Venerable Seraphim Vyritsky. It was from Me (spiritual testament).


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Have you ever thought

that everything that concerns you also concerns Me? For whatever touches you touches the apple of My eye.

You are dear in My eyes, highly valuable, and I loved you, and therefore it is a special joy for Me to educate you. When temptations rise against you and the enemy comes like a river, I want you to know that it was from Me.

That your weakness needs My strength and that your safety lies in giving Me the opportunity to protect you. Are you in difficult circumstances, among people who do not understand you, who do not take into account what pleases you, who push you away - this was from Me.

I am the God who disposes of circumstances. It was not by chance that you ended up in your place; this is the very place that I intended for you. Have you asked Me to teach you humility? And so I put you in that very environment, in that school where this lesson is taught. Your environment and those living with you only fulfill My will.

If you are in financial difficulties, it is difficult for you to make ends meet - know that this was from Me.

For I have your material means. I want you to come to Me and know that you are dependent on Me. My supplies are inexhaustible. I want you to be convinced of the faithfulness of Mine and My promises. Let it never be said to you in your need: “You did not believe the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 8, 12-13).

Are you going through a night of sorrows, are you separated from those near and dear to your heart - this was from Me.

I am a Man of Sorrows, having experienced illness. I allowed this so that you could turn to Me and in Me you could find eternal consolation. Whether you were deceived in your friend, in someone to whom you opened your heart, it was from Me.

I allowed this disappointment to touch you so that you would know that your best friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me. Has anyone slandered you? Leave this to Me and cling closer to Me, I will be your refuge, your soul, to hide from the “quarrel of tongues.” I will bring out your truth like light and your destiny like noon. (see: Ps. 36:6). Have your plans been destroyed, have you lost heart and are tired - it was from Me.

You created your own plans, had your own intentions, and brought them to Me so that I could bless them. But I want you to allow Me to manage and lead the circumstances of your life, and then responsibility for everything will be on Me, for it is too hard for you and you alone cannot cope with them, since you are only a tool, and not an active person. .

If you were visited by unexpected failures in life, and despondency gripped your heart, know that it was from Me.

For I want your heart and soul to always be on fire before My eyes, and to overcome all cowardice in My name.

You don’t receive news from people close and dear to you for a long time and, due to your cowardice and lack of faith, you fall into murmuring and despair, know that it was from Me.

For with this yearning of your spirit I will test the strength of your faith in the immutability of the promise and the power of your bold prayer for these loved ones. For was it not you who entrusted the care of them to My providential love? Was it not you who handed them over to the Protection of My Most Pure Mother?

Whether a serious illness, temporary or incurable, visited you, and you found yourself chained to your bed, know that it was from Me.

For I want you to know Me even more deeply in your bodily weaknesses and not to grumble for this test sent down to you, and so that you do not try to penetrate into My plans for the salvation of human souls in various ways, but meekly and submissively bow your head to My goodness to you.

Did you dream of doing some special thing for Me and instead lay down on the bed of illness and infirmity - it was from Me.

For then you would be immersed in your affairs, and I could not attract your thoughts to Me, and I want to teach you My deepest thoughts and lessons, so that you will be at My service. I want to teach you to realize that you are nothing without Me.

Some of My best co-workers are those who are cut off from living activity so that they can learn to master the instrument of unceasing prayer.

Whether you are unexpectedly called to take on a difficult and responsible position, go trusting in Me. I entrust you with these difficulties, for for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your deeds, in all your ways, in everything that is done good by your hands. This day I give into your hand this vessel of sacred oil. Use it freely, My child!

Let every difficulty that arises, every word and condemnation that offends you, every obstacle in your work that could cause you a feeling of annoyance and disappointment, every revelation of your weakness and inability be anointed with this oil - it was from Me. Remember that every hindrance is God’s instruction, and therefore put in your heart the words that I spoke to you this day - it was from Me.

Keep them, know and remember - always, Wherever you are, that every sting will become dull when you learn to see Me in everything. Everything was sent by Me for the perfection of your soul - it was from Me .

Prayer “It was from Me”

Have you ever thought that everything that concerns you concerns Me? For whatever touches you touches the apple of My eye.

You are dear in My eyes, highly valuable, and I loved you, and therefore it is a special joy for Me to educate you. When temptations rise against you and the enemy comes like a river, I want you to know that it was from Me.

