Venerable Seraphim of Sarov - from portrait to icon. Icon of the Seraphim of Sarov in which it helps Icon of the Seraphim of Sarov in which it helps

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In the middle of the 18th century, a boy was born in the Moshnin family, who was named Prokhor. From childhood it was clear that he was under the special protection of the Lord. The boy's father died early, and his mother was involved in raising him.

The path of Seraphim of Sarov to the Lord

Miracles with Prokhor began to happen from early childhood. One day, a little boy followed his mother to see how the construction of a new temple, started by his father, was going on. The child, driven by curiosity, climbed onto the bell tower and fell off it. However, the boy did not receive a single injury. This was considered by many to be a sign of the special mercy of God.

Prokhor studied diligently, loved to attend church services and pray. When he was ten years old, he became seriously ill. The Mother of God herself appeared to him and promised that he would soon recover. After some time, the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" was carried by the widow's house in a procession with the cross. The mother put the boy to her, and he went on the mend. This event predetermined the fate of the child - he decided to devote his life to serving the Lord.

Monastic path of Seraphim of Sarov

At the age of 17, the young man decided to take monasticism and went to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. In the holy monastery lived the perspicacious hermit Dositheus, who saw in the young man the servant of Christ. Two years later, the recluse blesses the novice to go to the Sarov monastery.

From the age of 19, the guy has been serving in the Sarov monastery with the abbot, Elder Pachomius. He devotes all his free time to reading the psalter, spiritual books and prayer. However, the soul of the ascetic longed for solitude. And he, having received permission from the brethren, began to go into the forest, where he prayed for a long time.

He slept only a few hours a day, endured illnesses on his feet and refused any help, trusting only in the Lord. When Seraphim of Sarov became so ill that his life was in danger, the Mother of God appeared again and healed him.

At the age of 28, Prokhor was tonsured a monk and named Seraphim. A year later, he was ordained a hierodeacon. At the age of 35, the ascetic leaves the monastery and goes to live in a deep forest.

Spiritual exploits of Seraphim

Throughout his life, the Monk Seraphim lived in solitude in a cell, which was located in an impenetrable forest. Only once a week did he come to the monastery to take part in the Liturgy.

• The ascetic planted a vegetable garden near his cell, raised bees, from which he ate. He ate extremely little and exclusively plant foods.
• All year round wore the same clothes.
• I read the Gospel and spiritual literature every day.
• Seraphim of Sarov, imitating the great pillar monks, prayed on a stone for a thousand days. This is how the ascetic is most often depicted on icons.

The spiritual deeds of the righteous man caused the Devil to embitter. He sent robbers to him, who wanted to cash in, thinking that Seraphim had riches. Finding nothing, they severely beat the saint. And only thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God, he remained alive and soon recovered. After this incident, the elder had a hunched figure.

The monk founded the Diveyevo monastery and spiritually took care of the sisters who came to him for advice. The Mother of God instructed him to place separate widows and young maidens, which he did. It is in this monastery that the imperishable relics of the saint and the icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness" belonging to him are kept.

In 1810 the monk returned to the monastery, but he continued to keep a vow of silence and lived in seclusion. And only when the Queen of Heaven, having appeared, allowed him to lift the vow of silence and complete the closure, he began to receive believers.

When do they ask for help from Seraphim of Sarov

• During mental anguish. They ask the Holy Spirit to visit the heart and give peace to the soul. The first sign of His presence is considered to be a state of humility and repentance. Only through them can one feel spiritual joy.
• If a person gets lost, stumbled and began to lead an inappropriate way of life, through prayers to the saint, he can direct the Christian to the true path.
• They pray to the saint with a request for deliverance from pride and despair. Sometimes a person cannot cope with these mortal sins on his own, so you need to ask for help from the saints and the Lord.
• Prayer to the righteous can help you get a good position, or find a job. God blesses those who seek to provide for their families by earning a living by honest work.
• In prayers to the saint, they ask for healing from serious diseases. There is evidence that Seraphim of Sarov performed many miracles during his lifetime, healing even mortal diseases with the help of prayer and water from a spring. However, a person should understand why the Lord allowed him this or that illness. The saint especially helps with diseases of the internal organs and legs.
• Young people can pray to the righteous man to help them find a spouse and create a strong Orthodox family. Crowned believers ask for the strengthening of love between spouses, as well as for peace and prosperity in the family.
• Often a saint helps in business or trade, but only if the money is earned honestly, and part of the funds will be spent on good deeds.

The monk taught how to pray correctly. You should carefully listen to each word, delving into their meaning. During prayer, it is necessary to unite mind and soul. Over time, the Lord will warm the soul, and prayer will bring joy. You should not undertake prayer work that you cannot afford. For the laity, the saint compiled a small prayer rule, which is in every prayer book.

On the old New Year, on the eve of the feast in honor of St. Seraphim of Sarov, pilgrims gather in Diveyevo to go on a procession with the sisters along the canal of the Virgin at night. Believers walk, reciting the prayer "Rejoice to the Virgin Mary, Virgin!"

Christians believe that it is at this moment that prayer addressed to the saint is the most powerful and is able to heal the most serious diseases and receive help in any petition.

You can pray to the saint in any life situation, or when you need spiritual support or protection.

Prayers to Seraphim of Sarov

Prayer to Seraphim of Sarov for healing and good luck in trade

O wonderful Father Seraphim, the great Sarov miracle worker, a hasty helper to all who come running to you! In the days of your earthly life, no one else is skinny and inconsolable from you, but everyone will see your face in sweetness and the pleasant voice of your words. To this, the gift of healings, the gift of insight, the gift of the weak souls of healing are abundant in you. Whenever God calls you from earthly labors to heavenly repose, your love will cease from us, and it is impossible to count your miracles, as if the stars of heaven: behold, all over the end of the earth our people of God appear and grant them healings. The same we cry out to you: oh, the prettiest and meek servant of God, bold to Him a prayer book, who does not call you to cut off, lift up your benevolent prayer for us to the Lord of Forces, may strengthen our state, may grant us all that is useful in this life and all to the soul useful to salvation, may it protect us from the fall of sinfulness and teach us true repentance, to bring us into the eternal Heavenly Kingdom without any doubt, where you are now in the everlasting glory, and there you will sing with all the saints the Life-Giving Trinity until the end of the age. Amen.

