Venerable Seraphim of Sarov: life, icons, prayers

“Obtain a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved.” St. Seraphim of Sarov. Source:foma.ru

If we speak in artistic terms, then, without exaggeration, Saint Seraphim of Sarov can be compared with the “golden ratio” of Russian Orthodoxy, if in musical terms - with the tuning fork of Truth. However, for many believers, Saint Father Seraphim is a close, dear, beloved patron saint of Rus' and the intercessor of our sinful souls. St. Seraphim of Sarov proves with his life that the path to salvation is like a full-flowing river: sometimes it quickly sweeps away everything that is sedimented, cleanses the banks, sometimes, like confession, it tests the muddy waters of temptation, sometimes it calms down in the silence of fasting, it pacifies, like heartfelt prayer is life-giving water. , without which it is impossible to heal your soul.

Let's try to understand the spiritual wealth that St. Seraphim of Sarov left us.

Life of Seraphim of Sarov

Seraphim means “fiery” in Hebrew. Fiery and unquenchable was the faith of St. Seraphim of Sarov. He walks ahead of his flock like a pillar of fire, showing us the true path. How many trials and ordeals of life the saint had to overcome during his 79 years of life: thirty years of hermitage, three years of stylite life, the feat of silence, seclusion, persecution.

Saint Seraphim of Sarov (in the world Prokhor Isidorovich Moshnin) was born on July 19, 1754 in Kursk, into a merchant family. The boy Prokhor miraculously managed to escape death after falling from the bell tower of the cathedral, which his father began to build, and after his death, Prokhor’s mother. Another miracle was revealed when a boy was healed by the icon of the Sign of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Miraculous rescue after falling from the bell tower.

In his youth, Prokhor decided to devote his life to God. Taking his mother’s blessing, the young man went on a pilgrimage to Kyiv to worship the saints of Pechersk. There, the schemamonk Elder Dosifei blessed him and sent him to the Sarov hermitage.

Upon his short return home, Prokhor went to Sarov, where he was accepted as a novice. In the desert, Prokhor followed all instructions with zeal and zeal. Two years later, Prokhor fell seriously ill with dropsy, the brethren looked after him, but the boy’s strength left him. The Queen of Heaven appeared to Prokhor, accompanied by the holy apostles Peter and John the Theologian. Pointing her hand at the sick man, the Most Holy Virgin said to John: “This one is from our generation.” Then she touched the patient’s side with the staff, and immediately the liquid that filled the body began to flow out through the hole formed, and he quickly recovered. A hospital church was built at the site of the apparition.

After eight years of novitiate, Prokhor took monastic vows with the name Seraphim. A year later, Seraphim was ordained to the rank of hierodeacon. In 1793, at the age of 39, St. Seraphim was ordained to the rank of hieromonk. Then he asked for a blessing and went to a deserted cell several kilometers from the monastery, in a deep forest. There he led a very ascetic lifestyle, limiting himself in everything worldly: he ate once a day, worked in his garden and small apiary, and prayed a lot. Lay people began to come to the hieromonk for advice and spiritual guidance. Soon the Monk Seraphim completely abandoned communication with people; wild animals often visited his home; he fed bears from his hand.

“And he lived for 47 years in various feats of seclusion, silence, and seclusion. But on this path he encountered his second temptation: when he was already deprived of everything, he was faced with the question of preserving his life, of avoiding suffering. He was attacked by robbers, he was armed with an ax, he could defend himself - but he did not want to save his life at any cost, but gave it again to God. And God accepted this sacrifice; he was beaten, wounded, and his blood remained on his clothes, a piece of which we can contemplate here. He remained faithful to God to the point of blood, his life was preserved by the Lord...” (Metropolitan Anthony (Sourozhsky) about Seraphim of Sarov).

The holy Venerable Seraphim of Sarov died on January 2, 1833, in a position of prayer before the image of the Mother of God. His last words were: “Save yourself, do not lose heart, stay awake, today crowns are being prepared for us.”

Cherubim - the second highest angelic rank

Cherubim occupy second place in the angelic hierarchy, after Seraphim. According to the Book of Genesis, one of them guards the entrance to Eden with a fiery sword. He was appointed to the position of guard after the exile of Adam and Eve. Israel's King David describes the cherubim as God's vehicle. It is unknown whether they were harnessed to his chariot or carried God in some other way, since the surviving saying of David does not reveal this secret:

... sat on the cherubs and flew away.