That your weakness needs My strength and that your safety lies in giving Me the opportunity to fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, among people who don’t understand you, who don’t take into account what pleases you, who push you away - it was from Me.

I am your God, who controls circumstances.

It was not by chance that you ended up in your place; this is the very place that I assigned to you.

Didn’t you ask Me to teach you humility? So look, I placed you in exactly that environment, in that school where this lesson is taught. Your environment and those living with you only fulfill My will.

Whether you are in financial difficulties, it is difficult for you to make ends meet, know that this was from Me.

For I have your material means. I want you to come to Me and be dependent on Me. My supplies are inexhaustible. I want you to be convinced of the faithfulness of Mine and My promises. Let it never be said to you about your need: “You did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32-33).

Are you going through a night of sorrows, are you separated from those near and dear to your heart - It was from Me.

I am a man of sorrows, having experienced illness. I allowed this so that you could turn to Me and in Me you could find eternal consolation. Have you been deceived in your friend, in someone to whom you have opened your heart? It was from Me. I allowed this disappointment to touch you so that you would know that your best friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me. If anyone has slandered you, leave it to Me and cling closer to Me, I will be your refuge, with your soul, to hide from the “quarrel of tongues.” I will “bring forth your righteousness like light, and your destiny like the noonday” (Ps. 36:6). Whether your plans were destroyed, whether you were downcast in soul and tired - It was from Me. You created your own plans and brought them to Me so that I could bless them. But I want you to let Me manage the circumstances of your life, and then the responsibility for everything will be on Me, because it is too hard for you, and you alone cannot cope with them, since you are only a tool, and not an active person.

Whether unexpected failures in life visited you and despondency gripped your heart, know that it was from Me.

For I want your heart and soul to always be on fire before My eyes and to overcome all cowardice in My name.

You don’t receive news from people close and dear to you for a long time and, due to your cowardice, you fall into despair and murmuring, know that it was from Me. For with this yearning of your spirit I test the strength of your faith in the immutability of the promise, the power of your bold prayer for those close to you. For wasn’t it you who handed them over to the Protection of My Most Pure Mother, wasn’t it you who once entrusted the care of them to My providential love?

Whether a serious illness, temporary or incurable, visited you, and you found yourself chained to your bed - it was from Me. For I want you to know Me even more deeply in your bodily weaknesses and not to grumble for this test sent down to you, not to try to penetrate into My plans for the salvation of human souls in various ways, but to meekly and submissively bow your neck to My goodness towards you. Did you dream of doing some special thing for Me and instead lay down on the bed of illness and infirmity - it was from Me.

For then you would be immersed in your affairs and I could not attract your thoughts to Me, but I want to teach you the deepest thoughts that you are in My service. I want to teach you to realize that you are nothing. Some of My best co-workers are those who are cut off from living activity so that they can learn to wield the weapon of unceasing prayer.

Are you suddenly called to take on a difficult and responsible position, relying on Me. I entrust these difficulties to you, for for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your deeds, in all your ways, in everything that will be done with your hands. This day I give into your hand this vessel of sacred oil. Use it freely, My child. Let every difficulty that arises, every word that offends you, every obstacle in your work that could cause a feeling of annoyance and disappointment, every revelation of your weakness and inability be anointed with this oil - It was from Me. Remember that every hindrance is God’s instruction, and therefore put in your heart the word that I announced to you this day - It was from Me.

Keep them, know and remember - always that every sting will become dull when you learn to see Me in everything. Everything was sent by Me for the perfection of your soul - It was from Me.

Portal "Wonderful Diveevo"

03/04/2011 15:26:51

But the hour comes when they are again called to a special service - already being beyond the threshold of earthly existence, becoming after their death, like the already glorified saints, helpers of those living on earth. People come to their graves in an endless stream and, by their faith, receive gracious help.

…Not far from St. Petersburg in the village of Vyritsa there is a temple of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, erected in honor of the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov. On its northern side, closer to the altar apse, there is a small cemetery enclosed by a low fence. On the wooden cross of the first grave on the right is the inscription: “Hieroshemamonk Seraphim, confessor of the Holy Alexander Nevsky Lavra, b. 1865, rested in Bose for 3 days 1949.” An unquenchable lamp burns on the grave. Opposite there is a bench, rarely empty.

