Orthodox icon of Saint Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov with scenes of his life (2).
Commemorated January 2nd.
Saint Seraphim is a great ascetic and wonder worker of the Church. He spent most of his life alone in the wilderness where he befriended the wild animals. He was given a vision from the Mother of God to leave his life in solitude and to teach others. With the purest of heart he began to receive visitors and provide spiritual guidance and healing.
His teaching can be summarized by the following quotes: nAcquire the Spirit of Peace and a thousand souls around you will be saved.b"You cannot be too gentle, too kind. Shun even to appear harsh in your treatment of each other. Joy, radiant joy, streams from the face of him who gives and kindles joy in the heart of him who receives." "All condemnation is from the devil.
Never condemn each other instead of condemning others, strive to reach inner peace." "Keep silent, refrain from judgment. This will raise you above the deadly arrows of slander, insult, and outrage and will shield your glowing hearts against all evil."