In the Old Testament there is also a frequent epithet describing God - “seated on cherubim.” According to legend, when Pharaoh was persecuting the Jews, God took Cherubim from one of the wheels of his throne and flew on it to save the chosen people. In addition, there is another function of these representatives of one of the highest angelic ranks. Near the throne of God and in the world of people they sing, glorifying him. According to the apocrypha, they are busy chanting together with phoenixes and seraphim.

As one of the highest angels, Cherubim are carriers of divine wisdom. They spread knowledge about God among people, guide them on the right path and help them develop the qualities necessary for a God-fearing person. Cherubim are also dedicated to enhancing the education of other divine entities when necessary.

According to Jewish beliefs, Cherubim were created on the third day of Creation. However, according to Jewish legends, they became the first living creatures to inhabit the deserted world. According to the Talmud, the first creatures were man, bull, eagle and lion. They stayed for some time near the throne of God. Ezekiel later advised him to replace the bull with a cherub so that the bull would not be a living reminder of the times when the Jews worshiped the Golden Calf.

Read the article who are now called cherubs.

There is no detailed textual description of the appearance of cherubs. However, they were repeatedly depicted in icons and sculpture. Only their faces and wings are visible to people's eyes. Unlike Seraphim, Cherubim never hide their faces. According to the prophecies of Ezekiel, they do not have the same face. Moreover, one of them is human, and the second is lion. Earlier texts describe the Cherubim as beings with four faces, and sometimes even appearing in the form of winged bulls. The structure of their faces, different from human ones, is also noted. Medicine calls such defects in people cherubism.

The Talmud mentions that statues of Cherubim stood only in the very first temple. When the pagans saw them during its destruction, they began to mock the believers, calling them worshipers of statues. Therefore, Cherubim were not depicted in the form of sculptures in the future. They could only be seen in the wall paintings of temples.

According to Jewish traditions, during sleep the human body tells the soul about everything that has been done during the day. The soul transmits information to the spirit, he - to the angel, the angel - to the archangel, the archangel - to the Cherubim, and the Cherubim tells everything to the Seraphim, and the Seraphim reports to God. Accordingly, the Seraphim are the direct superiors of the Cherubim, their intermediaries in communication with God. Kabbalah says that the chief among the Cherubim is an angel who bears the name Cherubiel.

Mural “Cherub” of the Church of Martin the Confessor in Alekseevskaya Novaya Sloboda (Moscow).

The Midrash says that it is not the Cherub who bears God, but God who bears him. It does not contain anything material; God sits on the Cherub, observing what is happening in the world. The same source gives two names for the Cherubim - Tetragrammaton and Elohim. According to legend, these are parts of the true name of God.

In the Christian tradition, Cherubim are considered angels singing in honor of the Lord, as well as bearers of his intelligence and wisdom. According to biblical descriptions, they have twelve wings. Astrologers associate the number of Cherubim wings with the number of Zodiac signs. In addition, there is a connection with the number of hours in half of the earth’s day.

Later, John Chrysostom wrote that Cherubim consist entirely of eyes - their entire body is covered with them. Perhaps that is why they hide it under their wings. John Chrysostom saw in such a structure a symbol of wisdom. According to him, through the Cherubim God's mind looks at the world.

Some theologians, for example, Thomas Aquinas and Theodore the Studite, call the Cherubim representatives of the highest angelic power. In their opinion, they occupy first place in the divine hierarchy, and Seraphim - second. In Orthodox worship there is a special prayer called the Cherubic song.

Prayers to Saint Seraphim of Sarov

Troparion of St. Seraphim, tone 4:

From your youth you loved Christ, O blessed one, and passionately longed for the One who worked, you labored in the desert with unceasing prayer and labor, and having acquired the love of Christ with a tender heart, you appeared as the chosen one beloved of the Mother of God. For this reason, we cry out to you: save us with your prayers, Seraphim, our reverend father.

