Reverend Seraphim of Sarov - patron of what? Venerable Seraphim of Sarov.

Icon of Seraphim of Sarov - meaning, what helps?

Seraphim of Sarov, thanks to his good deeds, was rewarded by God with the gift of insight and healing. He could see people's hearts and their true thoughts. Seraphim knew how to look into the past and the future. The meaning of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov for Orthodox people huge, because she constantly performs miracles, helping believers in various matters. People can turn to the saint by different reasons, and you can ask not only for yourself, but also for loved ones, and even enemies.

The meaning of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov and how does it help?

The possibilities of the image of this saint are directly related to his abilities during his lifetime. The icon has several areas of application, and everyone can turn to the Higher Forces with its help.

What does the icon of Seraphim of Sarov help with:

To get help Higher powers, it is necessary to turn to the saint with a pure heart and an open soul. Any selfish motives will become a wall that will not allow prayer to reach its goal. It is recommended to go to church, put a candle in front of the image and read a prayer. In the temple, it is also worth buying an icon and three candles, and already praying in front of the image of the house.

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Icon of Seraphim of Sarov: how to pray, meaning, help

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Seraphim of Sarov became famous for his exploits of monasticism, hermitage, vow of silence, seclusion, pilgrimage, obedience. For this, the Lord endowed him with the ability to heal and the gift of predictions. Prayers to the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov helped the tsarina give birth to the heir to Emperor Nicholas II. During his lifetime, the saint wrote a letter to the “last king” and warned of the overthrow.

Seraphim of Sarov

Seraphim was born in Kursk. At baptism in 1779 he was given the name Prokhor. The boy liked to read the scriptures in solitude. After meeting Elder Dositheus in his youth, he made the decision, with the blessing of his mother, at the age of seventeen to be tonsured a monk. He was given the Name Seraphim in the Sarov monastery, where Elder Joseph was his teacher. Seraphim spent almost half of his life praying in the thicket of the forest. He grew vegetables in the garden and was engaged in beekeeping, which he ate.

Father Seraphim spent his days in labor and tireless prayers. He did not feel envy and lived very modestly, rejoiced in the little things and did not lose heart. Glory found Seraphim after years reclusive life. Lay people and monks turned to him for advice and help. Everything that the elder sometimes advised people seemed strange and incomprehensible. But then they were convinced that he was right. Everyone who applied received support in prayers and treatment with spring water, which healed and gave peace of mind.

He cured the landowner Manturov from a leg disease. As a token of gratitude, Manturov gave up his property, sold it, became a beggar, and devoted his later life to serving God. In the Sarov and Diveevo cloisters, cases of healing by Father Seraphim were confirmed in writing.

He addressed people gently and reverently with lacquer words. Therefore, in prayers he is called “Seraphimushka”, “Father”, “Father Seraphim”. His face is depicted on icons and frescoes. Usually this is a gray-haired old man in simple clothes.

Orthodoxy celebrates the memory of Father Seraphim twice a year: on January 15 and August 1. But this does not mean that they only apply these days.

The meaning of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov and how it helps

The image of a saint is support in despondency and temptations. They pray to him to grant love and develop memory, they ask him to get rid of devilish obsessions.

What do they pray to the icon of Seraphim of Sarov:

• about the cure of the disease;
• about a successful marriage;
• about protection from ill-wishers and robbers;
• for help with financial matters.

The icon has several areas of application and everyone who applies receives support. The image of a saint is especially helpful when dealing with illnesses. Seraphim himself was ill a lot. At the age of ten, a serious illness threatened death, but the icon of the Mother of God helped. Later he suffered serious illness dropsy. But prayers to the Mother of God helped him cope with the disease.

During his lifetime, Father Seraphim advised never to lose heart and to believe in one's strength, to be demanding of oneself, not to judge people. The saint convinced all those who converted of the unshakable faith. Many schismatics were influenced and joined the church. He confirmed the words with predictions, cures and miracles. The warriors who received the blessing of the Seraphim remained safe and sound in battle.

The miraculous icon of Seraphim of Sarov "Tenderness" helps to find harmony, find peace of mind, overcome temptations and doubts, and gives healing. The icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness" was revered by the Saint, he died in front of her during prayer.

Lonely girls and women turn to the image of the Saint. He is the patron saint of successful marriages. A prayer read on spring water will be effective. A lit candle and an image of the Saint are placed near the water, they drink water and sprinkle the bed and room.

How and in what way the icon of Seraphim of Sarov helps for business related to trade. It is important that petitions are directed not to the personal strengthening of the financial condition, but to help other people and for various good deeds. Selfish requests will become a wall and will not allow you to get what you want.

To receive support, they approach with sincere faith and an open soul. It is recommended to visit the temple, put a candle in front of the image and read a prayer service. In the temple, you can also buy an icon, three candles, and read a prayer at home.

O marvelous servant of God, the most radiant glory of Orthodoxy, the adornment of the Russian Land, the great lamp of the whole world, Spirit-bearing Father Seraphim! With warm faith, we tenderly glorify you, as if more than measure, you have been graced by the Holy Spirit. For the sake of your purity and many deeds and your unceasing prayers, God enrich you with wondrous gifts: heal those who are sick, cast out demons, console the weak, see the future, as if it were real. More than the glorious appearances of the Most Pure One, you were honored with many, even as your favorite called thee. Alone and the Lord

You have been honored to see the Savior in the temple. And he himself was wonderfully illumined with the grateful uncreated light of the Kingdom of God, and the whole world taught the acquisition of the grace of the Holy Spirit in word and deed. But even now, enjoying the blessed light of the Most Holy Trinity, do not forget to visit people all over the world your name calling.

The same we, even if we are sinners, ask your mercy in sorrow: guide us on the path of repentance, ask for grace and for us, unworthy, delight our hearts with good hopes for God's mercy: you have said many times to the sad: do not let us lose heart; Christ is risen, kill death, abolish the devil. He also commanded to flow to your grave. May we also hear your comforting voice: do not lose heart, my joys! stay awake, be saved! crowns are being prepared as such in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

What helps the icon of Seraphim of Sarov and what is its meaning

The Reverend Elder Seraphim of Sarov gained fame and glory as a holy righteous man during his lifetime. It is surprising that this man did not have a spiritual dignity, however, from an early age he was honored to see the Mother of God with his own eyes.

The icons of St. Seraphim of Sarov are a living reminder of his spiritual feat and the gifts that he received from the Holy Spirit and used for the benefit of people.

AT Orthodox Christianity the icons of Seraphim of Sarov are not so much a decorative function as they enable a believer to concentrate all his thoughts on prayer and communion with God and the saints. After all, human nature is very weak, and he can easily be distracted by foreign objects.

