Seraphim of Sarov, whose biography is known to all Orthodox Christians, was born in 1754 in a family of well-known merchant Isidor and his wife Agafia.Three years later, he was not the father engaged in the construction of the temple in honor of St. Sergius.Proceedings husband continued Agatha.Four years later, the temple was ready, and the young Seraphim went with her mother to inspect the building.Climbing to the top of the bell tower, the boy lost his footing and fell.To the delight of his mother, he has not received any damage what she has seen God's special care for her son.
First Vision
At the age of 10 years, St. Seraphim of Sarov, whose biography is an example to follow, became very ill and ended up dying.In the dream he saw the Queen of Heaven and promised to give healing.While their city through a procession carried the miraculous image of the Mother of God.When the procession came opposite to the house Agafya, it began to rain, and the icon had suffered through her yard.It made sick son, and kissed the icon of St. Seraphim.From that day the boy went to the amendment.
Home ministry
In 17 years, St. Seraphim of Sarov, whose biography is featured in religious books, he decided to leave home and to devote himself to the life of a monk.For two years he spent on a pilgrimage to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.Then a local recluse Dosifej, making out in the youth ascetic Christ, sent him to the Sarov hermitage.In his spare time, obedience young man regularly went to the forest.Such strictness of life attracted the attention of the brothers, admired his feats of strength, most of which the reader will tell the life of St. Seraphim of Sarov.For example, as the Rev. 3 years eating only grass.Or for 1,000 days he was standing on a rock in the forest, going down only for meals.
Seclusion
After three years of standing on a rock Seraphim returned to the monastery to a new feat - 17 years of seclusion.The first 5 years, it did not see any of the brethren, even the monk, brings the elder meager food.After the expiry of that period sometimes Sarov opened the door and takes the desired cells, but did not answer questions, as a vow of silence.The cell was only the icon of the Mother of God with a lectern and a tree stump that served as Reverend chair.In the hall there was an oak coffin, next to which St. Seraphim prayed often, ready to sail into the eternal life.After another 5 years, the cell doors open from the beginning of the morning liturgy and did not close until 8 pm.At the end of 1825 in a dream to the elder was the Mother of God and allowed to leave his cell.Thus ended his seclusion.
End earthly journey
almost two years before his death, St. Seraphim of Sarov again saw the Mother of God, as it were, foreshadowed his blessed death and awaiting his imperishable glory.January 1, 1833 Saint went to church and light a candle to all images.After the liturgy, he said goodbye to molivshimisya, who noticed that the saint is almost exhausted.But the spirit of the elder was a joyful, cheerful and calm.That evening Seraphim sing Easter songs.The next day the brothers went into his cell and found the Monk standing on his knees in front of the lectern.At the same time his head was lying on the crossed hands.They began to wake him and found that the old man was dead.Seventy years later, Seraphim of Sarov, whose biography was presented in this article has been ranked by the Holy Synod canonized.