Kontakion of St. Seraphim, voice 2:

Leaving the beauty of the world and the corruption in it, reverend, you moved into the Sarov monastery; and having lived there like an angel, you were the path to salvation for many. For this reason, Christ will glorify you, Father Seraphim, and enrich you with the gift of healings and miracles. In the same way we cry to you: Rejoice, Seraphim, our reverend father.

Prayer to St. Seraphim of Sarov

O wonderful Father Seraphim, great Sarov wonderworker, quick and obedient helper to all who come running to you! During the days of your earthly life, no one left you weary and inconsolable, but everyone was blessed with the vision of your face and the benevolent voice of your words. Moreover, the gift of healing, the gift of insight, the gift of healing for weak souls has appeared abundantly in you. When God called you from earthly labors to heavenly rest, your love ceased from us, and it is impossible to count your miracles, which multiplied like the stars of heaven: for throughout the ends of our earth you appeared to the people of God and granted them healing. In the same way, we cry out to you: O most quiet and meek servant of God, daring man of prayer to Him, denying no one who calls you, offer up your powerful prayer for us to the Lord of hosts, may He strengthen our power, may He grant us all that is useful in this life and all that is spiritual useful to salvation, may he protect us from the falls of sin and teach us true repentance, so that we can enter without stumbling into the eternal Heavenly Kingdom, where you now shine in unfathomable glory, and there sing with all the saints the Life-Giving Trinity until the end of the age. Amen.

Second prayer to St. Seraphim of Sarov

O Reverend Father Seraphim! Offer up for us, servants of God (names), your powerful prayer to the Lord of hosts, may He grant us all that is useful in this life and all that is useful for spiritual salvation, may He protect us from the falls of sins and may He teach us true repentance, in order to heed us without stumbling to the eternal Heavenly Kingdom, where you now shine in eternal glory, and there sing with all the saints the Life-Giving Trinity forever and ever.

Prayer three to St. Seraphim of Sarov

O great servant of God, venerable and God-bearing Father Seraphim! Look down from the heavenly glory on us humble and weak, burdened with many sins, your help and consolation to those who ask. Approach us with your mercy and help us to preserve the commandments of the Lord immaculately, to firmly maintain the Orthodox faith, to diligently bring repentance for our sins to God, to gracefully prosper in piety as Christians and to be worthy of your prayerful intercession for us. To her, Holiness of God, hear us praying to you with faith and love and do not despise us who demand your intercession: now and at the hour of our death, help us, and protect us with your prayers from the evil slander of the devil, so that those powers do not possess us, but yes With your help, let us be worthy to inherit the bliss of the abode of paradise. We now place our hope in you, merciful Father: be truly a guide to our salvation and lead us to the unevening Light of eternal life by your God-pleasing intercession at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, may we glorify and sing with all the saints the venerable name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever centuries. Amen.

Monastery of Seraphim of Sarov

Seraphim-Diveevo Convent. Photo by Vladimir Eshtokin

The Diveyevo monastery is the beloved brainchild and last refuge of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, a place of veneration of his relics, a monastery in which the saint himself bequeathed to be buried.

The Seraphim-Diveevo Convent in the name of the Holy Trinity is located in the Nizhny Novgorod diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. Crowds of pilgrims flock here for consolation, healing, to bow to the feat of the great elder, to walk along the Holy Kanavka and to pray to the Queen of Heaven for their family and friends.

The monastery arose in the second half of the 18th century. The first building was the Kazan Church. St. Seraphim spoke about the Kazan Church:

“The Kazan Church, my joy, this will be a temple like no other! At the end of the world, the whole earth will burn, my joy, and nothing will remain. Only three churches from all over the world will be taken completely undestroyed to heaven: one in the Kyiv Lavra, the other... (the sisters forgot), and the third is yours in Kazan, mother. Wow, what a Kazan church you have!”

For more than a hundred years, first the community, and then the monastery (1861), expanded with lands and new churches thanks to the help of local residents, landowners and the dedication of the abbess.

In 1917, according to the list, 270 nuns and 1,474 novices lived in it - with a population of 520 people in the village of Diveevo. On September 21, 1927, the monastery was closed. Some of the sisters and the abbess moved to Murom, to a house near the walls of the Annunciation Monastery.