Life of Saint Seraphim

Speaking about the icon-painting image of the Monk Seraphim, it is important to know who this saint was and what were his earthly life and spiritual achievement.

Reverend Seraphim was born more than two centuries ago in a wealthy merchant family living in Kursk. At birth, the boy received the name Prokhor. The family was left without a father when the boy was very small. All the brightest and kindest that was in his soul, he absorbed from his mother. Prokhor, as a child, was honored with the appearance of the Mother of God, and his whole life flowed under her patronage and protection. At the age of 17, the young man received a blessing from the pious old woman and went to the Sarov Hermitage for obedience.

A few years later, the young man took the tonsure under the name Seraphim.

In 1807, monk Seraphim received God's blessing for the feat of silence, and for this purpose retired to hermitage in the forest. He spent three years in the forest, after which he returned to the monastery, but continued to avoid meeting people.

Then Seraphim began to receive both the monastic brethren and worldly pilgrims throughout the day. He hugged and kissed everyone who came to him with the words “Christ is Risen” and smeared them with oil from the lamp.

Throughout his life, Seraphim carried a reverent attitude towards Mother of God. In his cell there was always the icon "Tenderness". It was near this image during the prayer that the monk Seraphim went to the Lord.

Towards the end of his life, the elder's legs hurt badly, but at the same time, heartfelt joy and peace did not leave him for a minute. Before his death, he was again honored to see the Queen of Heaven. She told the elder that soon he would be taken to her in heaven. After that, the venerable elder prepared a grave for himself and gave his last orders. The elder did not feel fear in the face of death, but perceived it as an opportunity to be in a heavenly abode next to the Lord.

Since the elder knew about the day of his death in advance, he managed to say goodbye to all his acquaintances and give them his last instructions. He bequeathed his favorite icon "Tenderness" to the sisters of the Diveevo Monastery. The elder even gave money to the abbess of the monastery so that a “cell for the Lady” would be prepared there.

Miracles created through the prayer of Seraphim

1. For the first time such a miracle happened when young Prokhor fell from a high church bell tower. After that, he got to his feet and there were no injuries on him. And at the age of 10, Prokhor was healed by the Mother of God, who appeared to him in a dream, from a serious incurable illness.
2. Already in the monastery, Prokhor suddenly fell ill with dropsy. His body was swollen. After Communion of the holy gifts, the Mother of God appeared to the young man, touched his leg with her rod and healed him.
3. The Monk Seraphim indicated to his own brother the exact day of his death 48 years before this event.
4. Once a deacon arrived at the Sarov monastery, who on the eve falsely accused another clergyman of unseemly deeds. When this deacon came to the holy elder, he drove him away, seeing the deceit and slander against the innocent. After that, during three years the sinner could not serve in the church - his tongue began to go numb. This continued until he confessed to the slander and repented.
5. Even animals listened to the venerable seraphim. One of the monks, who lived in the monastery at the same time as Seraphim, told how Seraphim sat on a log and fed a huge bear standing in front of him with breadcrumbs. Out of fear, the monk hid behind a tree and watched the wild beast leave St. Seraphim into the forest. When the animal left, Seraphim asked the monk Peter not to reveal to anyone what he had seen before the death of Seraphim.
6. In 1825, the venerable elder, while on the banks of the Sarovka River, saw the Mother of God and the holy Apostles John and Peter. The Blessed Virgin struck the ground with her staff and a fountain of water spouted from there. Then she ordered the construction of the Diveevo monastery in this place. Father Seraphim brought from the monastery necessary tools and for 2 weeks he dug a well with his own hands. Subsequently, the water from this well began to bring people miraculous healings from various ailments.
7. The Monk Elder Seraphim possessed a great gift of clairvoyance. Very often he received letters and knew about their contents without even opening the envelope. Many such unopened letters were later found from him.
8. There are witnesses of how, during prayer, the elder ascended above the ground. However, he demanded that this be kept secret until his death.

Through the prayers of Seraphim, health was repeatedly restored even to terminally ill patients. These miracles are far from the only ones performed by the elder due to his great faith and spiritual purity. Even after the death of the saint, his icon helps people gain health and courage in difficult times, strengthens the spirit and flesh those who speak with sincere prayer.

Uncovering the relics of Seraphim of Sarov

The canonization and acquisition of the relics of the Reverend Elder Seraphim of Sarov took place on August 1, 1903. His relics were solemnly transferred to the shrine on his birthday.

On this day, more than 300 thousand people gathered for the celebration in the city of Sarov. In the Sarov monastery, all-night funeral services were performed. Before the canonization, a religious procession was made to the Sarov monastery from the Diveevsky monastery. Throughout this procession, sacred hymns were sung. Along the way, the procession stopped at chapels where litias were celebrated.

The second religious procession went out to meet the relics. After the meeting, the united procession moved towards Sarov. In the evening of the same day, the Monk Seraphim of Sarov glorified in the face of saints.

After that was open coffin with the relics of the holy elder. At this time, everyone knelt down, including the emperor himself. According to historians, this holiday was one of the most solemn in Russia. The instructions of the reverend elder were voiced. Some of them were written down with his own hand, while others were heard and written down from the saint by other people. The relics of the saint rest in the Sarov desert.

Shortly after the canonization was printed and issued "Talk about Goals" Christian life» . This conversation took place shortly before the Assumption of the Reverend.

The history of the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Some time after the Assumption of the Reverend Father Seraphim was written the first icon dedicated to him. Since the holy elder was distinguished throughout his life by mercy and a righteous way of life, he became a shining example to all generations of Orthodox Christians.

The very first icons began to appear after 1833, when the reverend elder reposed. In 1903, after the canonization of the Reverend Father, on the initiative of Emperor Nicholas, a series of new icons was painted. Among them was also largest in size.

On these images, the reverend elder is depicted to the waist or in full height. The right hand of Saint Seraphim is raised up, and his fingers are crossed. With such a gesture, the saint, as it were, overshadows everyone with the sign of the cross to everyone who looks at the icon. Seraphim holds a cross in his left hand.

What can you pray for in front of the icon of Seraphim

Saint Seraphim acquired the gift of working miracles during his lifetime. The people revered him as a saint and very often asked for advice and support on a wide variety of everyday and spiritual issues. That is why it is very useful to offer prayers before the icon or the relics of the holy elder at the moment when some kind of misfortune overtook you, you experience despair and a breakdown.

Saint Seraphim called our despondency and sorrow the most serious sins.. Therefore, in order to get rid of these misfortunes, you can make a prayer request to the icon. This will help you gain strength and joy in life.