During his lifetime, Elder Seraphim Vyritsky said: “Whoever needs my help, come to my grave as if I were alive, tell me your need - and I will help!” For more than forty years, Orthodox people have been coming and going to pray at the priest’s grave, serving countless memorial services, praying, crying, repenting. The spirit of holiness, piety, and inexpressible grace reigns here. To the elder’s grave, as once upon a time at the Smolensk cemetery to Blessed Xenia of Petersburg even before her glorification, people bring notes with their requests, often naive, but filled with faith in the elder’s help.

Elder Seraphim is one of those who helped our Fatherland and our native Orthodox Church survive in the years when it was decided: to be or not to be Orthodox Rus', whether the Russian State would survive.

During the Great Patriotic War, the elder stood on a stone for a thousand nights and prayed for the salvation of Russia, imitating the feat of his heavenly patron, the Monk Seraphim of Sarov. And this prayer was truly effective, as convincing evidence from contemporaries has been preserved.

In 1947, Metropolitan Elijah of the Lebanese Mountains arrived in Russia and told how Russia was saved in the war of 1941-1945 through the intercession of the Mother of God. The Most Holy Theotokos herself revealed to the Vladyka the names of some righteous people through whose prayers the Lord had mercy on Russia. Among them, the Most Pure One was the first to name the name of the elder Hieroschemamonk Seraphim Vyritsky, as well as the names of the prayer books and elders spiritually associated with him.

It is no coincidence that in times of new trials for our Fatherland and its peoples, the image of a great elder and man of prayer was revealed to us.

For Hieroschemamonk Seraphim, distances did not exist; the past, present and future of the people who turned to him were revealed to him, he was given the gift of prophesying about the destinies of the world.

Back in the 30s, the elder said:

Formidable adversities will subside,

Russia will defeat its enemies,

And the name of the great Russian people

How thunder will ring throughout the universe.

It depends on each of us whether these words of the elder will come true. The whole life of Father Seraphim was illuminated by fiery faith, and in the light of this faith and life given to God and people, much can be revealed to us not only in our personal fate, but also in the fate of the Fatherland, since ancient times called the House of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Spiritual testament of Hieroschemamonk Seraphim Vyritsky

"It was from Me"

Father Seraphim addressed this text to one of his spiritual children - a bishop who is in prison. It contains a glimpse of the deepest prayer mystery, revealed in the conversation of God with the soul of man. The life of a schema-monk is filled with constant service in both pain and joy. Only Love, Faith, Hope, and the first greatest of these, and the deepest devotion allow one to accept such a life. Seraphim Vyritsky had all this in his life. There were both believers and non-believers, and non-believers but righteous ones, and fools from God - the essence of God’s beloved children. Everything is righteous and everything has the meaning of the Almighty. The soil of monastic service is fertile, and every seed on it gives rise to fertile shoots, but every seed is necessary, for in the Whole there are no unnecessary parts, that is why it is Whole.

This spiritual testament of the elder is addressed to all of us:

Have you ever thought that everything that concerns you concerns Me? For whatever touches you touches the apple of My eye. You are precious in My eyes, highly valuable, and I loved you, and therefore it is a special joy for Me to educate you. When temptations come upon you and the enemy comes like a river, I want you to know that

- It was from Me.

That your weakness needs My strength and that your safety lies in giving Me the opportunity to protect you. Are you in difficult circumstances, among people who do not understand you, who do not take into account what pleases you, who push you away,

- It was from Me.

I am your God, who has the circumstances, and it is no coincidence that you ended up in your place; this is the very place that I assigned to you. Have you asked Me to teach you humility? And so I put you in that very environment in that school where this lesson is being taught. Your environment and those living with you only fulfill My will. If you are in financial difficulties, it is difficult for you to make ends meet, know that

- It was from Me.

For I have your means at your disposal and I want you to resort to Me and know that you are dependent on Me. My supplies are inexhaustible. I want you to be convinced of the faithfulness of Mine and My promises. Let it never be said to you in your need: “You do not believe the Lord your God.”

Have you ever experienced a night of grief?

You are separated from those near and dear to your heart

- This was sent to you from Me.

I am a man of sorrows, having experienced illness. I allowed this so that you could turn to Me and in Me you could find eternal consolation. Have you been deceived in your friend, in someone to whom you opened your heart?

- It was from Me.

I allowed this disappointment to touch you so that you would know that your best friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me. If anyone has slandered you, leave it to Me and cling closer to Me, I will be your refuge, your soul, to hide from the bickering of tongues. I will bring out your truth and your destiny like light, like the noonday. Your plans have collapsed, your soul has fallen and you are tired

- It was from Me.

