Saint · 1759
Repose of Venerable Seraphim
Repose of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov
New Calendar January 2 Old Calendar January 15
Why they are a saint
Saint Seraphim was born in the town of Kursk in 1759. From tender childhood he was under the protection of the most holy Mother of God, who, when he was nine years old, appeared to him in a vision, and through her icon of Kursk, healed him from a grave sickness from which he had not been expected to recover. At the age of nineteen he entered the monastery of Sarov, where he amazed all with his obedience, his lofty asceticism, and his great humility.
Life
Saint Seraphim, named Prochorus at birth, was born on July 19, 1754, to Isidore and Agathia Moshnin of Kursk; his father, a merchant, died while he was a child, and his widowed mother raised him in piety. He later entered the Sarov monastery, where he received the name Seraphim.
He lived for many years as a hermit in the forest. When three robbers attacked him, he did not resist, though he held an axe, recalling the Lord's words that those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. For a thousand days and nights he prayed on a rock with upraised hands: 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner.' He taught, 'Acquire the spirit of peace, and a thousand souls will be saved around you.'
He greeted all who came to him with 'Christ is risen, my joy!' and in his last years devoted himself to his spiritual children, the nuns of Diveyevo. On January 1, 1833, he received the Holy Mysteries for the last time and bade the brethren farewell. He reposed on January 2, 1833. His conversation with N. A. Motovilov was found and printed in 1903, shortly before his glorification.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Repose of Venerable Seraphim as a patron when they bear the name Repose at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 2. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Repose of Venerable Seraphim, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.