Prayer for love and marriage

O great saint of God, venerable and God-bearing our Father Seraphim!

Look from the Heavenly Glory on us, the humble and the weak, burdened with many sins, your help and consolation, those who ask. Come to us with your mercy and help us keep the Lord's commandments immaculately, keep the Orthodox faith firmly, earnestly bring repentance in our sins to God, gracefully prosper in Christian piety and be worthy of your prayer for us to God.

She, holier than 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 intercede us with your prayers from the evil slander of the devil, may we not have those power, but let us be worthy of your help to inherit the blessedness of the abode of paradise

On thee we put our hope now, merciful Father, truly guide us to salvation and lead us to the never-ending light of eternal life by your divine 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 centuries. Amen!

Prayer to Seraphim of Sarov for help

About Venerable Father Seraphim! Lift up about us, servant of God (names), your beneficent prayer to the Lord of forces, may grant us everything that is useful in this life and all that is useful to spiritual salvation, may he protect us from the falls of sinful and true repentance, may he teach us, in the hedgehog to impart to us into the eternal Heavenly Kingdom, where you now shine in unrequited glory, and there you chant with all the saints the Life-Giving Trinity for ever and ever.

Troparion to the Monk Seraphim of Sarov, Tone 4

From the youth of Christ you loved, blessed, and to the One who worked ardently with lust, you fought by unceasing prayer and labor in the wilderness, having acquired the love of Christ with a tender heart, the chosen one beloved of the Mother of God appeared. For this, for the sake of thy cry: save us with your prayers, Seraphim, venerable our Father.

Kontakion to the Monk Seraphim of Sarov, Tone 2

The beauty of the world and even perishable in it, having left, venerable, in the Sarov monastery you entered; and having lived there like an angel, for many was the path to salvation. For this sake, and Christ to you, Father Seraphim, glorify, and enrich with the gift of healings and miracles. The same cry to thee: Rejoice, Seraphim, venerable our father.

In Christianity, there are a large number of legendary icons. One of the most popular is the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, the value of which is very difficult to overestimate. The saint was born in the 18th century, but over the years of his life he contributed to the formation of the Christian faith by righteous deeds. During his lifetime, he managed to help a large number of people. And today they turn to his image with prayers.

In the article, we will consider some facts from the life of the saint, the meaning, in which the icon of Seraphim of Sarov helps, and what miracles are performed today.

The life of the monk

Seraphim was born in the middle of the 18th century in Kursk. The saint's family was prosperous.

When the boy was three years old, his father died. Shortly before the death of Seraphim, he began the construction of the temple. After his death, all responsibilities fell on the boy's mother. Once she took her son with her to a construction site. The child, playing, fell from the bell tower. The woman was very frightened, but, going downstairs, she saw her son safe and sound. In this she considered God's care.

The second time the boy's life was threatened when he was 10 years old. He became very ill. There was no hope of recovery. But one night little Seraphim dreamed of the Mother of God, who promised to heal him.

At this time, there was a procession along Kursk with the miraculous icon of the Sign of the Mother of God. Agafya, that was the name of the child's mother, put her son to her and asked for his speedy recovery. After that, Seraphim, or, as he was also called after baptism, Prokhor, went on the mend.

Later, when the boy grew up, his older brother, who was engaged in trade, began to teach Prokhor his skills. The boy was not at all interested in this. His soul yearned for God. He visited the temple daily and prayed all the time. To do this, he had to wake up early in the morning in order to be in time for the morning service. Prokhor quickly learned to read and write and began to read the Holy Scriptures. Mom drew attention to the desire of her son to be closer to the Lord and was delighted with this, so she did not force him to go to help his brother.

Already in adolescence the young man made a decision to devote his life to serving God. His mother did not object to her son and gave her blessing.

His first teacher was the recluse Dosifei from the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery. It was he who considered the boy a true servant of Christ and blessed the young boy to live in the Sarov desert.

At the age of nineteen in Sarov, Prokhor was received by the elder in the desert, Elder Pachomius. This is how the divine service of the monk to the Lord began. After he was called Seraphim of Sarov. Throughout his life, he carried his special relationship to the Mother of God.

Death of Seraphim

Seraphim of Sarov's icon "Tenderness" was in his cell all his life, near which he smeared parishioners with oil from the icon lamp. And it was near this icon, praying, that the elder gave his soul to God. Before his death, the Mother of God came to him in a dream and announced his imminent death. Knowing that he would soon be gone, the elder prepared his own grave and gave his last orders.

The elder expected his death with joy. It was an opportunity for him to be reunited with the Lord.

And his main inheritance - the icon of "Tenderness" - Seraphim of Sarov bequeathed to the sisters of the Diveyevo monastery. And he gave the order to arrange a separate cell for her, for which he allocated funds.

"Tenderness", a favorite icon of Seraphim of Sarov, in the photo below.

Finding relics

Only at the beginning of the last century was the canonization of the Monk Seraphim of Sarov carried out. On his birthday, the relics were transferred to the Sarov monastery. The procession with the relics and the icon, according to historians, was grandiose and lasted all day. They also argue that such a holiday in Russia was the first time. During the opening of the coffin with the relics, all those present fell on their knees, including the emperor, who also participated in the procession.

In the same year, a book was published with the teachings of the monk, which he managed to write before repose.

Iconography

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

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 on it younger than those years in which he passed away.

His gaze is confident, happy and intent. The face expresses calmness, thin in shape, hair combed back. In general, the appearance of the monk radiates kindness and grace.

Near the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, the feeling that he is looking directly into the soul does not leave.