The revival of the monastery began in 1988, when a church parish was registered. On July 21, 1991, the Holy Synod decided to renew the monastery. On July 31, 1991, the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, rediscovered in St. Petersburg in the Kazan Cathedral, which was then the Museum of Atheism and Religion, solemnly arrived in Diveevo. In April 1992, according to the behest of Seraphim of Sarov, an unquenchable candle was lit in front of the image of the Savior in the Church of the Nativity. On February 20, 1995, by presidential decree, the Kazan Church was given the status of an architectural monument of federal significance. Large-scale restoration work began, seven churches were consecrated. Now more than 400 nuns live in the monastery. The center of spiritual life remains the Trinity Cathedral with its main shrine - the holy relics of St. Seraphim, the Wonderworker of Sarov.

The groove of the Queen of Heaven in the Diveyevo Monastery is one of the main shrines of the monastery. On November 25, 1825, the Mother of God appeared to St. Seraphim and commanded the founding of the Mill Community, indicating how this place should be surrounded by a ditch and a rampart. The ditch was created in the last years of the life of St. Seraphim. He was in a great hurry to create this groove - the path along which the Virgin Mary walked. The ditch along the path, according to the instructions of the Queen of Heaven, was to be dug only by the sisters of the community, and the laity could help carry the earth and fill the shaft. The Monk Seraphim said that this Canal is high to heaven and will always be a wall and protection from the Antichrist: “Whoever passes this Canal with prayer and reads half a hundred “Theotokos”, everything is here: Mount Athos, and Jerusalem, and Kyiv!” The last section of Kanavka was transferred to the monastery only in 2006, and its restoration was completed on July 31. With prayer on their lips and rosary in their hands, pilgrims walk along the Holy Canal, according to the behest of the Venerable One, following the Queen of Heaven, in Her footsteps.

Father Seraphim is digging a ditch

The very first highest level after the Almighty - Seraphim

Let's look at each step separately to understand what they actually mean. The very first significant step, after the Almighty, is the Seraphim.

They are first mentioned in the book of the prophet Isaiah. Here's what he writes:

Isaiah

Prophet

“...In the year of the death of King Uzziah, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted, and the borders of His robe filled the whole temple. The Seraphim stood around Him; each of them had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew... And they called to each other and said: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts! the whole earth is full of His glory! And the tops of the gates shook at the voice of those shouting, and the house was filled with incense...”

From this we conclude that Seraphim is a creature with six wings. They covered their faces with two wings, two more covered their entire body, and a third pair was needed for flight. It was believed that the Seraphim covered themselves with their wings because they emitted a very bright light, and this in turn could blind people.

Seraphim is a creature with six wings. They covered their faces with two wings, two more covered their entire body, and a third pair was needed for flight.

But it was the prophet Isaiah who was able to see the Seraphim, because this happened by the will of God. What happens next? Isaiah writes:

Isaiah

Prophet

“...And I said: Woe is me! I'm dead! for I am a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then one of the Seraphim flew to me, and in his hand he had a burning coal, which he took with tongs from the altar, and touched my mouth and said: behold, this has touched your mouth, and your iniquity is taken away from you, and your sin is cleansed ... " .

The prophet himself was very surprised how he could see the King of the Lord himself if he was also mired in his sins. In response to his question, one of the Seraphim appeared to him.

On many canvases the Seraphim are depicted with a human face. An example of such a canvas can be seen in the photo below.

Sometimes the Seraphim simply hold the throne on which the Lord God himself is located. Such icons are always painted in red or crimson tones, because the Seraphim are, as it were, associated with fire and love. It was believed that they were called upon to give heat to ordinary people and subjugate them to their will.

Sometimes Seraphim on icons simply hold the throne on which the Lord God himself is located

According to Dianisius the Areopagite, the heavenly army was always in constant motion, around everything divine.

It is the Seraphim who inform people about God, and they also call on people to keep the commandments of the Lord. But the most important thing that the Seraphim do is convey to the other ranks what God commands them. It is from them that others carry out their orders.

Seraphim also cleanse the souls of people from sins. They very easily and simply burn all souls, while destroying all human sins. In fact, the Seraphim can be considered one of the most powerful and mysterious creatures of God.