The miraculous possibilities of the holy icon are directly related to the lifetime abilities of St. Seraphim. Anyone can turn to the icon, as it has many different uses.

In what cases should one pray to Seraphim of Sarov?

1. During his earthly life, the venerable elder told those who came to him that it is important to be tolerant of others and at the same time remain demanding of oneself. He called people believe in yourself and never give up. Thus, you can offer a prayer to this saint when you need strength and faith in yourself to solve all your pressing problems.
2. The icon of Seraphim of Sarov “Tenderness” will help all who turn to it to find themselves and their destiny, pacify our spiritual experiences and find peace and strength of spirit. The icon helps to find inner harmony and balance between the outer material world and the inner state of a person. In these cases, the holy elder will become your spiritual mentor and comforter.
3. It is very useful to offer prayers before the icon of Seraphim of Sarov to people who have serious problems with health. Saint Seraphim had the gift of healing the sick even during his lifetime. Turning to the icon will help get rid of not only bodily, but also mental ailments.
4. There are many cases where prayer appeal to the icon of St. Seraphim helped single girls find their betrothed and successfully marry. For family people, this icon will help to establish a warm atmosphere in the house and preserve the love and warmth of relationships in marriage for a long time.
5. Another important area of ​​our earthly life in which we can ask Seraphim for help is business. First of all, we are talking about trade. However, in this case it is very important to remember that you should not ask for material well-being for yourself, but blessings for good deeds that can benefit people.

How to pray to the reverend old man

The Holy Scriptures teach that in order to receive help from our Heavenly Father and the saints, prayers should be offered with a pure heart and soul. If you have any secret or obvious selfish motives, your prayer may not reach the goal.

1. It would be best to come to the temple with a pure soul, light a candle and read a prayer in front of the holy image. In addition, you can buy an icon and a few candles in the temple, and then pray at home as well.
2. When offering prayers, one should remember that it would be more correct to pray, not based on the “specialization” of this or that heavenly patron, but believing in the unshakable power of God, which every icon or prayer is endowed with.
3. However, there are still traditions of praying to saints based on real events their lives. If we are talking about the Reverend Elder Seraphim, all his life he was constantly busy with some kind of useful work for the good of others. In his opinion, in this way one can approach the Heavenly Father.
4. The saint bequeathed to people to rejoice in what you have and be grateful to God. In addition, he taught never to give up and never give up, to do more and talk less. It is on the basis of these instructions that we need to offer our prayers before the icon of Seraphim, ask him for spiritual support in order not to succumb to temptation and receive strength and wisdom in a difficult situation.
5. The Monk Seraphim helps to find peace during mental turmoil. These prayers help to find harmony and peace of mind.

However, it should be noted that Orthodox teaching does not recommend giving saints and icons the opportunity to help in strictly specific requests. After all, the most important thing that is required when offering prayer is sincere faith and openness of the soul.

You can offer prayers to the holy elder Seraphim of Sarov not only for yourself, but also for our relatives and friends. You can even pray for your enemies.

The Monk Hieromonk Seraphim of Sarov, patron and founder, was glorified by the church in 1903 at the initiative of Emperor Nicholas I. The image of the great ascetic of Orthodoxy is one of the most revered in the history of the Russian Church. Saint Seraphim became famous both among the Orthodox parishioners of the church and beyond. Today, Christians in different parts of the world worship his face.

Seraphim of Sarov gained his fame and the glory of the righteous even during life. Surprising is the fact that this man was not endowed with a spiritual dignity, but from an early age he was honored to see the Mother of God with his own eyes. Numerous images of the Monk Seraphim, located in all Christian churches, are a true reminder of his spiritual exploits and those miraculous opportunities that he still uses for the benefit of people.

The first signs to the youth

Born in 1759, in the city of Kursk, a youth who received at baptism the name Prokhor. His father, the famous merchant Moshnin in the city, was known as a man of faith and God-fearing. He invested a lot of money in maintaining Orthodoxy and even began the construction of a temple in honor of St. Sergius. However, without completing the work, he soon died, then his son was not yet three years old. All the worries for the construction of the sanctuary were taken over by the merchant's wife, Agafya.

Once a mother took her young son to a construction site. When examining the high bell tower of the temple, the boy stumbled and fell to the ground. The frightened mother ran downstairs and found Prokhor safe and sound, she saw God's protection in this.

At the age of 10, due to illness, Prokhor's health was in danger. But in a dream, the lad saw the Mother of God, descending from Heaven to his bed and promising healing. On that day, through the streets of ancient Kursk, an icon was carried with a procession - the Sign of the Mother of God. Agafya carried her son in her arms so that he could venerate the miraculous icon, and from that day the patient quickly began to recover.

Prokhor's elder brother, Alexei, continuing his father's merchant business, decided to teach his younger brother to him. However, the boy was not interested in trade, his soul aspired to the Lord. Every morning he went to the temple to listen morning prayer. Prokhor early learned to read and write, and then his favorite pastime was reading. And he read spiritual books, the Holy Scriptures, the gospel, the Lives of the Saints. The mother rejoiced at such charitable aspirations of her son.

Upon reaching the age of 17, the young man already knew for sure that he did not want to lead worldly life. Prokhor decided to devote himself to the monastic life and first went to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. The recluse Dositheus, who was called perspicacious in the Lavra, saw in the young man a true servant of Christ. After two years of the monk's stay in the Lavra, Dositheus advised Prokhor to go to the Sarov Monastery, which was in the Tambov province, and blessed him on the road.

In 1778, the 19-year-old monk ended up in the Sarov monastery, with its rector, Elder Pachomius. Since then, Prochorus diligently began to fulfill all the obediences entrusted to him, daily read his favorite spiritual books, the psalter, the Apostolic Epistles and was in constant prayer. The soul of a true Christian longed for a strict life, he received permission from the brethren and began to go into the forest to pray, surprising the monks with patience.

He practically did not sleep, endured all illnesses on his feet and in prayers, rejected any help, relying only on God in his sufferings. Once, when Prokhor's condition was so critical that his life was again threatened, the Mother of God again appeared to him, and, as in early childhood, she healed him of an illness. After this miracle, on the site of the cell in which this salvation took place, a temple and hospital wards were built.

And in August 1786, Prokhor turned for 28 years, he was tonsured a monk and named Seraphim . A year later, the monk was ordained a hierodeacon. And for six years he was in this ministry, not resting, forgetting to eat, but the Lord gave him strength for everything. At the age of 35, in the rank of hieromonk, Seraphim left the monastery and went to live in a dense forest, at a distance of 6 km from the Sarov Monastery, on the banks of the Sarovka River. He lived in a cell where there was only one room with a stove.

