Saint Seraphim of Sarov (Academic) Icon - S483

Originally called Prokhor, St. Seraphim was born to middle-class parents in Russia in 1754. He became very ill as a young child, but was healed by the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon through his own faith and the faith of his mother. After this experience, he dedicated himself the Church, and at the age of eighteen set himself to be a monk. 

In the monastery, where he was named Seraphim, the saint ate and slept very little, devoting all his focus to prayer. He was again miraculously healed of illness, and saw and made many signs and wonders. As he grew older, Seraphim withdrew from the monastery and went into the wilderness. He achieved great wisdom in his contemplation, and many people sought his advice and encouragement. Seraphim died in 1833, and is commemorated on January 2. 

St. Seraphim appears as a humble Russian monk in his icon, holding a strand of prayer rope. He is depicted as bent over due to injuries he suffered at the hands of thieves who attacked him in the forest. The saint never resisted his attackers, and in fact plead for mercy on their behalf when they were placed on trial.

This icon is painted in the Russian "Academic" style, which was popular in the 17th to the early 20th centuries.

Reproduced by permission.