Iconographic images of the monk

Often on icons, Seraphim of Sarov is presented in 4 guises:

• The most common is an old man with a staff.
• The feat of standing. The period when Seraphim stood on a stone in a prayer position for about 1000 days.
• An image with a rosary in one hand and the other blessing those in need.
• Prayer arms folded crosswise on the chest.

History of the icon

Before talking about how the icon of Seraphim of Sarov helps, let us consider its history.

The first was written immediately after the death of the elder. He was awarded this thanks to his bright deeds during his lifetime. Seraphim constantly received parishioners, relieved them of illness, and helped with advice. He was merciful and generous.

The next and one of the largest icons was painted a little later, at the beginning of the last century. That year when the relics of the monk were transferred. This happened thanks to Nicholas II, who initiated the canonization of the Monk Seraphim.

On these icons, the elder is depicted both waist-deep and full-grown. He holds a cross in one hand, and raises the other up, crossing his fingers. With this gesture, he directs everyone who looks at the icon towards the sky.

Where is the icon?

As noted above, one of the first icons is located in America. In general, today, perhaps, there is not a single orthodox church, wherever there is an image of Seraphim of Sarov.

And, of course, the most ancient icon is in the Sarov Monastery in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

The miraculous face is in Old Peterhof at the Serafimovskoye cemetery.

The miraculous image is kept in Estonia in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ.

One of the most famous images of an old man with a stone is kept in the Yelokhovsky Epiphany Cathedral.

Part of the relics of the elder remained in the Danilov Monastery. Two miraculous lists are also kept here.

Icon of Seraphim of Sarov. Meaning, what helps

Often many of us, coming to church, do not even know where which icon is located and how it helps. We mistakenly approach the first one that we like, and ask for ourselves, relatives. This does not mean that our hopes will not come true, and our requests will go unnoticed. After all, if we come with faith in our souls and truly need help, the Lord will not leave us.

But it is much better to understand which saint, angel, archangel is responsible for what, to ask for protection and blessing purposefully.

Seraphim of Sarov differs from all other saints in his great love for the Almighty, for which he was gifted with the ability to heal and the ability to predict the future.

He knew almost all the questions for answers with which the suffering ones came to him. Therefore, to this day, the icon of the elder brings grace and blessing to the house.

Of course, not everyone believed him and often questioned his words, but later they became convinced that they were wrong. The icon especially helps those who truly believe in its power of healing.

Healing methods

Its methods are quite simple. He helped only with prayer and holy water. Nothing has changed today. It is better to ask a saint for help, turning to him in prayer.

Despite enough simple methods, Seraphim could heal even seriously ill people, often already incurable. The world knows plenty of such cases even today.

Water from the holy spring is considered curative. It is located in the Diveyevo Monastery. Many come there to bathe in the sacred spring and be cured of diseases.

With the help of prayer, he asked the Lord to help everyone who asked for help during his lifetime, and after death he prays for everyone in need.

The meaning of the icon of the Monk "Tenderness", or as it is called "Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon"

It was believed that the icon brings health. The monk called her "The Joy of All Joys."

The Mother of God often appeared to the elder. Once she and he himself healed from a fatal illness.

Today, the original is kept in the Church of the Vladimir Icon in Moscow.

On the image, the eyes of the Virgin Mary are humbly lowered, which indicates that she is waiting for the coming of the Son of the Lord. Both arms are folded across the chest in a cross.

It is believed that this icon patronizes the female half of humanity:

• Girls ask for help in personal matters. For a husband to be good and faithful, the children are healthy.
• The Mother of God also helps in everyday life problems.
• It instills in a person confidence and strength to cope with everyday troubles.

The Virgin Mary demonstrates by her example how you can overcome despair and at the same time remain humble.

Seraphim's "Affection" is considered the purest and most sublime image of the Virgin Mary.

What do they pray for in front of the face of Seraphim of Sarov?

Since the priest was revered during his lifetime, many prayers and akathists were written immediately after his death. And this despite the fact that Seraphim had not yet been canonized at that time.

Often they pray in front of the icon:

• On the preservation of the family.
• About healing both your own and those close to you.
• In case of difficult childbirth.
• If a girl wants to marry successfully.
• About getting rid of bad habits.
• In case of difficulties, get rid of the temptation.
• About help in work.
• Women turn to when they cannot conceive a child.
• In moments of sorrow and despair.

When addressing a saint through prayer or from oneself, it is very important to have an open heart and pure thoughts. Otherwise, the request will not be fulfilled. It is very important to sincerely believe in what you are asking for.

What is the right way to pray?

It is not often that people who come to the temple understand how to pray correctly and why to do it.

Prayer is a conversation with the Almighty. She shows us our sins. But what is the right way to do it?

Reading a prayer correctly is hard work that needs to be learned.

1. Reading it requires complete concentration. Memorizing and automatic reading will not bring any results. It is important to focus on what you are saying. A technical reading of a prayer can evoke "prayer" pride, which is also considered a sin.
2. Sincere repentance and true awareness of your sins.
3. Accept. One of the important factors that does not allow from a sincere reading to pass unnoticed to pharisaism.
4. While reading a prayer, you can light a church candle. It doesn't matter where you pray - in church or at home in front of the image.
5. Before reading any prayer, it is necessary to read Our Father.
6. When addressing a particular saint, it is important to take into account real events from their lives. And if we talk about Seraphim, then he spent his whole life in work and believed that this was the only way to get closer to the Almighty.
7. He said that you need to rejoice in what you have.
8. Turning to him helps to find peace and peace of mind.

Memorial day of the reverend

Memorial Day of the saint is celebrated twice a year.

On these days, solemn services are held in churches throughout the country in honor of the memory of the saint. And men who bear the name Seraphim celebrate their name days.