You created a plan for yourself, had your own intentions, and you brought them to Me. so that I may bless them. But I want you to allow Me to manage and direct the circumstances of your life, since you are only a tool, and not an actor. Have you suffered unexpected failures in life and despondency has seized your heart, know

- It was from Me.

For I want your heart and soul to always be on fire before My eyes and to overcome all cowardice in My name. For a long time you do not receive news from people close to you, dear to you, due to your cowardice and lack of faith you fall into murmuring and despair, know

- It was from Me.

For with this yearning of your spirit I test the strength of your faith in the immutability of the promises and the power of the boldness of your prayer for these loved ones, for did you not entrust the care of them to My providential love? Are you not even now handing them over to the Protection of My Most Pure Mother? Have you suffered a serious illness, temporary or incurable, and you find yourself chained to your bed?

- It was from Me.

For I want you to know Me even more deeply in your bodily infirmities and not to grumble for this test sent down to you, and so that you do not try to penetrate into My plans for the salvation of human souls in various ways, but meekly and submissively bow your head to My goodness about you. Did you dream of doing some special thing for Me and instead you yourself lay down on the bed of illness and infirmity?

- It was from Me.

For then you would be immersed in your affairs, and I could not attract your thoughts to Me, and I want to teach you My deepest thoughts and lessons, so that you will be at My service. I want to teach you to realize that you are nothing without Me. Some of My best sons are those who are cut off from living activity so that they can learn to wield the weapon of unceasing prayer. Are you called unexpectedly to take a difficult and responsible position, relying on Me, I entrust these difficulties to you, and for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your affairs in all your ways, in everything your Lord will be your Guide and Mentor. On this day, My child, I have given this vessel of consecrated oil into your hands, use it freely. Always remember that every difficulty that arises, every word that offends you, every falsehood and condemnation, every obstacle in your work that could cause a feeling of annoyance, disappointment, every revelation of your weakness and inability will be anointed with this oil

- It was from Me.

Remember that every hindrance is God’s instruction, and therefore put in your heart the word that I announced to you this day

- It was from Me.

Keep them, know and remember - always, wherever you are - that every sting will become dull when you learn to see Me in everything. Everything was sent by Me for the perfection of your soul

- it was all from Me.

https://www.3rm.info/2820-prepodobnyj-serafim-vyrickij.html

Testament of St. Seraphim Vyritsky

IT WAS FROM ME Have you ever thought that everything that concerns you concerns Me too? For whatever touches you touches the apple of My eye. You are dear in My eyes, highly valuable, and I loved you, and therefore it is a special joy for Me to educate you. When temptations rise up against you and the enemy comes like a river, I want you to know that

It was from Me.

That your weakness needs My strength and that your safety lies in giving Me the opportunity to fight for you. Are you in difficult circumstances, among people who do not understand you, who do not take into account what pleases you, who push you away -

It was from Me.

I am your God, who controls circumstances. It was not by chance that you ended up in your place; this is the very place that I assigned to you. Didn’t you ask Me to teach you humility? So look, I placed you in exactly that environment, in that school where this lesson is taught. Your environment and those living with you only fulfill My will. If you are in financial difficulties, you find it difficult to make ends meet, know that

It was from Me.

For I have your material means.
I want You to come to Me and be dependent on Me. My supplies are inexhaustible. I want you to be convinced of the faithfulness of Mine and My promises. Let it not be that they can tell you about your need: “You did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 8:12-13)
. Are you going through a night of sorrows, are you separated from those near and dear to your heart, -

It was from Me.

I am a man of sorrows, having experienced illness. I allowed this so that you could turn to Me and in Me you could find eternal consolation. Have you been deceived in your friend, in someone to whom you opened your heart?

It was from Me.

I allowed this disappointment to touch you so that you would know that your best friend is the Lord.
I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me. If anyone has slandered you, leave it to Me and cling closer to Me, I will be your refuge, with your soul, to hide from the “quarrel of tongues.” I will bring out your righteousness like light and your destiny like the noonday (Ps. 36:6)
. Have your plans been destroyed, have you lost heart and are you tired?

It was from Me.

