St. Seraphim of Sarov

Oversimplified

• One of the most beloved Russian saints (1754–1833), a monk and hermit whose life radiated the joy of the Holy Spirit.
• His teaching that "the aim of the Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit" sums up the Orthodox path in a sentence.

Summary

St. Seraphim of Sarov spent years in solitude, prayer, and ascetic struggle before opening his door to thousands who came for counsel, greeting each as "my joy" with the Paschal cry "Christ is risen!" He is a modern witness to the reality of holiness and the transfiguring presence of grace.

The acquisition of the Holy Spirit

In his Conversation with Motovilov, Seraphim taught that the whole purpose of prayer, fasting, and good works is a means to one end: to acquire the Holy Spirit. Motovilov records seeing the saint shining with the uncreated Light — a living illustration of Palamite theology and Theosis.[^1] See The Holy Spirit, Theosis, Spirituality.

[^1]: The Conversation of St. Seraphim of Sarov with Nicholas Motovilov ("On the Acquisition of the Holy Spirit").