Miracles created through prayers to Seraphim of Sarov

It is impossible to list all the miracles that were performed during the life of the saint and after his death. But you can remember the most famous and first ones:

1. The first and most famous miracle is when he fell from the bell tower as a child and remained unharmed. This case has already been written above.
2. The next miracle happened to the saint in his youth, when he was in a monastery. His body was swollen from dropsies. In a dream, the image of the Virgin Mary appeared to him, who touched his leg with her rod. Since that time, Seraphim has been on the mend.
3. Seraphim predicted the exact date of his own brother's death 48 years before it happened.
4. He possessed the gift of clairvoyance. He always knew in advance the content of the letters that came to him, without even opening them.
5. Even the animals listened to him. One of the servants who lived with Prokhor, after his death, said that he witnessed how the elder hand-fed a bear that was initially trying to attack him.

In the article, we examined short description the life of the saint, the miracles that happened to him, the description of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov, its meaning, which helps. And also how to read prayers correctly so that they have their power. We hope that our article will be useful to you.

The icon of Seraphim of Sarov - meaning, what helps?

Seraphim of Sarov, thanks to his good deeds, was rewarded by God with the gift of clairvoyance and healing. He could see people's hearts and their true thoughts. Seraphim knew how to look into the past and the future. The value of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov for Orthodox people is enormous, since it constantly performs miracles, helping believers in various issues. People can turn to the saint for various reasons, and they can ask not only for themselves, but also for loved ones, and even enemies.

The meaning of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov and how does it help?

The possibilities of the image of this saint are directly related to his abilities during his lifetime. The icon has several areas of application, and everyone can turn to the Higher Forces with its help.

How does the icon of Seraphim of Sarov help:

To receive the help of the Higher Forces, you need to turn to the saint with a pure heart and an open soul. Any selfish motives will become a wall that will prevent prayer from reaching its goal. It is recommended to go to church, put a candle in front of the image and read a prayer. In the temple, you should also buy an icon and three candles, and already pray in front of the image of the house.

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Icon of Seraphim of Sarov: how to pray, meaning, help

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Seraphim of Sarov became famous for his exploits of monasticism, hermitage, vows of silence, seclusion, pillage, and obedience. For this, the Lord endowed him with the ability to heal and the gift of predictions. Prayers to the icon to Saint Reverend Seraphim of Sarov helped the queen to give birth to the heir to Emperor Nicholas II. During his lifetime, the saint wrote a letter to the "last king" and warned of the overthrow.

Seraphim Sarovsky

Seraphim was born in Kursk. At baptism in 1779 he was given the name Prokhor. The boy loved to read the scriptures in solitude. After meeting with Elder Dositheus in his youth, he made a decision with the blessing of his mother at the age of seventeen to take monastic vows. He was given the Name Seraphim in the Sarov monastery, where Elder Joseph was his teacher. Seraphim spent almost half of his life praying in the forest. He grew vegetables in the garden and was engaged in beekeeping, he ate this.

Father Seraphim spent his days in labors and tireless prayers. He did not feel envy and lived very modestly, rejoiced in trifles and did not lose heart. Glory found Seraphim after years reclusive life. Laymen and monks turned to him for advice and help. Everything that the elder sometimes advised people seemed strange and incomprehensible. But then they were convinced that he was right. All who converted received support in prayers and treatment with spring water, which healed and gave peace of mind.

He cured the landowner Manturov from a leg disease. As a token of gratitude, Manturov gave up the property, sold it, became a beggar and devoted his further life to serving God. In the Sarov and Diveyevo monasteries, the cases of healing by Father Seraphim were confirmed in writing.

He addressed people tenderly and reverently with lacquer words. Therefore, in prayers he is called "Seraphimushka", "Father", "Father Seraphim". His face is depicted on icons and frescoes. Usually this is a gray-haired old man in simple clothes.

Orthodoxy celebrates the memory of Father Seraphim twice a year: January 15 and August 1. But this does not mean that they apply only these days.

The meaning of the icon of Seraphim of Sarov and how it helps

The image of a saint is support in despondency and temptation. They pray to him to bestow love and develop memory, they ask him to get rid of devilish obsessions.

What they pray to the icon of Seraphim of Sarov:

• about curing a disease;
• about a successful marriage;
• about protection from ill-wishers and robbers;
• about help in financial matters.

The icon has several areas of application and everyone who applies receives support. The image of a saint is especially helpful in dealing with diseases. Seraphim himself was ill a lot. At ten years old, a serious illness threatened with death, but the icon of the Mother of God helped. Later he suffered from a serious illness, dropsy. But the prayers to the Mother of God helped him cope with the illness.

During his lifetime, Father Seraphim advised never to lose heart and believe in your own strength, to be demanding of yourself, not to condemn people. The saint convinced all converts of the steadfastness of faith. Many schismatics were influenced and joined the church. The words were confirmed by predictions, cures and miracles. The warriors who received the blessing of Seraphim remained unharmed in battle.

The miraculous icon of Seraphim of Sarov "Tenderness" helps to find harmony, find peace of mind, overcome temptations and doubts, and gives healing. The icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness" was revered by the Saint, he died in front of her during prayer.

Lonely girls and women turn to the image of the Saint. He is the patron saint of successful marriages. A prayer read for spring water will be effective. A lit candle and the image of the Saint are placed near the water, they drink water and sprinkle the bed and the room.

How and in what way does the icon of Seraphim of Sarov help for business related to trade. It is important that petitions are not directed to personal strengthening. financial condition, but to help other people and to various benefits. Selfish requests will become a wall and will not allow you to get what you want.

To receive support, people are approached with sincere faith and an open mind. It is recommended to visit the temple, put a candle in front of the icon and read a prayer service. In the temple, you can also buy an icon, three candles, and read a prayer at home.