You created your own plans and brought them to Me so that I could bless them. But I want you to let Me manage the circumstances of your life, and then the responsibility for everything will be on Me, because it is too hard for you, and you alone cannot cope with them, since you are only a tool, and not an active person. Have you been visited by unexpected failures in life and despondency has gripped your heart, know -

It was from Me.

For I want your heart and soul to always be on fire before My eyes and to overcome all cowardice in My name. You don’t receive news from people close and dear to you for a long time and, due to your cowardice, you fall into despair and murmuring, know this:

It was from Me.

For with this yearning of your spirit I test the strength of your faith in the immutability of the promise, the power of your bold prayer for those close to you. For wasn’t it you who handed them over to the Protection of My Most Pure Mother, wasn’t it you who once entrusted the care of them to My providential love? Have you been visited by a serious illness, temporary or incurable, and you find yourself chained to your bed -

It was from Me.

For I want you to know Me even more deeply in your bodily weaknesses and not to grumble for this test sent down to you, not to try to penetrate into My plans for the salvation of human souls in various ways, but to meekly and submissively bow your neck to My goodness towards you. Did you dream of doing some special thing for Me and instead lay down on the bed of illness and infirmity -

It was from Me.

For then you would be immersed in your affairs and I could not attract your thoughts to Me, but I want to teach you the deepest thoughts that you are in My service.
I want to teach you to realize that you are nothing. Some of My best co-workers are those who are cut off from living activity so that they can learn to wield the weapon of unceasing prayer. Are you suddenly called to take on a difficult and responsible position, relying on Me. I entrust these difficulties to you, for for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your deeds, in all your ways, in everything that will be done with your hands. This day I give into your hand this vessel of sacred oil. Use it freely, My child. Let every difficulty that arises, every word that offends you, every obstacle in your work that could cause a feeling of annoyance and disappointment, every revelation of your weakness and inability be anointed with this oil - From Me it was.
Remember that every hindrance is God’s instruction, and therefore put in your heart the word that I have declared to you this day -

It was from Me.

Keep them, know and remember always that every sting will become dull when you learn to see Me in everything.
Everything was sent by Me for the perfection of your soul - It was from Me.
This text, written in poetic form, was addressed by St. Seraphim to one of his spiritual children - a bishop who was in prison.
It contains a glimpse of the deepest prayer secret, revealed in the conversation of God with the soul of man. This is the elder’s spiritual testament, addressed to all of us https://www.ioannp.ru/hram/publications/14/

Try it Friends! And the “practice of Acceptance” will flow in and imperceptibly become Acceptance itself... It was from Me...

This is the spiritual testament of Hieroschemamonk Seraphim Vyritsky. This text, written in poetic form, was addressed by Father Seraphim Vyritsky to one of his spiritual children - a bishop who was in prison. It contains a glimpse of the deepest prayer secret, revealed in the conversation of God with the soul of man. This is the spiritual testament of the elder, addressed to all of us.

Have you ever thought that everything that concerns you concerns Me? For whatever touches you touches the apple of My eye. You are precious in My eyes, highly valuable, and I loved you, and therefore it is a special joy for Me to educate you. When temptations come upon you and the enemy comes like a river, I want you to know that it was from Me.

That your weakness needs My strength and that your safety lies in giving Me the opportunity to protect you. Are you in difficult circumstances, among people who don’t understand you, who don’t take into account what pleases you, who push you away - it was from Me.

I am your God, who disposes of circumstances, and it is no coincidence that you found yourself in your place, this is the very place that I assigned to you. Have you asked Me to teach you humility? And so I put you in exactly that environment, in that school, where this lesson is taught. Your environment and those living with you only fulfill My will. Whether you are in financial difficulties, it is difficult for you to make ends meet, know that this was from Me.

For I have your means at your disposal and I want you to resort to Me and know that you are dependent on Me. My supplies are inexhaustible. I want you to be convinced of the faithfulness of Mine and My promises. Let it never be said to you in your need: Do not trust the Lord your God. Have you ever experienced a night of grief? You are separated from those near and dear to your heart, - This was sent to you from Me. I am a man of sorrows, having experienced illness. I allowed this so that you could turn to Me and in Me you could find eternal consolation. Have you been deceived in your friend, in someone to whom you opened your heart - It was from Me.

I allowed this disappointment to touch you so that you would know that your best friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me. If anyone has slandered you, leave it to Me, and cling closer to Me, your refuge, with your soul, to hide from the bickering of tongues. I will bring out your truth and your destiny as light, like the noonday. Your plans have collapsed, you have lost heart and are tired - It was from Me.

