#Theophany of Jesus Christ

[orthodoxadventure]

Feast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Commemorated on January 6

Theophany is the Feast which reveals the Most Holy Trinity to the world through the Baptism of the Lord (Mt.3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). God the Father spoke from Heaven about the Son, the Son was baptized by Saint John the Forerunner, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the Son in the form of a dove. From ancient times this Feast was called the Day of Illumination and the Feast of Lights, since God is Light and has appeared to illumine “those who sat in darkness,” and “in the region of the shadow of death” (Mt.4:16), and to save the fallen race of mankind by grace.

In the ancient Church it was the custom to baptize catechumens at the Vespers of Theophany, so that Baptism also is revealed as the spiritual illumination of mankind.

The origin of the Feast of Theophany goes back to Apostolic times, and it is mentioned in The Apostolic Constitutions (Book V:13). From the second century we have the testimony of Saint Clement of Alexandria concerning the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, and the night vigil before this Feast.

There is a third century dialogue about the services for Theophany between the holy martyr Hippolytus and Saint Gregory the Wonderworker. In the following centuries, from the fourth to ninth century, all the great Fathers of the Church: Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom, Ambrose of Milan, John of Damascus, commented on the Feast of Theophany.

The monks Joseph the Studite, Theophanes and Byzantios composed much liturgical music for this Feast, which is sung at Orthodox services even today. Saint John of Damascus said that the Lord was baptized, not because He Himself had need for cleansing, but “to bury human sin by water,” to fulfill the Law, to reveal the mystery of the Holy Trinity, and finally, to sanctify “the nature of water” and to offer us the form and example of Baptism.

On the Feast of the Baptism of Christ, the Holy Church proclaims our faith in the most sublime mystery, incomprehensible to human intellect, of one God in three Persons. It teaches us to confess and glorify the Holy Trinity, one in Essence and Undivided. It exposes and overthrows the errors of ancient teachings which attempted to explain the Creator of the world by reason, and in human terms.

The Church shows the necessity of Baptism for believers in Christ, and it inspires us with a sense of deep gratitude for the illumination and purification of our sinful nature. The Church teaches that our salvation and cleansing from sin is possible only by the power of the grace of the Holy Spirit, therefore it is necessary to preserve worthily these gifts of the grace of holy Baptism, keeping clean this priceless garb, for “As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27).

On the day of Theophany, all foods are permitted, even if the Feast falls on a Wednesday or Friday.

[Text from OCA]

When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan the worship of the Trinity was made manifest for the voice of the Father bore witness to You and called You His beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself and have enlightened the world, glory to You!

[apenitentialprayer]

Biggest take away from today's homily: We don't know when we will experience that world-shattering and transformative encounter with Christ at the end of the world; we don't know when we will experience the salvific and glorious encounter with Christ at the end of our lives; but we do know that each time we go to Mass, we will encounter Christ, who is preparing us for those future encounters.

[faithfulreflections]

The Angel of the Lord

The identity of the 'angel of the Lord' is a captivating mystery in the Bible. This enigmatic figure appears in many important stories in the Old and New Testaments, often displaying divine attributes that go beyond those of a typical angel. 

In the Old Testament, the 'angel of the Lord' is not just a messenger but also carries divine authority and power. For example, in Genesis 16:7-12, this angel meets Hagar in the wilderness, offering comfort with a voice that reflects God's omnipotence. Another notable example is in Genesis 22:11-18, where the angel stops Abraham from sacrificing Isaac and speaks as the voice of God. 

These stories suggest that the 'angel of the Lord' may be more than an angel and could possibly be a visible manifestation of God, known as a theophany. This is seen in encounters like the one with Samson's parents in Judges 13:3-22, where they feared they had seen God face to face. This concept of the 'angel of the Lord' being a manifestation of God raises interesting theological questions about how God interacted with people in the Old Testament and how directly humans could encounter God. 

As we move from the Old Testament to the New, there is a significant change in references to this angelic figure. The 'angel of the Lord' appears less frequently, especially after the birth of Jesus. When the angel appears to Joseph in Matthew 1:20-24, it takes on a more traditional angelic role. This shift emphasizes the New Testament's profound focus on Jesus Christ as the complete revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). 