Once the monk was attacked by evil people who demanded money, which, of course, the hermit did not have. The bandits tied and severely beaten Seraphim. But, having found in the cell only a few potatoes and a single icon of the Mother of God - Tenderness, they got scared and ran away. And the saint, having regained consciousness, thanked the Almighty for suffering and began to pray for the forgiveness of the robbers.

When the ascetic of Christ, covered with blood, came to the fraternal monastery, and everyone saw his wounds, they were greatly surprised. The old man had all his ribs broken and his head smashed. Then Seraphim fell down, and again a vision came to him Holy Mother of God who came down to the sick person with the words addressed to the doctors: “What are you doing. For this is from my generation!” And five months later, after severe wounds, the monk again returned to his cell. People, having learned about the father reborn from death, began to come to him for advice and help.

There are such testimonies of pilgrims coming to holy father for help, when the hermit fed from the hands of a huge bear or other wild animals that did not touch, but loved him. Seraphim, on the other hand, saw people through and through and knew how to recognize their needs without words. He avoided some parishioners, and those who were really in grief and trouble accepted and gave his instructions.

The Holy Wonderworker was visited not only simple people but also famous people. He taught everyone to live with fidelity to the Church and Fatherland. More than once they tempted the elder with the spirit of ambition, offered him to be both an archimandrite and an abbot. But he always strove for true asceticism and rejected all proposals. And only in 1810, when the elder lost the strength to come to the monastery, he forever left the forest cell and returned to the monastery, where he continued to lead a reclusive lifestyle.

For five whole years the elder did not go out to the people and the brethren. And even when he opened the door, he still did not talk to anyone, because he took a vow of silence. And in the passage, near the door to the cell, he placed an oak coffin, near which he prayed, preparing for eternal life. Pilgrims have seen more than once how Seraphim, praying to the Lord, suddenly rose above the ground and soared. After ten years of silence, the Monk Seraphim went out to serve the world, but before that, the Mother of God appeared to him, allowing him to stop seclusion.

Once I came to the Sarov monastery deacon, he was from Spassk, and falsely accused another priest. Saint Seraphim immediately recognized the deceit and drove away the covetous man with the words: “Go away, perjurer, and serve no more.” For three years the deacon could not utter a word, his tongue became numb. Until then, he was silent until he admitted his wrong and the false denunciation of another.

What is the miracle of the appearance of the Seraphim spring and the Diveevsky monastery. In 1825, the elder saw the Mother of God by the Sarovka River, who appeared with the apostles John and Peter, struck the ground with her staff and at the same moment a transparent fountain burst out. It was the Mother of God who gave the order to establish the Diveevo monastery in that area. Taking a shovel in his hands, Father Seraphim himself began to dig a well. From this clean water Until now, unprecedented miracles and magical healings are happening.

Two years before the death of the elder, the Christian Church honored great righteous Seraphim with the celebration of the appearance of the Mother of God. This event was like an omen of the departure from the earthly life of the saint and the acquisition of imperishable glory by him. On the day of January 2, 1833, smoke and the smell of burning were seen from the monk's cell. After all, candles were always burning in his little room, while he said: “As long as I am alive, there will be no fire. But when I die, my death will open with fire. Having opened the doors, the governors found the lifeless body of Father Seraphim.

No one counted how many miracles Seraphim has since performed on behalf of the Lord, and how many more will be performed. In the cell, after his death, numerous unopened letters were found, but people received a solution to the questions indicated in them. This means that the elder, possessing the gift of clairvoyance, answered the letters sent without even opening them. After the funeral, in January 1833, the Monk Seraphim was declared a saint.

Almost 70 years after the death of the elder, on August 1, 1903, his relics were seized, transferred to a beautiful sarcophagus (cancer), and the canonization of the holy reverend elder took place. More than 300,000 believers gathered for that feast. A religious procession from Diveevo to the Sarov monastery took place. Throughout the journey, the participants sang holy hymns, and Bishop Innokenty of Tambov overshadowed the faithful with the sign of the cross and the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which the elder bequeathed to the sisters of the Diveevo monastery. Orthodox chroniclers claim that Russia did not know such crowded holidays until that day.

In the Diveevo Monastery and the Sarov Monastery, one can read written confirmation of cases of accomplished healings only through the prayers of the reverend Seraphim. The terminally ill returned to life. So, by the power of prayer over the relics of the miracle worker, the landowner Manturov was cured of serious leg diseases. And as a token of gratitude, the landowner abandoned his property, sold everything, remained a beggar, and devoted his further earthly life to serving the Lord.

The relics of the saint were returned to Diveevo in 1991. And again there was a crowded religious procession, which was headed by Patriarch Alexy I. I. And all this thanks to the love for Seraphim of Sarov.

The name of the miracle worker Seraphim is glorified by Orthodox believers twice a year:

• January 15 - the day of canonization of the elder to the saints;
• August 1 - the date of finding the incorruptible relics.

What are they praying for

It has long been known that the righteous of God, endowed with miraculous abilities, do not heal themselves, they send through prayer requests to God, who, loving them, fulfills all petitions. Seraphim of Sarov constantly prays for all of us, his miraculous prayers fulfill wishes, save in difficult times, help overcome adversity.

Who does Seraphim of Sarov help? Believers who honor the personality of the saint pray before his icon:

• not to succumb to sin;
• do not forget in this life;
• be able to overcome temptations;
• find your way;
• find peace of mind;
• help with pride and despair.

People ask the miraculous icon:

• cures for diseases;
• successful marriage;
• protection from ill-wishers and envious people;
• assistance in financial well-being;
• promotion in business and trade.

On the eve of the holiday in honor of St. Seraphim, arranged in Diveevo on the old New Year, pilgrims specially gather to, together with the nuns, walk along the groove of the Virgin at night in a procession. Believers are walking with the reading of the Theotokos Prayer, in which the words “O Virgin Mother of God, rejoice!” are repeated more than a hundred times!

The pilgrims are convinced that it is at this moment that the converts to the saint words and requests help in curing diseases and fulfilling all your wishes. The face of Seraphim of Sarov heals not only the body from wounds, but also the soul. You can pray to a saint if someone has offended you greatly, when your heart is heavy.

Prayers to the saint

There are several prayers to the saint that help in different life situations.