Icons of Seraphim of Sarov

With hands folded in prayer at the heart - only the right hand touches the heart or the hands lie on the chest in the area of the heart crosswise, the right hand on top of the left

In front of the icons, people turn to the holy saint for help in mental and physical healing.

There are four main iconographic images of Seraphim of Sarov:

1. With hands folded in prayer at the heart - only the right hand touches the heart or the hands lie on the chest in the area of the heart crosswise, the right hand on top of the left

2. Blesser - the right hand blesses, in the left hand there are prayer beads

3. Prayer on a stone - Father Seraphim stands kneeling on a stone, raising both hands to the sky

4. An image where the Monk Seraphim of Sarov is depicted as an old man with a staff.

Half-length icons and icons are also painted, where Saint Seraphim is depicted in full growth. For the “blessing image” on the icons there is a mandatory attribute: prayer beads in the left hand.

Icon painted from the lifetime portrait of Seraphim of Sarov:

When is Saint Saint's Day celebrated?

The celebration takes place several times a year:

January 15 (January 2, old style) - in honor of the day of the repose of St. Prokhor in 1833;
August 1 (July 19, old style) – the discovery of the incorruptible relics of Seraphim on his birthday. Moreover, the relics themselves were found several times, in 1991 there was a second time, in the USSR and also on the Saint’s birthday.

Which churches have the Miraculous Icons of Seraphim of Sarov

The incorrupt relics of the elder can be seen in the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery;
In Moscow:
The Patriarchal Monastery of the Deveyevsky Metochion also houses part of the relics of the saint;
The relics of St. Prokhor can be seen in Novospassky, Sretensky, Donskoy and many other monasteries;
But in the Danilov Monastery, not only part of the relics are stored, but also two lists with the divine face;
The miraculous image, together with particles of the stone on which the Saint prayed during his thousand-day standing, as well as a piece of clothing, are kept in the central Yelokhovsky Epiphany Cathedral;
In Kuntsevo you can invoke the image in the cathedral named after the Saint in a prayer service;
There is also a shrine in the church in honor of the image of Our Lady of All Who Sorrow.
In St. Petersburg:
At the Seraphim Cemetery in Old Peterhof there is the Cathedral of St. Seraphim;
In Estonia:
You can bow before the divine image in Narva in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ

Source of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Source of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Photo from the personal archive of Yulia Denisova.

Not far from the Sarov monastery there is a quiet picturesque place, a small lake with clear spring water - a holy spring in the name of St. Seraphim of Sarov. The source opened on the banks of the Satis River.

According to eyewitnesses, in the 60s of the last century, in the forbidden territory where the spring is now located, an old man in white robes appeared to the border guards. When asked what he was doing here, the old man remained silent, only hit with his staff - the water began to flow, and a spring opened. Later they wanted to cover the source with earth, but the old man appeared again and said: “Do not fill up my source.”

Now on the territory where the source is located, there is a log chapel; on holidays, solemn prayers are held here. Behind the chapel, baths are open to pilgrims all year round. There is a lot of evidence of healings after washing in the source of St. Seraphim.

Source of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Photo by Yulia Denisova.

Thrones were very often described as chariots with wheels of fire

So, we figured out what Seraphim and Cherubim are. And what is at the lowest level? Thrones - what is it? Thrones were very often described as chariots with wheels of fire. Each of them has 4 wings.

A little later, in church literature it was indicated that the image was similar to the appearance of Seraphim. The thrones were named for a reason; it was believed that the Lord himself sat on them from time to time.

The thrones were named for a reason; it was believed that the Lord himself sat on them from time to time. Very often they were called - God-bearing

Thrones also serve to transport God, which is why they are often called God-bearing.

Relics of Seraphim of Sarov

Relics of Saint Seraphim of Sarov

In the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery, under the canopy in the left aisle of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, are the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov. There is also the staff of Father Seraphim.

“I will die, I will lie in the grave, but you come to my grave, here, as if alive, tell me everything that your heart wants to say, and I, as if alive, will hear you from the grave,” the elder said to his friends before his death . Thousands of people go to the monastery to venerate the holy relics.

