only ordinary citizens, but also the royal family believed in intercession, miracles and the holiness of the pure elder Seraphim.

The first document in which there is a proposal for the canonization of St. Seraphim of Sarov, widely known to the Russian people, is dated 1883 - the year of coronation Alexandra III, 50 years after the death of the holy elder. A letter from the head of Moscow girls’ gymnasiums, Vinogradov, to the chief prosecutor has been preserved. Holy Synod Pobedonostsev. In this letter he proposes: “to mark the beginning of the reign, before the sacred coronation of the sovereign emperor, the discovery of the relics of the pious saint, revered by all Russia, whose prayers were effective during his life, especially now they will be successful for the great sovereign, when Seraphim stands before the throne The Most High in the face of Seraphim."

Pobedonostsev disapproved of the proposal; it can be said that the proposal for official canonization caused a political scandal. There were many disputes and doubts about whether the Sarov elder was a saint. Archimandrite (later Metropolitan and Hieromartyr Seraphim) L.M. Chichagov wrote the wonderful “Chronicle of the Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery”, where great place devoted to the life and posthumous miracles of Father Seraphim. A special commission conducted an investigation into the miraculous signs and healings revealed through the prayers of Father Seraphim to those who faithfully asked for his help. This investigation, begun by the commission on February 3, 1892, was completed in August 1894 and was carried out in 28 dioceses of European Russia and Siberia. According to Count S.Yu. Witte, Nicholas II personally demanded canonization from Pobedonostsev, 20 years after the first conversation and 70 years after the death of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

“The Most Holy Synod, in full conviction of the truth and authenticity of the miracles performed through the prayers of Elder Seraphim, having given praise to the wondrous Lord God in His saints, the ever-blessing of the Russian Power, strong in forefathers’ Orthodoxy, and now, during the days of the blessed reign of the Most Pious Sovereign Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich, as of old, who deigned to show through the glorification of this ascetic’s piety a new and great sign of His benefits to the Russian Orthodox people, presented His all-submissive report to His Imperial Majesty, in which he outlined his following decision:

1) the reverent elder Seraphim, who rests in the Sarov desert, is to be recognized as a saint, glorified by the grace of God, and his most honorable remains are to be recognized as holy relics, and they are to be placed in a tomb specially prepared by the zeal of His Imperial Majesty for worship and honor from those who come to him with prayer,

2) to compose a special service for the Venerable Father Seraphim, and before the time of its preparation, after the day of glorifying his memory, to send him a service common to the venerable ones, and to celebrate his memory both on the day of his repose, January 2, and on the day of the opening of his holy relics, and

3) announce this publicly from the Holy Synod.”

Grand processions of the cross preceded and concluded the “minute” of glorification of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Solemnly and touchingly, shaking the soul, the magnification sounded: “We honor you, Rev. Father Seraphim.” The people with tears of joy in their eyes stood along the entire path, seeing how the sovereign and the great princes carried the relics of the wondrous righteous elder on their shoulders, looking at the Diveyevo sisters who carried the beloved icon of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov - the Mother of God “Tenderness” (Rejoice, Brideless Bride ) . The service ended, but the singing did not stop at night: “Singing could be heard from different places - circles of pilgrims were singing church hymns. Without seeing the singers in the darkness, one might think that the sounds were coming from the sky itself. Midnight passed, and the singing did not stop..."

From that time on, the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov was glorified and revered by the Church among the saints of God, and his holy relics were open to public worship. The relics and icon of Seraphim of Sarov are kept in the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Deveevsky convent. The monastery is located near the village of Diveevo, Nizhny Novgorod region.

For twenty-four years, miracles and healings were performed near the holy relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov; people also continued to go to him for help with physical and mental ailments.

On April 5, 1927, in accordance with the regulation on the liquidation of holy relics “on an all-Russian scale,” the holy relics of Seraphim of Sarov were removed from the Sarov Monastery and taken away in an unknown direction. The trail led to Moscow, to the Donskoy Monastery, and then was lost, but all these years Orthodox people kept hope that the great shrine of the Russian people could not be lost forever.

Just as unforgettable were the days of the saint’s canonization in 1903, just as majestic, despite the passage of almost a century, were the days in 1991, when the great shrine was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church - the relics of St. Seraphim, the wonderworker of Sarov and all Russia. Both of these events left an indelible mark on people's soul. Father Nikolai Bulgakov recalls: “We woke up in the Resurrection Cathedral of Arzamas early in the morning. It was already filled with people. And again the line to the holy relics of St. Seraphim went out into the street and grew and grew... It was felt that this was an event for all the townspeople. And this was clearly felt as a miracle: the fact that everyone - even those who did not go to church at all - came, came not just to look, but to venerate the relics. Something happened... Something mysterious in the very soul of the people.” As with the first discovery, now many have found faith, found consolation in sorrows, resolution of severe perplexities and doubts of the spirit, indication of the good, true path.