1. To protect against troubles and envious people, they read a prayer for help: “Oh, great saint of God, reverend and God-bearing Father Seraphim! Look at us, burdened with sins, we ask for your help and comfort. Turn your mercy to us and help us by the commandments of the Lord to preserve the Orthodox faith, accept repentance for our sins, which we diligently bring to God, we graciously succeed in Christian piety and want to be worthy of your prayer representation to God for us. Holy saint of God, hear us praying with faith and love, do not despise us, demanding your intercession now and at the hour of death, help us and protect us with prayers from evil slander and the deeds of the devil. How we do not possess those forces, but with your help we inherit the bliss of the heavenly abode. We only trust in you, merciful father. Be our true guide to salvation and lead us to the eternal light of life. Your God-pleasing representation at the throne Holy Trinity, we praise and sing with all the saints the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen".
2. To save yourself or a loved one from illnesses, you need to read a prayer for healing (you can next to the photo of the patient): “Father Seraphim, the great miracle worker, I resort to you, quick helper! I am glad to see your pious face. Hear the voice of my words. Give me the gift of healing, the gift of insight, the gift of weak souls of healing, show your strength. I call on you, when I leave earthly labors for heavenly rest, cover with your love, how it is impossible to count your miracles, multiplying like the stars of heaven, so grant me healing. I beseech you boldly, O meek servant of God, turn to Him in prayer, offer up a prayer for me, so that the Lord grants this useful life and spiritual salvation, but protect me from falling and teach me true repentance, unstumbling entry into the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, where you are now you shine in glory. And I sing with all the saints of the Ancestral Trinity until the end of time. Amen".
3. They ask for love, family and marriage in such a prayer: “Reverend Father Seraphim, filled with the love of God, Divine unceasing servant, beloved son of the Mother of God, hear me, loving and grieving you. Let me also be a diligent servant of God-pleasing love. That love that endures for a long time, does not envy, is not proud, does not exalt itself, is merciful, does not act outrageously, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Begged the Mother of God to give primordial love, and serve on earth with your intercession and prayers to the Mother of God and all the saints, I will also reach the kingdom of love and light, fall at the feet of the Lord, who gave the commandment about the true and eternal love. Father, do not reject the prayer of the heart that loves you, forgive me my sins, voluntary and involuntary, pray to the loving God. Help us bear the common burdens, do not let others do what we do not want for ourselves, let us walk our path in truth, love and patience. This love serves me as being and only with this love, heart song, let me end my earthly life, start with it eternal life in the country of true love. Pray for us, beloved Father and who loves us! Amen".

In Christianity, there are a large number of legendary icons. One of the most popular is the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, the significance 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 was able to help a large number of people. And today, prayers are addressed to his image.

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

Life of the Reverend

Seraphim was born in the middle of the 18th century in Kursk. The family of the saint was prosperous.

When the boy was three years old, his father died. Shortly before the death of Seraphim, he began the 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. The child, playing, fell from the bell tower. The woman was very frightened, but, going downstairs, she saw her son safe and sound. In this she considered God's care.

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

At that time, a procession was going along Kursk with the miraculous icon of the Sign of the Mother of God. Agafya, that was the name of the mother of the child, attached her son to her and asked for his speedy recovery. After that, Seraphim, or, as he was also called after baptism, Prokhor, went on the mend.

Later, when the boy grew up, the older brother, who was engaged in trade, began to teach Prokhor his skills. The boy didn't care at all. His soul longed for God. He visited the temple every day 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 drew attention to her son's desire to be closer to the Lord and rejoiced at 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 Kievo-Pechersky monastery. It was he who considered the true servant of Christ in the guy and blessed the young guy for life in the Sarov desert.

At the age of nineteen, in Sarov, Prokhor was received as rector in the desert by the elder Pachomius. Thus began the service of the reverend Lord. After that, they began to call him Seraphim of Sarov. Throughout his life, he carried his special relationship to the Mother of God.

Death of Seraphim

Seraphim of Sarov's icon "Tenderness" was in his cell all his life, near which he smeared the parishioners with oil from the lamp. And it was near this icon, praying, that the elder gave his soul to God. Before his death, the Mother of God came to him in a dream and announced his imminent death. Knowing that he would soon be gone, the elder prepared a grave for himself and gave his last orders.

The elder awaited his death with joy. It was an opportunity for him to be reunited with the Lord.

And Seraphim of Sarov bequeathed his main legacy - the icon of "Tenderness" to the sisters of the Diveevo monastery. And he gave the order to arrange a separate cell for her, for which he allocated funds.

"Tenderness", a favorite icon of Seraphim of Sarov, in the photo below.

Finding relics

Only at the beginning of the last century was the canonization of St. Seraphim of Sarov carried out. On the day of his birth, the relics were transferred to the Sarov monastery. The procession with the relics and the icon, according to historians, was grandiose and lasted all day. They also claim that such a holiday in Russia was the first time. During the opening of the coffin with the relics, all those present fell on 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 he passed away.

Iconography

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

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

Below is a photo of the icon, Seraphim of Sarov is depicted on it younger than the years in which he passed away.

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

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

Iconographic images of the saint

Often on icons, Seraphim of Sarov is presented in 4 guises:

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

History of the icon

Before talking about how the icon of Seraphim of Sarov helps, let's look at its history.

The first was written immediately after the death of the elder. He was awarded this thanks to his bright deeds during his lifetime. 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 to the waist and in full growth. In one hand he holds a cross, and the other raises up, fingers crossed. With such a 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 Serafimovsky cemetery.

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

One of the most famous images of an old man with a stone is kept in the Yelokhov Epiphany Cathedral.

Part of the elder's relics remained in the Danilov Monastery. Two miraculous lists are also kept here.

Icon of Seraphim of Sarov. Meaning, what helps

Often, many of us, coming to the temple, do not even know where which icon is and how it helps. We mistakenly approach the first one that we like, and ask for ourselves, relatives. This does not mean that our hopes will not come true, and 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 after all, it is much better to understand which saint, angel, archangel is responsible for what, asking for protection and blessing purposefully.

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 with which the afflicted came to him. 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. Especially the icon helps those who truly believe in its power of healing.

Healing Methods

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

Despite enough simple methods, Seraphim could heal even seriously ill people, often already incurable. There are plenty of such cases in the world today.

Water from the holy spring is considered healing. It is located in the Diveevo 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 his lifetime, and after death he prays for all those in need.

The meaning of the icon of the Monk "Tenderness", or as it is called the "Seraphim-Diveevskaya icon"

It was believed that the icon brings health. The reverend called her "Joy of all Joys."

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

Today, the original is kept in the Church of the Vladimir Icon in Moscow.

On 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.

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

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

The Virgin Mary demonstrates by her example how to overcome despair and at the same time 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 lifetime, 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 before the icon:

• On the preservation of the family.
• About healing both one's own and 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 apply when they cannot conceive a child.
• In moments of grief and despair.