You created a plan for yourself, had your own intentions, and you brought them to Me so that I could bless them. But I want you to allow Me to manage and direct the circumstances of your life, since you are only a tool, and not an actor. Whether unexpected failures in life befell you, and despondency has gripped your heart, know that it was from Me.

For I want your heart and soul to always be on fire before My eyes, and to overcome all cowardice in My name. If you do not receive news for a long time from people close to you, dear to you, due to your cowardice and lack of faith you fall into murmur and despair, know that it was from Me.

For by this yearning of your spirit I will test the strength of your faith in the immutability of the promises and the power of the boldness of your prayer for these loved ones, for was it not you who entrusted the care of them to My providential love? Are you not even now entrusting them to the Protection of My Most Pure Mother? Whether a serious illness, temporary or incurable, befell you, and you found yourself chained to your bed - it was from Me.

For I want you to know Me even more deeply in your bodily weaknesses and not to grumble for this test sent down to you, and so that you do not try to penetrate into My plans for the salvation of human souls in various ways, but meekly and submissively bow your head to My goodness about you. Did you dream of doing some special thing for Me and instead you yourself lay down on the bed of illness and infirmity - it was from Me.

For then you would be immersed in your affairs, and I could not attract your thoughts to Me, and I want to teach you My deepest thoughts and lessons, so that you will be at My service. I want to teach you to realize that you are nothing without Me. Some of My best sons are those who are cut off from living activity so that they can learn to wield the weapon of unceasing prayer. Are you suddenly called to take on a difficult and responsible position, relying on Me. I entrust these difficulties to you, and for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your deeds, in all your ways, in everything your Lord will be your Guide and Mentor.

On this day, My child, I have given this vessel of consecrated oil into your hands; use it freely. Always remember that every difficulty that arises, every word that offends you, every falsehood and condemnation, every obstacle in your work that could cause a feeling of annoyance, disappointment, every revelation of your weakness and inability will be anointed with this oil - It was from Me.

Remember that every obstacle is God’s instruction, and therefore put in your heart the word that I announced to you this day - It was from Me.

Keep them, know and remember - always, wherever you are, that every sting will be dulled when you learn to see Me in everything. Everything was sent by Me for the perfection of your soul - it was all from Me.

Material taken from the book Elder Hieroschemamonk Seraphim Vyritsky prepared by the publishing house of the Brotherhood of St. Alexius in 1996, p. 136

And here is the audio version... It was from me...

Moscow Sretenskaya Theological Academy

Rev. Seraphim Vyritsky 06/21/201615942

The work, known as the spiritual testament of St. Seraphim Vyritsky, is a reflection of his entire ascetic life, closely intertwined with the life of the long-suffering Russian people. In the most difficult years - the years of the Great Patriotic War - this amazing monk was with the people, saying: “As long as my hand rises for blessing, I will receive people!”



Having loved monasticism from his youth, he, in obedience to his spiritual father, lived in the world, was a successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist, knew family happiness, but also knew grief - the death of his beloved daughter, and he himself knew what serious illness and weakness were. By mutual agreement, having lived in a happy marriage for 30 years, he and his wife went to monasteries and took monastic vows.

Father Seraphim's mature years were spent during persecution, and his old age during the Great Patriotic War. At this time, he intensified the feat he had taken upon himself: like Seraphim of Sarov, the monk prayed on a stone every day. And through his prayers in Vyritsa, where the saint lived, not a single building was damaged by shelling, not a single person was killed.

I am your God, who controls circumstances. It was not by chance that you ended up in your place...

St. Seraphim, a strict ascetic who accepted the great schema back in the 1920s, attracted hundreds of people every day.
He confidently said that the Russians would win the war. And back in the 30s, he foresaw that the time would come when the people would win the spiritual war - the domes would shine again and prayer would sound. Everyone came to the perspicacious old man with his grief, and he knew what he was saying when he wrote confidently and unshakably, daring to depict how the Lord loves us: “Everything that concerns you touches the apple of My eye”...

“It was from Me” (spiritual testament)

Have you ever thought that everything that concerns you concerns Me? For whatever touches you touches the apple of My eye.

You are dear in My eyes, highly valuable, and I loved you, and therefore it is a special joy for Me to educate you. When temptations rise against you and the enemy comes like a river, I want you to know that it was from Me.