Oh, the delightful saint of God, the glorious glory of Orthodoxy, the adornment of the Russian Land, the great lamp of the whole world, Spiritual Father Seraphim! With warm faith, we tenderly glorify thee, for you have been blessed with the Holy Spirit more than measure. For your purity and for your many deeds and incessant prayers, God enrich you with wondrous gifts: heal the sick in the hedgehog, drive out demons, comfort the weak, see the future, as if the present. More than the glorious manifestations of the Most Pure, you have been honored with many things, even your favorite name is thee. The Lord is one

You have been rewarded with the Savior in the temple. And you yourself shone wonderfully with the grateful uncreated light of the Kingdom of God, and the whole world was teaching the acquisition of the grace of the Holy Spirit by word and deed. But even now, enjoying the blessed light of the Holy Trinity, do not forget to visit people, all over the world your name is calling.

Even so, if we are sinful beings, in our sorrows we ask for your mercy: direct us to the path of repentance, ask for grace, and to us unworthy, please our hearts with good hopes for the mercy of God: you have said so many times with sad words: do not be discouraged to us; Christ is risen, death kill, abolish the devil. And I also commanded you to come to your grave. May we also hear your welcoming voice: do not be discouraged, my joys! stay awake, save yourself! crowns for such are prepared in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

How does the icon of Seraphim of Sarov help and what is its meaning

The Monk Elder Seraphim of Sarov gained fame and glory as a holy righteous man during his lifetime. It is surprising that this man did not have a spiritual dignity, however, from an early age he was honored to behold the Mother of God with his own eyes.

The icons of the Monk Seraphim of Sarov are a living reminder of his spiritual deed and the gifts that he received from the Holy Spirit and used for the benefit of people.

In Orthodox Christianity, the icons of Seraphim of Sarov are not so much a decorative function as they enable a believer to focus all his thoughts on prayer and communion with God and the saints. After all, human nature is very weak, and he can easily be distracted by foreign objects.

The life of Saint Seraphim

Speaking about the icon-painting image of the Monk Seraphim, it is important to know who this saint was and what his earthly life and spiritual deed were like.

The Monk Seraphim was born more than two centuries ago in a wealthy merchant family who lived in Kursk. At birth, the boy was named Prokhor. The family was left without a father when the boy was very young. All the brightest and kindest that was in his soul, he absorbed from his mother. As a child, Prokhor was honored with the appearance of the Mother of God, and his whole life passed under her patronage and protection. At the age of 17, the young man received a blessing from a pious old woman and went to the Sarov desert for obedience.

A few years later, the young man was tonsured under the name Seraphim.

In 1807, the monk Seraphim received God's blessing for the deed of silence and for this purpose retired in the forest. He spent three years in the forest, after which he returned to the monastery, but continued to avoid meeting people.

Then Seraphim began to receive both monastic brethren and worldly pilgrims throughout the day. Everyone who came to him, he hugged and kissed with the words "Christ is Risen" and anointed with oil from the lamp.

Throughout his life, Seraphim carried a reverent attitude in the Mother of God. There was always an icon "Tenderness" in his cell. It was near this image that Monk Seraphim departed to the Lord during prayer.

Towards the end of his life, the old man's legs hurt badly, but at the same time, heartfelt joy and peace did not leave him for a minute. Before his death, he again had the honor of contemplating the Queen of Heaven. She told the elder that soon he would be taken to her to heaven. After this, the monk elder prepared a grave for himself and gave his last orders. The elder did not feel fear in the face of death, but perceived it as an opportunity to be in the heavenly abode next to the Lord.

Since the elder knew about the day of his death in advance, he managed to say goodbye to all his acquaintances and give them his last instructions. He bequeathed his favorite icon "Tenderness" to the sisters of the Diveyevo Monastery. The elder even gave money to the abbess of the monastery so that a "cell for the Lady" was prepared there.

Miracles performed through the prayer of Seraphim

1. For the first time such a miracle happened when young Prokhor fell from a high church bell tower. After that, he got to his feet and there were no injuries on him. And at the age of 10, Prokhor was healed by the Mother of God, who appeared to him in a dream, from a serious incurable illness.
2. Already being in the monastery, Prokhor suddenly fell ill with dropsy. His body was swollen. After the communion of the holy gifts, the Mother of God appeared to the young man, touched his leg with her rod and healed him.
3. The Monk Seraphim indicated to his brother the exact day of his death 48 years before this event.
4. Once a deacon arrived at the Sarov monastery, who the day before falsely accused another priest of unseemly acts. When this deacon came to the holy elder, he drove him away, seeing deceit and slander against an innocent man. After that, during three years the sinner could not serve in the church - his tongue began to grow numb. This continued until he confessed to slander and repented.
5. Even animals listened to the Monk Seraphim. One of the monks, who lived in the monastery at the same time as Seraphim, told how Seraphim sat on a block and fed a huge bear standing in front of him with breadcrumbs. Out of fear, the monk hid behind a tree and watched as the wild beast left the Monk Seraphim into the forest. When the animal left, Seraphim asked the monk Peter not to disclose to anyone what he had seen until the death of Seraphim.
6. In 1825, the Monk Elder, while on the banks of the Sarovka River, beheld the Mother of God and the holy apostles John and Peter. The Blessed Virgin hit the ground with her staff and a fountain of water gushed out from there. Then she ordered the construction of the Diveyevo monastery in this place. Father Seraphim brought from the monastery necessary tools and dug a well with my own hands for 2 weeks. Subsequently, the water from this well began to bring people miraculous healings from various ailments.
7. The Monk Elder Seraphim possessed a great gift of clairvoyance. Very often he received letters and knew about their contents without even opening the envelope. Many such unopened letters were subsequently found in his possession.
8. There are witnesses of how the elder ascended above the earth during prayer. However, he demanded to keep it secret until his death.

Through the prayers of Seraphim, health was repeatedly restored even to incurable patients. These miracles are far from the only ones performed by the elder according to his great faith and spiritual purity. Even after the death of the saint, his icon helps people to gain health and courage in difficult times, strengthens spirit and flesh those who make sincere prayer.

Uncovering of the relics of Seraphim of Sarov

The canonization and acquisition of the relics of the Monk Elder Seraphim of Sarov took place on August 1, 1903. His relics were solemnly transferred to the shrine on his birthday.