The history of the discovery of the relics is very dramatic and full of tragic twists: the canonization and discovery of the relics of St. Seraphim took place under the care of Tsar Nicholas II in 1903, in the 1920s the relics of the saint were taken away, then desecrated by being in an anti-religious museum, in 1934 they completely disappeared and rediscovered only on January 15, 1991 in the storerooms of the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism, which was located in the building of the Kazan Cathedral in Leningrad. However, today anyone can venerate the relics of one of the most revered saints of Rus', ask for the gift of health, remission of sins, and correction of life.

“Rejoice today, all Russian land, and, holy monastery of Diveyevo, rejoice. The multitude of the faithful, who have gathered together today, let us glorify the venerable father, shepherd and teacher, the God-wise mentor to the lost, the quick healer of all the sick, the Russian land, a great adornment, praising him, Sitserce: Reverend Seraphim, save us with your prayers” (stichera on the litiya).

Highest angel Metatron - place in the hierarchy

Metatron and Aura

According to legend, the angel Metatron occupies the main position among all other heavenly entities. He judges other angels, and also sits on the same throne that God has. However, according to the legends, the throne became the cause of a quarrel between God and Metatron and the subsequent punishment of the angel.

Metatron does not belong to the ranks of the first sphere - Seraphim, Cherubim or Thrones. According to legend, he was once an ordinary righteous man. God took him to heaven alive and turned him into a perfect being - the archangel Metatron. Archangels occupy eighth place out of nine among the angelic ranks. However, despite this, he is closer to God than the higher ranks.

However, according to some legends, God expelled Metatron. Other angels did not want to recognize an ordinary person as the main one. In addition, the situation with two thrones, which gave rise to rumors of dual power in heaven, became the reason for the expulsion of Metatron. However, not all legends describe his exile. According to some of them, he forever remained an archangel close to God, despite the punishment he suffered. Accordingly, the angel of the highest rank is Metatron, the only one of his kind.

Rule of Seraphim of Sarov

St. Seraphim of Sarov left us the following prayer rule:

“Rising from sleep, every Christian, standing before St. icons, let him read the Lord’s Prayer “Our Father” three times, in honor of the Most Holy Trinity, then the hymn to the Mother of God “Rejoice, Virgin Mary” also three times and, finally, the Creed once. Having completed this rule, let everyone go about their work to which they have been assigned or called.

While working at home or on the road somewhere, let him quietly read: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner,” and if others surround him, then, while doing business, let him say with his mind only: “ Lord have mercy,” and continues until lunch. Just before lunch, let him perform the above morning rule. After dinner, while doing his work, let him read quietly: “Most Holy Theotokos, save me a sinner,” and let him continue this until sleep.

When going to bed, let every Christian read the above morning rule again; after that, let him fall asleep, protecting himself with the sign of the cross.”

For those who, due to various circumstances, cannot follow this small rule, Rev. Seraphim advised reading it in any position: during classes, while walking, and even in bed, presenting the basis for this as the words of Scripture: “whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

What does Seraphim Sarovsky help with?

Great, comforted and healer, the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov is an ambulance to all who ask for his help. During his lifetime, he helped people a lot - through deeds and prayer to God for them. People asked him to pray for healing from envy, for those who hate and offend, for the cooling of love for neighbors, for good relationships in the family, for spiritual adversity (despondency, apathy) ... About this and in any other difficult situations, when the heart tells us that without With the help of the patron saint, it will be difficult for us to cope on our own; we can pray to him now.

Prayer for the gift of love, read for yourself, for loved ones and for enemies

Reverend Father Seraphim, filled with Divine love, unceasing servant of Divine love, beloved of the Mother of Divine Love, hear me, who loves you little and grieves you a lot.

Grant that I too may now be a zealous servant of God-pleasing Love. That kind of love that is long-suffering, does not envy, does not boast, is merciful, is not proud, does not act outrageously, does not seek its own, does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices about others. Pray to Primordial Love, and having served Her love on earth, through your intercession and prayers I will reach the Mother of God and all the saints in the Kingdom of love and glory and light, and I will fall at the feet of my Master, who gave us the commandment about true love.

Loving Father, do not reject the prayers of the heart that loves you, and beg a loving God for the forgiveness of my sins. Help us to bear each other’s burdens, not to do to others what we don’t want for ourselves, everyone loves, in truth; He loves everything, he has faith in everything, he endures everything, even though he falls away!