The decreasing appearances of the 'angel of the Lord' after Jesus's birth indicate a significant change. It suggests that Christ has taken on this role, directly intervening in the world. This is reinforced by Jesus's own words in John 8:58, which affirm His eternal presence and role in human history. This transition from the 'angel of the Lord' to Jesus Christ marks a progression in God's revelation, with Jesus being the ultimate revelation to humanity. 

These divine interactions, whether seen as theophanies or Christophanies, are a constant reminder of God's unwavering involvement and commitment to guiding and protecting His people. They offer us a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of God's revelation. Let us strive to understand and cherish the profound mysteries of our faith as they are unveiled through Scripture. 

P.S. Please look at the links below for a detailed discussion of the blog post.

Detailed Blog Post

[foreverpraying]

Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany)

Carl Bloch: Baptism of Christ

Veronese alias Paolo Caliari: Baptism of Christ

Unknown artist: The Baptism of Christ

[discoveringorthodoxy]

Lord, when You were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the voice of the Father gave witness to You, calling You Beloved; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of His words. Glory to You, Christ our God, who appeared and enlightened the world.

-Apolytikion of Theophany (1st Tone)- 

[mindfulldsliving]

Lehi's Theophany in 1 Nephi 1:5-15: Insights and Symbolism

1 Nephi 1:5-15 offers a unique glimpse into divine revelation and its rich symbolism. Theophanies, or encounters with the divine, have played critical roles in scripture, providing pivotal insights and guidance to prophets and the faithful.

Understanding Lehi’s Theophany: Insights and Symbolism in 1 Nephi 1:5-15 Understanding the profound nature of Lehi’s theophany and vision in 1 Nephi 1:5-15 offers a unique glimpse into divine revelation and its rich symbolism. Theophanies, or encounters with the divine, have played critical roles in scripture, providing pivotal insights and guidance to prophets and the faithful. Lehi’s vision,…

[irespectedman]

⛄

Берёзки, стройные занозы, Хрустальным инеем блестят. Стоят Крещенские морозы В преддверии церковных свят.

Народ у проруби собрался, Спускает в воду тяжкий лаз. Паломник первый искупался — С Крещеньем Божиим всех Вас!

⛄

Birches, slender splinters, They shine with crystal frost. There are Epiphany frosts On the eve of the church saints.

People gathered at the ice hole, A heavy hole descends into the water. The pilgrim was the first to bathe - Happy Baptism of God to all of you!

❄☦ Epiphany is a Christian holiday established in honor of the event in gospel history, the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The Baptism of the Lord, or Epiphany, is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on January 19 according to the new style. On the eve of the holiday, January 18, a strict fast was established. The Feast of the Epiphany is one of the most ancient holidays of the Christian Church. Its establishment dates back to the time of the apostles. The ancient name of the holiday is “Epiphany” - phenomenon, or “Theophany” - Epiphany, it was also called “Feast of Lights”, “Holy Lights” or simply “Lights”.

[evangelope]

Jesus Christ is YHWH: Part 1

Both the Old and New Testament testify of the fact that Jesus Christ is God Himself.

This will be Part 1 of many articles to come; examining passages that contain both theophanies and Christopanies; defending the truth that Jesus Christ is our Creator that took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (John 1:1-3)

Learn more at https://evangelope.substack.com

[alatismeni-theitsa]

Ο αγαπιμένι θεία mouuuuuuu, Merry Belated Chrstmas! Christ is born! Alleluia! Speaking of Christmas, what are the differences between an Greek Orthodox Nativity season vs, say, the popular American Christian Christmas season (As a Christian from a culture that isn't Christian by default, I want to take reference from more traditions of Christmas than Amercia, lol)? Love, Ο Ξενος που βασίζεται σε το Google Translate για να το Ελληνικά μιλήσει

Γεια σου αγαπημένε/-η Elby! I'm very sorry for the delay!! Accept my apology and much love for your sweet ask! Initially I was planning to have a big answer but I found a great article from the Greek embassy of Canada that sums many of my points! It also has info about other Greek Orthodox festivals and customs!

Also, take a look at my tags #xmas and #christmas where I have collected a ton of posts about this period!

Some paragraphs from the article for those who are too bored to open it:

Christmas (Χριστούγεννα / Hristougenna), the Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the most joyful days of the Greek Orthodox Church. (my addition: But not the most important of our celebrations! That would be Easter!)