When turning to a saint with the help of prayer or from oneself, 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?

It is not often that people who come to the temple understand how to pray correctly and why they should do it.

Prayer is a conversation with God. She shows us our sins. But what is the right way to do it?

The correct reading of a prayer is a hard work that needs to be learned.

1. Reading it requires full concentration. Memorization and automatic reading will not bring any result. 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 their sins.
3. Humble yourself. One of important factors, which does not allow a sincere reading to imperceptibly go to hypocrisy.
4. While reading the prayer, you can light a church candle. And it doesn't matter where you pray - in a church or at home in front of the image.
5. Before reading any prayer, it is necessary to read "Our Father".
6. Turning to one or another saint, it is important to take into account real events from their lives. And if we talk about Seraphim, then he spent his whole life in work and believed that this was the only way to get closer to the Almighty.
7. He said to be happy with what you have.
8. Turning to him helps to find peace and peace of mind.

Remembrance Day

The saint's day 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 the men who bear the name Seraphim celebrate their name days.

Miracles created through prayers to Seraphim of Sarov

It is impossible to list all the miracles that took place 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 is when he fell from the bell tower as a child and remained safe and sound. This case has already been discussed 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 that time, Seraphim has been on the mend.
3. Seraphim predicted the exact date death of his own brother 48 years before it happened.
4. He had the gift of insight. He always knew in advance the content of the letters that came to him, without even revealing them.
5. Even animals listened to him. One of the ministers who lived with Prokhor, after his death, said that he had witnessed how the old man fed the bear from his hands, which initially tried to attack him.

In the article, we examined a brief description of the life of the saint, the miracles that happened to him, a description of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, its meaning, which helps. And also how to read prayers correctly so that they have their power. We hope that our article will be useful for you.

He gained fame and glory as a holy righteous man during his lifetime. It is surprising that this man did not have a spiritual dignity, however, from an early age he was honored to see the Mother of God with his own eyes.

The icons of St. Seraphim of Sarov are a living reminder of his spiritual feat and the gifts that he received from the Holy Spirit and used for the benefit of people.

In Orthodox Christianity, the icons of Seraphim of Sarov are not so much a decorative function as they enable the believer to focus all his thoughts on prayer and communion with God and the saints. After all, human nature is very weak, and he can easily be distracted by foreign objects.

Life of Saint Seraphim

Speaking about the icon-painting image of the Monk Seraphim, it is important to know who this saint was and what were his earthly life and spiritual feat.

Saint Seraphim was born more than two centuries ago into a wealthy merchant family that lived in Kursk. At birth, the boy received the name Prokhor. The family was left without a father when the boy was very small. All the brightest and kindest that was in his soul, he absorbed from his mother. Prokhor, as a child, was honored with the appearance of the Mother of God, and his whole life flowed under her patronage and protection. At the age of 17, the young man received a blessing from the pious old woman and went to the Sarov Hermitage for obedience.

A few years later, the young man took the tonsure under the name Seraphim.

In 1807, monk Seraphim received God's blessing for the feat of silence, and for this purpose retired to hermitage in the forest. He spent three years in the forest, after which he returned to the monastery, but continued to avoid meeting people.

Then Seraphim began to receive both the monastic brethren and worldly pilgrims throughout the day. He hugged and kissed everyone who came to him with the words “Christ is Risen” and smeared them with oil from the lamp.

Throughout his life, Seraphim carried a reverent attitude in the Mother of God. She was always in his cell. It was near this image during the prayer that the monk Seraphim went to the Lord.

Towards the end of his life, the elder's legs hurt badly, but at the same time, heartfelt joy and peace did not leave him for a minute. Before his death, he was again honored to see the Queen of Heaven. She told the elder that soon he would be taken to her in heaven. After that, the venerable elder prepared a grave for himself and gave his last orders. The elder did not feel fear in the face of death, but perceived it as an opportunity to be in a heavenly abode next to the Lord.

Since the elder knew about the day of his death in advance, he managed to say goodbye to all his acquaintances and give them his last instructions. He bequeathed his favorite icon "Tenderness" to the sisters of the Diveevo Monastery. The elder even gave money to the abbess of the monastery so that a “cell for the Lady” would be prepared there.

Miracles created through the prayer of Seraphim

It is not possible to list all the miracles that the Heavenly Father performed through the prayer of Elder Seraphim. News of the miracles performed appear again and again.

1. For the first time such a miracle happened when young Prokhor fell from a high church bell tower. After that, he got to his feet and there were no injuries on him. And at the age of 10, Prokhor was healed by the Mother of God, who appeared to him in a dream, from a serious incurable illness.
2. Already in the monastery, Prokhor suddenly fell ill with dropsy. His body was swollen. After Communion of the holy gifts, the Mother of God appeared to the young man, touched his leg with her rod and healed him.
3. The Monk Seraphim indicated to his own brother the exact day of his death 48 years before this event.
4. Once a deacon arrived at the Sarov monastery, who on the eve falsely accused another clergyman of unseemly deeds. When this deacon came to the holy elder, he drove him away, seeing the deceit and slander against the innocent. After that, for three years the sinner could not serve in the church - his tongue began to go numb. This continued until he confessed to the slander and repented.
5. Even animals listened to the venerable seraphim. One of the monks, who lived in the monastery at the same time as Seraphim, told how Seraphim sat on a log and fed a huge bear standing in front of him with breadcrumbs. Out of fear, the monk hid behind a tree and watched the wild beast leave St. Seraphim into the forest. When the animal left, Seraphim asked the monk Peter not to reveal to anyone what he had seen before the death of Seraphim.
6. In 1825, the venerable elder, while on the banks of the Sarovka River, saw the Mother of God and the holy Apostles John and Peter. The Blessed Virgin struck the ground with her staff and a fountain of water spouted from there. Then she ordered the construction of the Diveevo monastery in this place. Father Seraphim brought the necessary tools from the monastery and dug a well with his own hands for 2 weeks. Subsequently, the water from this well began to bring people miraculous healings from various ailments.
7. The Monk Elder Seraphim possessed a great gift of clairvoyance. Very often he received letters and knew about their contents without even opening the envelope. Many such unopened letters were later found from him.
8. There are witnesses of how, during prayer, the elder ascended above the ground. However, he demanded that this be kept secret until his death.

Through the prayers of Seraphim, health was repeatedly restored even to terminally ill patients. These miracles are far from the only ones performed by the elder due to his great faith and spiritual purity. Even after the death of the saint, his icon helps people gain health and courage in difficult times, strengthens the spirit and flesh those who speak with sincere prayer.

