On Acquisition Of The Holy Spirit by St Seraphim of Sarov

Paperback: The venerated teachings of the ascetic monk Saint Seraphim of Sarov are here presented in their entirety.

Renowned and respected as one of the wisest monks of Russia, Saint Seraphim promoted the monastic discipline within the wider context of the Christian faith. Lay persons hearing his sermons and lessons would be encouraged to contemplate their place on Earth as one of God's creatures, while practising a modest existence mindful of others.

This text encapsulates the beliefs and core teachings of St Seraphim, including an introduction to his life and achievements and the tenets of his philosophy in faith. Famously ascetic and harsh on himself, Seraphim would often greet others with kindness and gentleness, going so far as to prostrate at their feet.

Seraphim for much of his life lived in the rugged, harsh terrain of the Russian countryside and woods; one heinous incident of his life saw thieves beat and seriously wound him, yet during their trial the monk - permanently hunchbacked from the attack - plead to the judge to have mercy on the perpetrators.

Pope John Paul II formally confirmed Seraphim a saint, and today imagery and relics depicting St Seraphim of Sarov are displayed throughout many churches in Russia and elsewhere. His existence, replete with a strong and unrelenting commitment to the Christian way of life has inspired many believers to follow his footsteps around the world.

In November 1831, a pious Orthodox Christian named Nicholas Motovilov met with St Seraphim and recorded his conversation. The notes by Motovilov were transcribed and published by SergiusNilus. The book recorded everything word for word of the Saint without any interpretations of the publisher or other persons.

About the Saint: Saint Seraphim of Sarov was born in the city of Kursk in 1759. His parents were pious Orthodox Christians, examples of true spirituality. At the age of ten, Seraphim was miraculously healed from a serious illness by means of the Kursk icon of the Theotokos. As a boy, he immersed himself in church services and church literature. He began monastic life at the hermitage of Sarov at the age of nineteen. He was tonsured as a monk when he was twenty-seven, and soon afterwards was ordained a deacon. The intensity and purity of Seraphim's participation in the Divine services are evident as he was allowed to see angels and during the liturgy on Holy Thursday, he saw the Lord Himself.

At thirty-four, Seraphim was ordained as a priest, and was assigned as the spiritual guide of the Diveyevo convent. At this time, he also received a blessing to begin life as a hermit in the forest surrounding Sarov. He lived in a small cabin, devoting himself entirely to prayer, fasting, and the reading of the Scriptures and the Holy Fathers. Seraphim would go to the monastery on Sundays to receive Holy Communion; and then return to the forest.

In 1804, Seraphim was attacked by robbers and almost beaten to death. Permanent injuries sustained from this attack caused him to always be bent over and the need of a staff to walk. After this event, the Saint began more fervent prayers, incessant for a thousand days and a thousand nights; spending the better part of his time kneeling on a stone near his cell crying out, "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner." Then he spent three years in absolute silent seclusion.

Obeying the request of the elders of the monastery, Seraphim returned to the monastery in 1810 but continued to live in prayer, and silent seclusion for another ten years. In obedience to a heavenly vision, Seraphim ended his silence and began to speak for the benefit of others. The Saint greeted all who came to him with a prostration, a kiss and the words of the Pascha greeting: "Christ is Risen!" He called everyone, "my joy." In 1825, he returned to his forest cell, where he received thousands of pilgrims from across Russia. Granted the gift of clairvoyance, the wonder-working Saint Seraphim of Sarov gave consolation and guidance to all.

Saint Seraphim died on 2 January 1833, while kneeling before an icon of the Theotokos.