On this day, more than 300 thousand people gathered in the city of Sarov for the celebration. All-night funeral services were held in the Sarov monastery. Before the canonization, a procession was made to the Sarov monastery from the Diveyevo monastery. Throughout this procession, sacred hymns were sung. On the way, the procession stopped at the chapels where the litias were performed.

The second procession went out to meet the relics. After the meeting, the united procession moved towards Sarov. In the evening of the same day, St. Seraphim of Sarov glorified in the face of saints.

After that there was the coffin with the relics of the holy elder is opened... At this time, everyone knelt down, including the emperor himself. According to historians, this holiday was one of the most solemn in Russia. The instructions of the venerable elder were voiced. Some of them were written down with their own hand, while others were heard and recorded from the saint by other people. The relics of the saint rest in the Sarov desert.

Shortly after canonization was printed and released "Conversation on the Purposes of the Christian Life"... This conversation took place shortly before the dormition of the monk.

The history of the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Already some time after the Assumption of the Monk Father Seraphim, it was written the first icon dedicated to him... Since the holy elder throughout his life was distinguished by mercy and a righteous lifestyle, he became a shining example to all generations of Orthodox Christians.

The very first icons began to appear after 1833, when the venerable elder passed away. In 1903, after the canonization of the reverend father, a series of new icons was painted on the initiative of Emperor Nicholas. These included and largest in size.

On these images the venerable elder is depicted up to the waist or in full growth. The right hand of Saint Seraphim is raised up, and his fingers are crossed. With such a gesture, the saint, as it were, makes the sign of the cross over everyone who looks at the icon. Seraphim holds a cross in his left hand.

What you can pray for in front of the icon of Seraphim

The Monk Seraphim acquired the gift of performing miracles during his lifetime. The people revered him as a saint and very often asked for advice and support on a wide variety of everyday and spiritual issues. That is why it is very useful to offer prayers in front of the icon or the relics of the holy elder at the moment when any trouble overtook you, you experience despair and breakdown.

Saint Seraphim called our despondency and sorrow the most serious sins... Therefore, in order to get rid of these misfortunes, one can make a prayer request to the icon. This will help you gain strength and joy in life.

The miraculous capabilities of the holy icon are directly related to the lifetime abilities of Saint Seraphim. Anyone can refer to the icon, since it has many different aspects of application.

In what cases should one pray to Seraphim of Sarov?

1. During his earthly life, the monk elder told those who came to him that very it is important to be tolerant of others and remain demanding of your own personality... He called people believe in yourself and never give up... Thus, you can offer a prayer to this saint when you need strength and faith in yourself to solve all your pressing problems.
2. The icon of Seraphim of Sarov "Tenderness" will help everyone who turns to it to find themselves and their destiny, pacify our emotional experiences and find peace and strength of spirit. The icon helps to find inner harmony and balance between the external material world and the inner state of a person. In these cases, the holy elder will become your spiritual guide and comforter.
3. It is very useful to offer prayers before the icon of Seraphim of Sarov for people who have serious health problems... The Monk Seraphim possessed the gift of healing the sick even during his lifetime. Turning to an icon will help get rid of not only bodily but also mental ailments.
4. There are many cases when a prayer appeal to the icon of St. Seraphim helped single girls find their betrothed and successfully marry... For family people, this icon will help to establish a warm atmosphere in the house and keep the love and warmth of a marriage relationship for a long time.
5. Another important area of \u200b\u200bour earthly life, in which we can ask Seraphim for help, is business... First of all, we are talking about trade. However, in this case, it is very important to remember that you need to ask not for material well-being for yourself, but blessings for good endeavorsthat can benefit people.

How to pray to the reverend elder

The Holy Scriptures teach that in order to receive help from our Father in heaven and the saints, one should offer prayers with a pure heart and soul. If you have any secret or obvious selfish motives, your prayer may not achieve the goal.

1. It would be best to come to the temple with a pure soul, light a candle and read a prayer in front of the holy image. In addition, you can buy an icon and several candles in the church, and then pray also at home.
2. When offering prayers, it should be remembered that it would be more correct to pray, not proceeding from the "specialization" of one or another heavenly patron, but believing in the unshakable power of God, which is endowed with every icon or prayer.
3. However, there are still traditions of praying to the saints based on the real events of their lives. If we are talking about the Monk Elder Seraphim, all his life he was constantly busy with some useful work for the good of others. In his opinion, in this way one can approach the Heavenly Father.
4. The saint bequeathed to people to rejoice in what you have and to be grateful to God. In addition, he taught never to give up and not give up, to do more and speak less. It is on the basis of these instructions that we need to raise our prayers in front of the icon of Seraphim, ask him for spiritual support, so as not to succumb to temptation and receive strength and wisdom in a difficult situation.
5. The Monk Seraphim helps to find peace in the process of mental throwing. These prayers help to find harmony and peace of mind.

It should be noted, however, that Orthodox teaching does not recommend giving saints and icons the opportunity to help in strictly specific requests. After all, the most important thing that is required when offering prayer is sincere faith and openness of the soul.

One can offer prayers to the holy elder Seraphim of Sarov not only for oneself, but also for our relatives and friends. You can even pray for your enemies.

In Orthodoxy there are a large number of very different icons. Each of them has a unique history and significance that cannot be overestimated.

One of the most common and famous icons is the image of Seraphim of Sarov. The saint made a huge contribution to the formation of the Christian faith. During his lifetime, he helped a large number of people, and today miracles are performed through prayers to Saint Seraphim. Pray to Seraphim of Sarov in front of his icon to get rid of ailments and strengthen your faith in the Lord.

History of the icon

The first icon dedicated to the saint was painted immediately after the death of Elder Seraphim, who lived in the monastery and received people every day, saving them from health problems, helping with advice. The saint was distinguished by great righteousness and mercy, and therefore became an example for all future generations of Christians.