This love should be a servant to me and all my relatives, and known, and to cover with love, and with a heartfelt song of love, having ended earthly life, begin with it a joyful eternal life in the land of true love. Pray for us, Father, our beloved Father, who loves us! Amen.

A short prayer for help and intercession, indicating the name of the person praying

The middle level after the Angels consists of Dominances, Powers and Powers

The average Angelic hierarchy consists of three more ranks: Dominion, Strength and Authority. Dominions govern, in essence, the subsequent ranks of Angels. Dominations teach you to control your feelings, enslave your flesh to the spirit, and also dominate the will in order to defeat temptations.

The forces fulfill the will of the Lord. They work miracles and send grace to the saints of God. They also help in carrying out various obediences, giving strength and spiritual courage.

The authorities are taming the forces of the devil. They help people fight demonic temptations, in the fight against bad thoughts, confirm ascetics, and also protect them.

The lower hierarchy includes three more ranks: Principalities, Archangels and Angels. The principles govern the lower Angels. They rule the universe, protect human countries and peoples.

This is what the Highest, Middle and Lower ranks in the Heavenly Hierarchy look like schematically

Archangels announce the great and the glorious. They help people discover the secrets of faith, as well as the prophecies of God. They also help strengthen the holy faith in people.

Cartoon about Seraphim of Sarov

On the last weekend of August 2015, the premiere of a cartoon took place, telling children about St. Seraphim of Sarov. The plot of the cartoon is dedicated to the story of the girl Seraphima, who was orphaned during the Great Patriotic War. She faces many trials - she is the daughter of a repressed priest, she is required to renounce her faith. But one day the heroine finds herself in an ancient temple. From that moment on, her life changes greatly. She makes an extraordinary journey into a wonderful world and meets her heavenly patron, Saint Seraphim of Sarov.

The 70-minute cartoon “The Extraordinary Adventures of Seraphim” was created by the KinoAtis studio on the initiative and with the financial support of the Russian Ministry of Culture, as well as the Foundation of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

Stage director: Sergei Antonov, producer: Igor Meshchan, scriptwriter: Timofey Veronin

Motovilov and Seraphim Sarovsky

Nikolai Aleksandrovich Motovilov (1809-1879) - Simbirsk and Arzamas landowner, “Seraphim’s servant”, was the secret man of St. Seraphim of Sarov in the Diveyevo monastery.

ON THE. Motovilov graduated from Kazan University, served as an honorary warden of the Korsun district school, a judge of the Simbirsk conscience court, a member of the Nizhny Novgorod-Ardatov Prison Committee, and was elected a member of the special commission of the State Connoisseur. (E.I. Motovilova. From memories of her husband)

It is known that at the beginning of their acquaintance, St. Seraphim healed N.A. Motovilov from a long illness: “A year before I was given the commandment to serve the Mother of God at the Diveyevo monastery, the great elder Seraphim healed me of serious and incredible, great rheumatic and other diseases, with relaxation of the whole body and the removal of legs, crumpled and swollen at the knees, and with bedsore ulcers on my back and sides, with which I suffered incurably for more than three years.” ON THE. Motovilov became the first biographer of Saint Seraphim of Sarov. He wrote down the teachings and prophecies of the great old man.

The “Conversation of St. Seraphim with N. A. Motovilov” about the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, which took place in November 1831 in the forest, not far from the Sarov monastery, and was recorded by Motovilov, is also widely known. The manuscript was discovered 70 years later in the papers of Nikolai Alexandrovich’s wife, Elena Ivanovna Motovilova.

According to the will of St. Seraphim of Sarov, it was N.A. Motovilov who completed the creation of the Diveyevo convent. ON THE. Motovilov was buried in 1879 in the Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery.

Iconography

The icon of Seraphim of Sarov is of great value for Orthodox people.

The portrait of the elder was painted during his lifetime. Today it is stored in America.

Below is a photo of the icon; Seraphim of Sarov is depicted younger than the age at which he passed away.

His gaze is confident, happy and intent. The face expresses calm, the shape is thin, the hair is combed back. Overall, the saint’s appearance radiates kindness and grace.

Near the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, one cannot leave the feeling that he is looking straight into the soul.