St. Seraphim of Sarov (1754-1833)

A merchant’s son from Kursk who entered the monastery of Sarov at twenty-four and spent most of the next fifty years alone: in a hut in the forest, on a rock where by his own account he prayed a thousand nights, and in a sealed cell. Robbers who beat him nearly to death were forgiven, and he asked that they not be punished. From 1825 he opened the door, and crowds came to a man who greeted each of them with my joy, Christ is risen, whatever the season. His conversation with the landowner Motovilov is the plainest statement in Russian spirituality of what the Christian life is for: the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, which Motovilov saw shining from his face in the snow. Acquire the spirit of peace, he said, and thousands around you will be saved. Glorified in 1903. Feast: January 2.