Seraphim of Sarov was one of the greatest Russian Orthodox ascetics, foreseers and miracle workers, and he is celebrated as a saint in our holy Orthodox church.
Having received gifts of grace from God: clairvoyance, miracles and healing, and according to the will of the Most High, he began to enter into conversation with visitors, and above all with monks. His words, conveyed by some special love and full of some quiet vital power, warmed many human hearts, even the hardened and cold ones.
He treated all mental and physical illnesses with great love. He was so famous and loved that almost two thousand people came daily for treatment or advice, or just for his blessing.
He was characterized by great humility. When the whole world celebrated him, he called himself poor Seraphim.
They asked him: What is the goal of our life? And Seraphim of Sarov answered: Returning to the arms of Heavenly Father.
On January 14, 1833, Elder Seraphim ended his life on earth, in his ordinary white undergrowth, kneeling in the usual place of his prayerful deeds, in front of the icon of the Mother of God “Compassion”. A small cross with a crucifix hung around his neck, with his arms crossed on his chest.
The Orthodox Church celebrates him as the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, on January 15, according to the Gregorian calendar.
In addition to helping many during his life, Seraphim of Sarov left valuable words that live almost two centuries after his death. Here are his tips on how to keep your inner peace:
- Nothing in the world is better than peace in Christ – in it every fight of spirits of air and earth is annulled: For we do not fight against blood and flesh, but against the lord of darkness of this world, against the evil spirits of heaven.
- It is a sign of a reasonable soul that a person immerses his mind in himself and in his heart while repeating the Jesus’ prayer (Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon me a sinner). Then the grace of God overshadows him and man abides in a peaceful mood, and with the help of this also in a heavenly mood: in peace, that is, with a good conscience; in the heavenly – because the mind sees in itself the grace of the Holy Spirit, according to the word of God: “In peace is His place.”
- Can a person not rejoice, seeing the sun with bodily eyes? And how much greater joy arises when a person sees the Sun of Justice, Christ, with his inner (spiritual) eyes. Then he truly rejoices in angelic joy. The Apostle said of this, “Our life is in heaven.”
- When someone lives in a peaceful mood, it is as if he grasps spiritual gifts with a spoon. Having a peaceful disposition of spirit, and being overshadowed by the grace of God, the Holy Fathers lived a long time.
- When a person comes to a state of peace, he can shed the light of enlightenment of reason from himself and others. Above all, he should repeat the words of the prophetess: “Let not the words of your pride come out of your mouth.” And the words of the Lord, “Hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see that you take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
- This peace, as a priceless treasure, the Lord left to His disciples on the eve of His death, saying: “I leave you peace, I give you my peace.” The Apostle also speaks of it: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.”
- Therefore, we should focus all our thoughts, desires, and deeds on gaining the peace of God and always cry out with the Church: “Lord our God! Give us peace!”