The saint died in 1833, so his first icons began to appear around the same time. New icons of St. Seraphim, including the largest one, were painted in 1903 after Nicholas II initiated the canonization of Seraphim of Sarov.

Description of the icon

The icons depict the holy elder in full growth or waist-high. His right hand is raised and his fingers are crossed. It seems to be making the sign of the cross on everyone who looks at this icon. In the second hand, Seraphim holds a cross.

Where is the icon

This image was and is an obligatory icon not only at home, but also in the temple. There are practically no churches that you would not find this image... One of the oldest icons is still in the Sarov Monastery in the Tambov Region.

How does the icon help?

During his lifetime, Seraphim helped people get rid of problems of all kinds. That is why the icon can be placed anywhere, because it is universal. They will preserve the marriage, and educate the children, and add health. You can pray in front of her whenever you want - there are no exact instructions from the church on this matter. You can read Our Father or the Creed.

• January 15 - the day of the death of Seraphim of Sarov, which is the day of his veneration.
• August 1 - the day of the uncovering of the relics of the saint.

Prayer before the icon

“O Reverend Father our Seraphim! Lift up your good prayers to the Lord for us, so that he will grant us all the blessings in this life and everything that will help the salvation of the soul, but he protected us from all sins and taught us true repentance in order to help us enter the Kingdom of Heaven, where you are now and you sing with all the saints the Life-Giving Trinity for ever and ever. Amen".

Live according to Christian commandments and read prayers every day, regardless of whether everything is good or bad. Know how to thank God for the bright days given to you. We wish you good luck and well-being. Be happy and don't forget to press the buttons and

He gained fame and glory as a holy righteous man during his lifetime. It is surprising that this man did not have a spiritual dignity, however, from an early age he was honored to behold the Mother of God with his own eyes.

The icons of the Monk Seraphim of Sarov are a living reminder of his spiritual deed and the gifts that he received from the Holy Spirit and used for the benefit of people.

In contact with

Classmates

In Orthodox Christianity, the icons of Seraphim of Sarov are not so much a decorative function as they enable a believer to focus all his thoughts on prayer and communion with God and the saints. After all, human nature is very weak, and he can easily be distracted by foreign objects.

The life of Saint Seraphim

Speaking about the icon-painting image of the Monk Seraphim, it is important to know who this saint was and what his earthly life and spiritual deed were like.

The Monk Seraphim was born more than two centuries ago in a wealthy merchant family who lived in Kursk. At birth, the boy was named Prokhor. The family was left without a father when the boy was very young. All the brightest and kindest that was in his soul, he absorbed from his mother. As a child, Prokhor was honored with the appearance of the Mother of God, and his whole life passed under her patronage and protection. At the age of 17, the young man received a blessing from a pious old woman and went to the Sarov desert for obedience.

A few years later, the young man was tonsured under the name Seraphim.

In 1807, the monk Seraphim received God's blessing for the deed of silence and for this purpose retired in the forest. He spent three years in the forest, after which he returned to the monastery, but continued to avoid meeting people.

Then Seraphim began to receive both monastic brethren and worldly pilgrims throughout the day. Everyone who came to him, he hugged and kissed with the words "Christ is Risen" and anointed with oil from the lamp.

Throughout his life, Seraphim carried a reverent attitude in the Mother of God. She was always in his cell. It was near this image that during prayer the monk Seraphim departed to the Lord.

Towards the end of his life, the old man's legs hurt badly, but at the same time, heartfelt joy and peace did not leave him for a minute. Before his death, he again had the honor of contemplating the Queen of Heaven. She told the elder that soon he would be taken to her to heaven. After this, the monk elder prepared a grave for himself and gave his last orders. The elder did not feel fear in the face of death, but perceived it as an opportunity to be in the heavenly abode next to the Lord.

Since the elder knew about the day of his death in advance, he managed to say goodbye to all his acquaintances and give them his last instructions. He bequeathed his favorite icon "Tenderness" to the sisters of the Diveyevo Monastery. The elder even gave money to the abbess of the monastery so that a "cell for the Lady" was prepared there.

Miracles performed through the prayer of Seraphim

It is not possible to list all the miracles that the Heavenly Father performed through the prayer of Elder Seraphim. The news of the created miracles appears again and again.

1. For the first time such a miracle happened when young Prokhor fell from a high church bell tower. After that, he got to his feet and there were no injuries on him. And at the age of 10, Prokhor was healed by the Mother of God, who appeared to him in a dream, from a serious incurable illness.
2. Already being in the monastery, Prokhor suddenly fell ill with dropsy. His body was swollen. After the communion of the holy gifts, the Mother of God appeared to the young man, touched his leg with her rod and healed him.
3. The Monk Seraphim indicated to his brother the exact day of his death 48 years before this event.
4. Once a deacon arrived at the Sarov monastery, who the day before falsely accused another priest of unseemly acts. When this deacon came to the holy elder, he drove him away, seeing deceit and slander against an innocent man. After that, for three years the sinner could not serve in the church - his tongue began to grow numb. This continued until he confessed to slander and repented.
5. Even animals listened to the Monk Seraphim. One of the monks, who lived in the monastery at the same time as Seraphim, told how Seraphim sat on a block and fed a huge bear standing in front of him with breadcrumbs. Out of fear, the monk hid behind a tree and watched as the wild beast left the Monk Seraphim into the forest. When the animal left, Seraphim asked the monk Peter not to disclose to anyone what he had seen until the death of Seraphim.
6. In 1825, the Monk Elder, while on the banks of the Sarovka River, beheld the Mother of God and the holy apostles John and Peter. The Blessed Virgin hit the ground with her staff and a fountain of water gushed out from there. Then she ordered the construction of the Diveyevo monastery in this place. Father Seraphim brought the necessary tools from the monastery and dug a well with his own hands for 2 weeks. Subsequently, the water from this well began to bring people miraculous healings from various ailments.
7. The Monk Elder Seraphim possessed a great gift of clairvoyance. Very often he received letters and knew about their contents without even opening the envelope. Many such unopened letters were subsequently found in his possession.
8. There are witnesses of how the elder ascended above the earth during prayer. However, he demanded to keep it secret until his death.