That your weakness needs My strength and that your safety lies in giving Me the opportunity to fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, among people who don’t understand you, who don’t take into account what pleases you, who push you away - it was from Me.

I am your God, who controls circumstances.

It was not by chance that you ended up in your place; this is the very place that I assigned to you.

Didn’t you ask Me to teach you humility? So look, I placed you in exactly that environment, in that school where this lesson is taught. Your environment and those living with you only fulfill My will.

Whether you are in financial difficulties, it is difficult for you to make ends meet, know that this was from Me.

For I have your material means. I want You to come to Me and be dependent on Me. My supplies are inexhaustible. I want you to be convinced of the faithfulness of Mine and My promises. Let it not be that they can tell you about your need: “You did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 8: 12-13).

Are you going through a night of sorrows, are you separated from those near and dear to your heart - It was from Me.

I am a man of sorrows, having experienced illness. I allowed this so that you could turn to Me and in Me you could find eternal consolation. Have you been deceived in your friend, in someone to whom you have opened your heart? It was from Me. I allowed this disappointment to touch you so that you would know that your best friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me. If anyone has slandered you, leave it to Me and cling closer to Me, your refuge, with your soul, to hide from the “quarrel of tongues.” I will bring out your righteousness like light and your destiny like the noonday (see: Ps. 37:6).

Whether your plans were destroyed, whether you were downcast in soul and tired - It was from Me. You created your own plans and brought them to Me so that I could bless them. But I want you to let Me manage the circumstances of your life, and then the responsibility for everything will be on Me, because it is too hard for you, and you alone cannot cope with them, since you are only a tool, and not an active person.

Whether unexpected failures in life visited you and despondency gripped your heart, know that it was from Me.

For I want your heart and soul to always be on fire before My eyes and to overcome all cowardice in My name.

You don’t receive news from people close and dear to you for a long time and, due to your cowardice, you fall into despair and murmuring, know that it was from Me. For with this yearning of your spirit I test the strength of your faith in the immutability of the promise, the power of your bold prayer for those close to you. For wasn’t it you who handed them over to the Protection of My Most Pure Mother, wasn’t it you who once entrusted the care of them to My providential love?

Remember that every obstacle is God’s instruction

Whether a serious illness, temporary or incurable, visited you, and you found yourself chained to your bed - it was from Me. For I want you to know Me even more deeply in your bodily weaknesses and not to grumble for this test sent down to you, not to try to penetrate into My plans for the salvation of human souls in various ways, but to meekly and submissively bow your neck to My goodness towards you. Did you dream of doing some special thing for Me and instead lay down on the bed of illness and infirmity - it was from Me.

For then you would be immersed in your affairs, and I could not attract your thoughts to Me, but I want to teach you the deepest thoughts that you are in My service. I want to teach you to realize that you are nothing. Some of My best co-workers are those who are cut off from living activity so that they can learn to wield the weapon of unceasing prayer.

Whether you are unexpectedly called to take on a difficult and responsible position, go trusting in Me. I entrust these difficulties to you, for for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your deeds, in all your ways, in everything that will be done with your hands. This day I give into your hand this vessel of sacred oil. Use it freely, My child. Let every difficulty that arises, every word that offends you, every obstacle in your work that could cause a feeling of annoyance and disappointment, every revelation of your weakness and inability be anointed with this oil - It was from Me. Remember that every hindrance is God’s instruction, and therefore put in your heart the word that I announced to you this day - It was from Me.

Holy abodes will be opened again, and faith in God will unite everyone

Keep them, know and remember - always that every sting will become dull when you learn to see Me in everything. Everything was sent by Me for the perfection of your soul - It was from Me.

A thunderstorm will pass over the Russian land

A thunderstorm will pass over the Russian land, the Lord will forgive the sins of the Russian people, and the holy cross will shine brightly with divine beauty on the churches of God.

And the ringing of bells will awaken all of our Holy Rus' from sinful sleep to salvation, holy abodes will be opened again, and faith in God will unite everyone.
(circa 1939)

Orthodox Life

The work, known as the spiritual testament of St. Seraphim Vyritsky, is a reflection of his entire ascetic life, closely intertwined with the life of the long-suffering Russian people. In the most difficult years - the years of the Great Patriotic War - this amazing monk was with the people, saying: “As long as my hand rises for blessing, I will receive people!”

