Description
On a time, a monk named Seraphim lived in the depths of the Russian forest, practicing monasticism through prayer and fasting. He achieved such perfection through the grace of God, that the wild beasts became his companions in the wilderness. As he lived thus, a nun named Matrona Plescheeva from the Diveyevo convent came to visit him, but when she approached his hut she saw a bear there before her. Matrona was terrified and screamed in fear. However, Seraphim came to the bear and told it to go away for a time so as not to scare the visiting nun. However, the bear returned to them as they talked and lay at the monk's feet. Seeing Seraphim's peace in the presence of the powerful beast who obeyed him as a gentle lamb, Matrona lost her fear and realized the great grace that had been bestowed on the monk in his solitude.
For this as well as other incidents exemplifying his great love for men and creatures, Saint Seraphim of Sarov is one of the Orthodox Church's most beloved holy elders. He was born in western Russia in 1754. According to tradition, he was sickly as a child but was healed through the Kursk Root Icon of the Theotokos. At age 19, he became a monk, then a priest, and lived in the wilderness as a hermit for 25 years. There he devoted his entire life to ceaseless prayer and truly acquired the "peace that passes all understanding." At one point, Seraphim was beaten by a band of thieves, which left him with a hunched back. In 1815, in obedience to a vision he received, he began to admit visitors (always greeting them with "Christ is risen!") and offer the loving advice he is renowned for. At age 74, St. Seraphim died in prayer before an icon of the Theotokos.
The saint was buried, but his relics were uncovered in 1903 when he was glorified as a saint. His relics were lost during the Bolshevik persecution in Russia but were rediscovered in the basement of a museum in 1991. This rejuvenated the faith of Russians who were just beginning to come out of Soviet oppression. His feast is celebrated on January 2.
Saint Seraphim's best-known saying is: "Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved." This reflects the common Orthodox belief that the best form of evangelism is to be a faithful Christian of firm faith, ceaseless prayer, and good works.
Seraphim of Sarov is commemorated on January 2.
Details
Ratio: |
1.25x1 |
Ratio: |
Landscape |
Month: |
January |
Saintly Rank: |
Male |
Saintly Rank: |
Ascetic |
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Customer Reviews
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Very Nice Icon!
I love this icon! Really professional quality and the shipping was extremely fast to Norway
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Icon of St. Seraphim
This is a favorite item in our book store/gift case. Of course, he is a favorite saint as well. Very lovely image on wood.
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As a Gift
Purchased this for my son's birthday and he said it was beautiful. I also bought the same icon for another one of my sons for a Christmas present a few years ago. It is a hit with the men it seems.
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A glimpse
This icon is a gem. There is intimacy in this depiction of St. Seraphim's world and I feel included within it. And I truly hope the bear was a reality in his life-for the bear and for St. Seraphim. Feel the peace.
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Next to my bed.
Love it! I keep it next to my bed.
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Beautiful Icon
A wonderful icon, well made, with wonderful artistic design.
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Wonderful icon
Beautiful icon, exquisite detail. As always. I love your icons!