Through the prayers of Seraphim, health was repeatedly restored even to incurable patients. These miracles are far from the only ones performed by the elder according to his great faith and spiritual purity. Even after the death of the saint, his icon helps people to gain health and courage in difficult times, strengthens spirit and flesh those who make sincere prayer.

The canonization and acquisition of the relics of the Monk Elder Seraphim of Sarov took place on August 1, 1903. He was solemnly transferred to the shrine on his birthday.

On this day, more than 300 thousand people gathered in the city of Sarov for the celebration. All-night funeral services were held in the Sarov monastery. Before the canonization, a procession was made to the Sarov monastery from the Diveyevo monastery. Throughout this procession, sacred hymns were sung. On the way, the procession stopped at the chapels where the litias were performed.

The second procession went out to meet the relics. After the meeting, the united procession moved towards Sarov. In the evening of the same day, St. Seraphim of Sarov glorified in the face of saints.

After that there was the coffin with the relics of the holy elder is opened... At this time, everyone knelt down, including the emperor himself. According to historians, this holiday was one of the most solemn in Russia. The instructions of the venerable elder were voiced. Some of them were written down with their own hand, while others were heard and recorded from the saint by other people. The relics of the saint rest in the Sarov desert.

Shortly after canonization was printed and released "Conversation on the Purposes of the Christian Life"... This conversation took place shortly before the dormition of the monk.

The history of the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Already some time after the Assumption of the Monk Father Seraphim, it was written the first icon dedicated to him... Since the holy elder throughout his life was distinguished by mercy and a righteous lifestyle, he became a shining example to all generations of Orthodox Christians.

The very first icons began to appear after 1833, when the venerable elder passed away. In 1903, after the canonization of the reverend father, a series of new icons was painted on the initiative of Emperor Nicholas. These included and largest in size.

On these images the venerable elder is depicted up to the waist or in full growth. The right hand of Saint Seraphim is raised up, and his fingers are crossed. With such a gesture, the saint, as it were, makes the sign of the cross over everyone who looks at the icon. Seraphim holds a cross in his left hand.

What you can pray for in front of the icon of Seraphim

The Monk Seraphim acquired the gift of performing miracles during his lifetime. The people revered him as a saint and very often asked for advice and support on a wide variety of everyday and spiritual issues. That is why it is very useful to offer prayers in front of the icon or the relics of the holy elder at the moment when any trouble overtook you, you experience despair and breakdown.

Saint Seraphim called our sorrow the most grievous sins... Therefore, in order to get rid of these misfortunes, one can make a prayer request to the icon. This will help you gain strength and joy in life.

The miraculous capabilities of the holy icon are directly related to the lifetime abilities of Saint Seraphim. Anyone can refer to the icon, since it has many different aspects of application.

In what cases should one pray to Seraphim of Sarov?

1. During his earthly life, the monk elder told those who came to him that very it is important to be tolerant of others and remain demanding of your own personality... He called people believe in yourself and never give up... Thus, you can offer a prayer to this saint when you need strength and faith in yourself to solve all your pressing problems.
2. The icon of Seraphim of Sarov "Tenderness" will help everyone who turns to it to find themselves and their destiny, pacify our emotional experiences and find peace and strength of spirit. The icon helps to find inner harmony and balance between the external material world and the inner state of a person. In these cases, the holy elder will become your spiritual guide and comforter.
3. It is very useful to offer prayers before the icon of Seraphim of Sarov for people who have serious health problems... The Monk Seraphim possessed the gift of healing the sick even during his lifetime. Turning to an icon will help get rid of not only bodily but also mental ailments.
4. There are many cases when a prayer appeal to the icon of St. Seraphim helped single girls find their betrothed and successfully marry... For family people, this icon will help to establish a warm atmosphere in the house and keep the love and warmth of a marriage relationship for a long time.
5. Another important area of \u200b\u200bour earthly life, in which we can ask Seraphim for help, is business... First of all, we are talking about trade. However, in this case, it is very important to remember that you need to ask not for material well-being for yourself, but blessings for good endeavorsthat can benefit people.

How to pray to the reverend elder

The Holy Scriptures teach that in order to receive help from our Father in heaven and the saints, one should offer prayers with a pure heart and soul. If you have any secret or obvious selfish motives, your prayer may not achieve the goal.

1. It would be best to come to the temple with a pure soul, light a candle and read a prayer in front of the holy image. In addition, you can buy an icon and several candles in the church, and then pray also at home.
2. When offering prayers, it should be remembered that it would be more correct to pray, not proceeding from the "specialization" of one or another heavenly patron, but believing in the unshakable power of God, which is endowed with every icon or.
3. However, there are still traditions of praying to the saints based on the real events of their lives. If we are talking about the Monk Elder Seraphim, all his life he was constantly busy with some kind of useful work for the good of his neighbors. In his opinion, in this way one can approach the Heavenly Father.
4. The saint bequeathed to people to rejoice in what you have and to be grateful to God. In addition, he taught never to give up and not give up, to do more and speak less. It is on the basis of these instructions that we need to raise our prayers in front of the icon of Seraphim, ask him for spiritual support, so as not to succumb to temptation and receive strength and wisdom in a difficult situation.
5. The Monk Seraphim helps to find peace in the process of mental throwing. These prayers help to find harmony and peace of mind.

It should be noted, however, that Orthodox teaching does not recommend giving saints and icons the opportunity to help in strictly specific requests. After all, the most important thing that is required when offering prayer is sincere faith and openness of the soul.

One can offer prayers to the holy elder Seraphim of Sarov not only for oneself, but also for our relatives and friends. You can even pray for your enemies.

Seraphim Sarovsky