St. Seraphim Vyritsky

St. Seraphim, a strict ascetic who accepted the great schema back in the 1920s, attracted hundreds of people every day. He confidently said that the Russians would win the war. And back in the 30s, he foresaw that the time would come when the people would win the spiritual war - the domes would shine again and prayer would sound. Everyone came to the perspicacious old man with his grief, and he knew what he was saying when he wrote confidently and unshakably, daring to depict how the Lord loves us: “Everything that concerns you touches the apple of My eye”...

“It was from Me” (spiritual testament)

Have you ever thought that everything that concerns you concerns Me? For whatever touches you touches the apple of My eye.

You are dear in My eyes, highly valuable, and I loved you, and therefore it is a special joy for Me to educate you. When temptations rise against you and the enemy comes like a river, I want you to know that it was from Me.

That your weakness needs My strength and that your safety lies in giving Me the opportunity to fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, among people who don’t understand you, who don’t take into account what pleases you, who push you away - it was from Me.

I am your God, who controls circumstances.

It was not by chance that you ended up in your place; this is the very place that I assigned to you.

Didn’t you ask Me to teach you humility? So look, I placed you in exactly that environment, in that school where this lesson is taught. Your environment and those living with you only fulfill My will.

Whether you are in financial difficulties, it is difficult for you to make ends meet, know that this was from Me.

For I have your material means. I want You to come to Me and be dependent on Me. My supplies are inexhaustible. I want you to be convinced of the faithfulness of Mine and My promises. Let it not be that they can tell you about your need: “You did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 8: 12-13).

Are you going through a night of sorrows, are you separated from those near and dear to your heart - It was from Me.

I am a man of sorrows, having experienced illness. I allowed this so that you could turn to Me and in Me you could find eternal consolation. Have you been deceived in your friend, in someone to whom you have opened your heart? It was from Me. I allowed this disappointment to touch you so that you would know that your best friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me. If anyone has slandered you, leave it to Me and cling closer to Me, your refuge, with your soul, to hide from the “quarrel of tongues.” I will bring out your righteousness like light and your destiny like the noonday (see: Ps. 37:6).

Whether your plans were destroyed, whether you were downcast in soul and tired - It was from Me. You created your own plans and brought them to Me so that I could bless them. But I want you to let Me manage the circumstances of your life, and then the responsibility for everything will be on Me, because it is too hard for you, and you alone cannot cope with them, since you are only a tool, and not an active person.

Whether unexpected failures in life visited you and despondency gripped your heart, know that it was from Me.

For I want your heart and soul to always be on fire before My eyes and to overcome all cowardice in My name.

You don’t receive news from people close and dear to you for a long time and, due to your cowardice, you fall into despair and murmuring, know that it was from Me. For with this yearning of your spirit I test the strength of your faith in the immutability of the promise, the power of your bold prayer for those close to you. For wasn’t it you who handed them over to the Protection of My Most Pure Mother, wasn’t it you who once entrusted the care of them to My providential love?

Whether a serious illness, temporary or incurable, visited you, and you found yourself chained to your bed - it was from Me. For I want you to know Me even more deeply in your bodily weaknesses and not to grumble for this test sent down to you, not to try to penetrate into My plans for the salvation of human souls in various ways, but to meekly and submissively bow your neck to My goodness towards you. Did you dream of doing some special thing for Me and instead lay down on the bed of illness and infirmity - it was from Me.

For then you would be immersed in your affairs, and I could not attract your thoughts to Me, but I want to teach you the deepest thoughts that you are in My service. I want to teach you to realize that you are nothing. Some of My best co-workers are those who are cut off from living activity so that they can learn to wield the weapon of unceasing prayer.

Whether you are unexpectedly called to take on a difficult and responsible position, go trusting in Me. I entrust these difficulties to you, for for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your deeds, in all your ways, in everything that will be done with your hands. This day I give into your hand this vessel of sacred oil. Use it freely, My child. Let every difficulty that arises, every word that offends you, every obstacle in your work that could cause a feeling of annoyance and disappointment, every revelation of your weakness and inability be anointed with this oil - It was from Me. Remember that every hindrance is God’s instruction, and therefore put in your heart the word that I announced to you this day - It was from Me.

Keep them, know and remember - always that every sting will become dull when you learn to see Me in everything. Everything was sent by Me for the perfection of your soul - It was from Me.

St. Seraphim Vyritsky

Sretensky Theological Seminary website

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