The canonization and acquisition of the relics of the Reverend Elder Seraphim of Sarov took place on August 1, 1903. He was solemnly transferred to the shrine on his birthday.

On this day, more than 300 thousand people gathered for the celebration in the city of Sarov. In the Sarov monastery, all-night funeral services were performed. Before the canonization, a religious procession was made to the Sarov monastery from the Diveevsky monastery. Throughout this procession, sacred hymns were sung. Along the way, the procession stopped at chapels where litias were celebrated.

The second religious procession went out to meet the relics. After the meeting, the united procession moved towards Sarov. In the evening of the same day, the Monk Seraphim of Sarov glorified in the face of saints.

After that was open coffin with the relics of the holy elder. At this time, everyone knelt down, including the emperor himself. According to historians, this holiday was one of the most solemn in Russia. The instructions of the reverend elder were voiced. Some of them were written down with his own hand, while others were heard and written down from the saint by other people. The relics of the saint rest in the Sarov desert.

Shortly after the canonization was printed and issued "Discourse on the Purposes of the Christian Life". This conversation took place shortly before the Assumption of the Reverend.

The history of the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Some time after the Assumption of the Reverend Father Seraphim was written the first icon dedicated to him. Since the holy elder was distinguished throughout his life by mercy and a righteous way of life, he became a shining example to all generations of Orthodox Christians.

The very first icons began to appear after 1833, when the reverend elder reposed. In 1903, after the canonization of the Reverend Father, on the initiative of Emperor Nicholas, a series of new icons was painted. Among them was also largest in size.

On these images, the reverend elder is depicted waist-deep or full-length. The right hand of Saint Seraphim is raised up, and his fingers are crossed. With such a gesture, the saint, as it were, overshadows everyone with the sign of the cross to everyone who looks at the icon. Seraphim holds a cross in his left hand.

What can you pray for in front of the icon of Seraphim

Saint Seraphim acquired the gift of working miracles during his lifetime. The people revered him as a saint and very often asked for advice and support on a wide variety of everyday and spiritual issues. That is why it is very useful to offer prayers before the icon or the relics of the holy elder at the moment when some kind of misfortune overtook you, you experience despair and a breakdown.

The most serious sins Saint Seraphim called our grief and. Therefore, in order to get rid of these misfortunes, you can make a prayer request to the icon. This will help you gain strength and joy in life.

The miraculous possibilities of the holy icon are directly related to the lifetime abilities of St. Seraphim. Anyone can turn to the icon, as it has many different uses.

In what cases should one pray to Seraphim of Sarov?

1. During his earthly life, the venerable elder told those who came to him that it is important to be tolerant of others and at the same time remain demanding of oneself. He called people believe in yourself and never give up. Thus, you can offer a prayer to this saint when you need strength and faith in yourself to solve all your pressing problems.
2. The icon of Seraphim of Sarov “Tenderness” will help all who turn to it to find themselves and their destiny, pacify our spiritual experiences and find peace and strength of spirit. The icon helps to find inner harmony and balance between the external material world and the inner state of a person. In these cases, the holy elder will become your spiritual mentor and comforter.
3. It is very useful to offer prayers before the icon of Seraphim of Sarov to people who have serious health problems. Saint Seraphim had the gift of healing the sick even during his lifetime. Turning to the icon will help get rid of not only bodily, but also mental ailments.
4. There are many cases when a prayer appeal to the icon of St. Seraphim helped single girls find their betrothed and successfully marry. For family people, this icon will help to establish a warm atmosphere in the house and preserve the love and warmth of relationships in marriage for a long time.
5. Another important area of ​​our earthly life in which we can ask Seraphim for help is business. First of all, we are talking about trade. However, in this case it is very important to remember that you should not ask for material well-being for yourself, but blessings for good deeds that can benefit people.

How to pray to the reverend old man

The Holy Scriptures teach that in order to receive help from our Heavenly Father and the saints, prayers should be offered with a pure heart and soul. If you have any secret or obvious selfish motives, your prayer may not reach the goal.

1. It would be best to come to the temple with a pure soul, light a candle and read a prayer in front of the holy image. In addition, you can buy an icon and a few candles in the temple, and then pray at home as well.
2. When offering prayers, one should remember that it would be more correct to pray, not based on the “specialization” of this or that heavenly patron, but believing in the unshakable power of God, which every icon or is endowed with.
3. However, there are still traditions of praying to saints based on the real events of their lives. If we are talking about the Reverend Elder Seraphim, all his life he was constantly busy with some useful work for the benefit of his neighbors. In his opinion, in this way one can approach the Heavenly Father.
4. The saint bequeathed to people to rejoice in what you have and be grateful to God. In addition, he taught never to give up and never give up, to do more and talk less. It is on the basis of these instructions that we need to offer our prayers before the icon of Seraphim, ask him for spiritual support in order not to succumb to temptation and receive strength and wisdom in a difficult situation.
5. The Monk Seraphim helps to find peace during mental turmoil. These prayers help to find harmony and peace of mind.

However, it should be noted that Orthodox teaching does not recommend giving saints and icons the opportunity to help in strictly specific requests. After all, the most important thing that is required when offering prayer is sincere faith and openness of the soul.

You can offer prayers to the holy elder Seraphim of Sarov not only for yourself, but also for our relatives and friends. You can even pray for your enemies.

Icon of Seraphim of Sarov photo meaning what helps

Icon of Seraphim of Sarov - What to ask, What helps. Memorial Day, History of Seraphim of Sarov. Where are the relics, the temple and the church.

The image of the great miracle worker, help in all matters

The reverend 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 by the care of Emperor Nicholas II, who was also glorified in the guise of saints as a martyr tsar.

Seraphim of Sarov is a healer, a mourner and a prayer book for the many needs of people: health for himself and his family, success in trade, a happy marriage.

The saint met 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 dedicated his life. First, he renounced the world completely, remaining in silence. Robbers or envious people attacked him more than once, beating him and trying to steal - however, he had nothing to steal, and he responded to malice only with pity and love for offenders ... When he was able to ascend to the degree 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 Reverend overcame many difficulties in his life path. He came from a family of a pious merchant. His father died early, and his mother raised him, his brothers, and still continued the trade left after her husband.

As a child, the future saint, who bore the name of Prokhor as a child, was saved by the Lord from death in a truly miraculous way: he and his mother climbed the bell tower of the village church and accidentally fell right 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 consecrating himself to God.

Soon, as a young man, Prokhor went to the Sarov Monastery. After spending several years there in obedience, he was tonsured a monk and received the rank of priest - from now 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 for hermitage. This type of asceticism, it is 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 obscurity.