By chance, when the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism was transferred from the St. Petersburg Kazan Cathedral to a separate building, remains were discovered that were not recorded in the museum’s documents. What immediately caught my attention was that the relics had a copper cross and mittens on them. On one is embroidered: “Reverend Father Seraphim,” on the other: “Pray to God for us.” A commission was immediately created, the documents for the canonization of the saint in 1903 and a very detailed act drawn up during the opening of the relics in 1927 were raised. When comparing the relics found in the museum with these documents, a complete match was established down to the smallest detail. There was no doubt that the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov had been discovered. There are those who disagree with the certainty of the conclusions made, for example, the “Community in Honor of the Resurrection of St. Seraphim” claims that the holy relics of the saint were hidden by one of the clergy even before the autopsy of the relics took place in 1927, and continue to insist on medical, forensic and genetic examinations for their identification.

Be that as it may, the most important thing is that for more than a century the people’s attitude towards their intercessor has not changed. As before, along the entire route of the holy relics from St. Petersburg to Moscow, and then to the Nizhny Novgorod region, where the Diveevsky Monastery is located, all the stations, adjacent streets, and churches were filled with people with tears of joy in their eyes. In the hands of many were icons of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, hundreds of lighted candles, huge queues to the holy relics, constant thanksgiving prayers, solemn religious processions - all this suggests that the veneration of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov among the Russian people is still great, despite almost a hundred years of atheistic history of the country. Apparently, Archpriest Alexander Shargunov is right in his words when he says that “the people, despite any confusion, never lose faith in Christ God.”

This procession through the cities and villages of Russia, from the Neva banks through Moscow to the Nizhny Novgorod land, was an event of enormous unifying significance. Throughout the entire journey, the reliquary with holy relics was accompanied by Patriarch Alexy II. He said: “We are going through difficult times. A time of confrontation, contradictions, intolerance. And at this time the second discovery of the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov takes place. And again his instructions come to life with great force: “Acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands will be saved around you.” St. Seraphim, who taught for so long and meekly about the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, today once again reminds us all of the Christian peaceful spirit.”

Meaning of the icon

The existing lists of icons of St. Seraphim of Sarov are unique, since this is one of those rare cases in the history of icon painting when the image of a saint reflects his lifetime appearance. This makes him even more expressive. All the infinite kindness, all the Divine uncompromisingness of his faith in the Lord is revealed to us in his iconographic images. Pilgrims from all over Russia and from abroad come to venerate the icon and relics of the saint. And before the feast of the repose of the reverend elder on January 15, on the eve of it, on the Old New Year, some pilgrims come to the temple in order that night to walk along with the nuns of the monastery in a procession along the groove of the Queen of Heaven with the reading of the Mother of God rule, in which the prayer is repeated 150 times “ Rejoice, Virgin Mary! Pilgrims believe that this service, overshadowed by the presence of the reverend himself, leaves an amazing festive feeling and say: “Another year has passed, thank God! And tomorrow Father Seraphim will bless the New Year too!”

What miracles happened

Russia, XIX century.

2007 A resident of Volgograd, Marina, tells. One day, her son and husband left for training and were supposed to return soon, but they were late, and the woman had a clear feeling that something had happened, as if something dark and heavy was hanging over her family. She immediately stood in front of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov and began to pray to Father Seraphim. Time passed and the doorbell rang. It was a husband and son. It turned out that somehow the police mistakenly identified Marina’s wife as a wanted criminal. He was interrogated at the police station for three hours, the boy waited. And suddenly news came that this was definitely not the one they were looking for, and the man was released. Marina is absolutely sure that help came from Saint Seraphim. And it’s hard not to believe her - such things are always felt, something subtle sounds in the air, but it leaves a completely clear feeling that this is from God, according to His will.

The author of these lines attended obedience at the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery in 2005. We worked in the bishop's garden, which was about a hectare in size. It was autumn, the main harvest of cucumbers had already been harvested, and the vines with the remnants of those cucumbers that had been previously missed by the pickers were picked off and sent to compost. The whips are long and heavy, the pitchforks themselves weigh about two kilograms. Staggering, I carried these whips until Sister Photinia, a young, energetic nun, seeing my torment with the pitchfork, sent me to rest.

Another woman worked with us in the garden; she came to obedience with her daughter, a girl of five or six years old. Do you remember about Father Seraphim’s rye crackers, which the Diveyevo nuns still dry in the same cast iron in which the reverend himself dried them for food? The girl gave these crackers, which the nun sisters gave her, to us too - she played like that.

When I went to sit on the bench, everyone was busy, and only me could play. She poured me some water and gave me some crackers. I drank and took the crackers with prayer. After chewing the last one, I got up and went to the garden, it felt somehow awkward: everyone was working, and I was sitting. And then the incredible happened: I took the pitchfork and did not feel its previous heaviness. Believe it or not: not inferior to the very young workers, she simply flew around the entire plot, collected the lashes at the corner farthest from the compost pit and easily carried them across the entire garden, almost not feeling the weight. Some – physical – part of me knew that this weight was decent, but it was a completely different, joyful force that helped me, as if holding me suspended. I will never forget this feeling. I know that then, as everywhere else in Diveyevo, he was present with everything, without fail, he, the Monk Seraphim, helping everyone who resorted to him in prayer, to his quick and faithful help, and I am grateful to God for the great happiness - to truly feel the real presence and action in her life, a wonderful saint, whom Our Lady Herself called with the affectionate word “darling”...