By Bishop Grigorios of Mesaoria
The Church celebrates today the memory of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, who was born in Kursk, Russia, in 1759. The future saint was baptized with the name of Prochor. From a young age, he decided to join the Sarov Monastery as a novice. He lived in log cabin in the woods outside Sarov monastery, constantly praying and fasting. For fifteen years he led a solitary lifestyle as a hermit.
Ending her departing life, he returned to the Sarov Monastery and retreated to a cell for another fifteen years. Being mature in spiritual life, he was devoted to serving his neighbor.
With the grace of the Holy Spirit, he performed many miracles while he was alive, and lived the joy of the Resurrection every day. For this reason, he was always greeting his guests, exclaiming “Christ is risen!”, and calling everyone “My joy.”
He fell asleep in the Lord while praying on January 2, 1833. His reputation for healing powers and gift of prophecy spread throughout the Orthodox world.
Source: Church of Cyprus