By the command of God, after some time, having accomplished 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 comfort from him.

However, for the monk himself, glory meant only trials: evil people envied him. It is not known who specifically committed the atrocity, but the elder was beaten and crippled. After the attack, he barely survived, until his death the monk remained hunchbacked and moved with a staff, but did not grumble at the Lord and did not take revenge on the offenders.

By the providence of God, the saint continued to give spiritual advice and heal everyone who came to him, not far from the monastery, in a small solitary cell. For his humility and gentleness, prayer deeds, 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 manifested itself so clearly, even 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 instructed the sisters in letters or conversations, took part in the development of plans and construction of the monastery. He himself dug out the so-called "groove" - ​​a small ditch around the monastery, prophetically saying that the Mother of God Herself would guard it and the Antichrist would not be able to cross this groove. In addition, the monk predicted his canonization, saying: “The king who glorifies me, I will glorify too,” that is, I will help him become a saint. He was officially recognized as a saint during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II, indeed, a great saint, a martyr tsar.

Prayer to Seraphim of Sarov is an appeal to the miracle worker and the righteous as to a living priest living next to us, because the monk really wore a holy order. Maybe even today, next to us, in a rural monastery lives a righteous priest and miracle worker...

Icon of the Mother of God Tenderness Serafimo Diveevskaya

The image of the "Non-Bride" is an image of the Virgin on the day when the 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 from the action of the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God, the Messiah, Who will save mankind from the power of sin. On the icon, the Blessed Virgin is depicted as she was seen by the Archangel, who told about Her destiny: with her hands folded in prayer on her chest, her gaze downcast.

The miraculous image "The Unbrided Bride" is painted on canvas, attached to an iconic cypress board. Around the head of the Most Holy Theotokos, along a halo, there is an inscription: "Rejoice, Bride of the Bride."

The icon belonged to the old man. 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 after prayer to him. With oil from the lamp, which was always burning in front of the image, the monk anointed the sick and grieving people who came to him. He also called the Theotokos "Joy of All Joys", invoked Her blessing on all matters, and advised all others to do the same. In prayer before the icon "The Unbrided Bride", the saint died on January 2, 1833.

In 1927, the Diveevsky Monastery was closed, but the abbess of the monastery, Abbess Alexandra, secretly left with the miraculous icon and several sisters for Murom. For many years of persecution of Orthodoxy, it was kept by the sisters of the monastery, and then by the pious laity. In 1991, when it was falling apart Soviet Union, the image of the "Unbrideed Bride" was transferred to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II. Understanding spiritual and material value icons, 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 worship by all believers in the Epiphany Elokhovsky Cathedral only once a year, on the day the icon is commemorated.

Where is the miraculous icon

Holy Trinity, Seraphim-Diveevo Church are unfading relics.

In the capital.

A fragment of the relics of the Blessed One is preserved in the Patriarchal Church of the Deveyevo Compound.

Novospassky, Sretensky, Donskoy and other churches.

At the Danilov Monastery, there are not only a fragment of the relics, but also several lists with the image of the Immaculate.

The main Elokhov Epiphany Cathedral Church preserves the miraculous image together with particles of stone, in which the Blessed One ascended in his own thousand-day standing, and besides, a part of the clothes.

Kuntsevsky temple, named in part of the Noble, you can offer a prayer to the image.

The Cathedral in honor of the image of the Mother of God also has a shrine.

Serafimovsky place of eternal rest in Old Peterhof is the temple of the Wonderworker;

Narva Cathedral in honor of Christ, you can worship the sacred composition.

What helps

The icon of Seraphim of Sarov is addressed with prayer in many life's difficulties. The saint is asked

• about the healing of diseases,


• about help in sudden troubles,


• with health problems in children,


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


• in case of difficulties with housing, housing issue, mortgage.

The relics of the monk, which are in the Diveevo Monastery, are the source of many miracles, healings and unexpected joys, witnessed over several centuries.

Those who recognize the life of the monk, and those who turn to him in prayer, also testify that Saint Seraphimushka, as he was called during his lifetime and is called by the people to this day, becomes like a native for believers. Through prayers to the saint, many miracles are performed.

They pray for an end to spiritual torment and for the acquisition of peace;

Also, prayers are invoked to the iconographic composition in order to renew harmony between the outer and inner worlds, in a similar way, gaining sincere stamina in itself.

The holy preacher will undoubtedly help to concentrate the pilgrim on the true move, in case he got lost and went the wrong way;

Prayerful insistence has the ability to help to cope with despondency and pride;

They ask for a miraculous composition and healing from serious illnesses.

There is evidence that the Blessed One, even during his existence, had the opportunity to rise to his feet, including from the most critical diseases, and used prayer and water taken from the key for this. If you send a prayer service to this immaculate one, he will be able to help with diseases of the joints, internal organizations and certain other issues.

The treatment itself takes place not only in the physiological plane, but also in the mental one:

For young girls who honestly and openly read prayers, the face of a saint will undoubtedly help to form strong relationships, get married, change their own life for the better, and those who were previously connected family union will undoubtedly help strengthen love and relationships;

In addition to all of the above, the church composition also contributes to the promotion of trade and commerce, however, only in those cases when the money earned will be spent not only on the adored one, but also distributed for sponsorship and to help a relative person.

Days of memory and holiday icons

August 1 - the acquisition of the honest holy relics of the venerable saint of God. It was on this day that they were witnessed under Nicholas II, and after the revival of Orthodoxy in Russia - in 1991. Both times this happened on the birthday of the holy elder.

Prayer for health, healing of diseases

The saint experienced many bodily afflictions and endured infirmities in seclusion and because of attacks. That is why they pray to him for the healing of diseases, especially the musculoskeletal system:

“Oh, great saint of God, reverend and bearing the Holy Spirit in himself, our father Seraphim! Look from the radiance of your glory at us, humble and weak, burdened with sins, asking you for help and comfort.
Look kindly at us, help us to keep the commandments of the Lord without sin, to hold fast to the Orthodox faith, to repent of our sins diligently to God, to prosper gracefully in Christian piety and worthy of being your intercession for us to the Lord God.
Oh, saint of God, hear us praying to you with faith and love, do not turn away from us who need your intercession: both now and at the time of our death, help us and protect us with your prayers from the evil attacks of Satan, so that the power of demons does not possess us, but that we may be rewarded with your help to get into the blessed abodes of paradise.
We only place our hope on you, our merciful father and prayer book: be truly the leader of salvation for us, lead us to the Eternal and unfading Light of eternal life by your intercession for all people at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, so that together with you we eternally glorify with all the saints holy name Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever. Amen".