Traditionally, the Christmas holiday period in Greece lasts 12 days, until January 6, which marks the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany).

There are many customs associated with the Christmas holidays, some of which are relatively recent, “imported” from other parts of the world (like eating turkey on Christmas day and decorating the Christmas tree).

In the past, Greeks decorated small Christmas boats in honour of St. Nicholas and today, they are increasingly choosing to decorate boats, instead of trees, reviving this age-old Christmas tradition.

• "Kalanda" or Carols

The singing of Christmas carols (or kalanda) is a custom preserved in its entirety to this day. On Christmas and New Year Eve, children go from house to house in groups singing the carols, accompanied usually by the sounds of the musical instrument "triangle," but also by guitars, accordions, lyres and harmonicas. Until some time ago, children were rewarded with pastries but nowadays they are usually given money.

• Christmas hobgoblins (xotika)

Greece’s hobgoblins are called "kallikántzari”, friendly but troublesome little creatures which look like elves. Kallikantzari live deep down inside the earth and come to surface only during the 12-day period from Christmas until Epiphany. While on the earth’s surface, they love to hide in houses, slipping down chimneys and frightening people. Throughout Greece, there are various customs and rituals performed to keep hobgoblins away. Kallikantzari disappear on the day of Epiphany when all waters are blessed, and they return to the earth’s core.

• Sweets & Treats Traditional culinary delights symbolize good luck in the New Year and adorn the white-clothed tables. "Melomakarona" (honey cookies) and "kourabiedes" (sugar cookies with almonds) are the most characteristic and they characterize the beginning of Christmas festivity. Another traditional custom that dates back to the Byzantine times is the slicing of Vassilopita (St.Basil’s pie or New Year’s Cake). The person who finds the hidden coin in his slice of the cake is considered to be lucky for the rest of the year.

Christmas in Greek Literature & Poetry & Christmas Celebrations

• My additional point would be the Balkan custom of dressing up as wild furry, horned creatures with bells to ward off evil!

[bast38]

The Holy Theophany of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ (Baptism of the Lord)

Commemorated Jan 6

[slaymate]

Ok, so if the choice behind Alki's name was mainly due to the phonetic association with Hades (does this apply to his surname as well?), what about Fani (and her surname)?

Besides the phonetic and/or etymological associations, I always try to pick names that are plausible for a chosen historical or geographical setting. To my knowledge Rum families, especially affluent ones around the 19th century, leaned towards more nostalgic name choices from mythology and antiquity, and Alkiviades fits that bill nicely if you consider his self-important parents. In addition, Alki has an equally long last name, Karakasoglou - it doesn't get much more Ottoman than that, and it translates to "son of the black-browed one". Which, hands down, is pretty goth.

Faní is acoustically derivative of Persephone → Περφε-φόνη → Φανή. Pretty on the nose, though I also like the association with the Christian festivity of Theophany and how it shares roots with Greek terms for revelation, apparition, or light. Her last name is my own grandfather's first name (which in turn translates to "saviour") plus a grammatical affix traditionally seen in Greek family names from Asia Minor. It also alludes to the fact that Jesus Christ is just Persephone ordered from Wish.

[thesynaxarium]

Today we celebrate the Synaxis of the Holy 70 Apostles. These Apostles were chosen by Christ and sent out two by two to preach the Gospel all over the known world. Some of the more well-known Apostles include Luke and Mark the Evangelists, Stephen the Protomartyr, Prochorus the disciple of Saint John the Evangelist, Cleopas to whom Christ appeared on the way to Emmaus, Philip the Deacon and many others. Many of these Apostles died martyric deaths while others reposed peacefully in the Lord. This feast day is celebrated two days before the Holy Theophany because they taught the Trinity, One in essence and undivided. May they intercede for us always + #saint #saints #aposltes #seventyapostles #apostle #mark #stephen #luke #prochorus #cleopas #philip #deacon #protomartyr #martyr #martyrdom #repose #peace #jesus #christ #jesuschrist #faith #trinity #holytrinity #undivided #orthodox #saintoftheday (at Jerusalem Palestine) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm9-KBUhQ3I/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[urbanhermit]

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the oldest Christian feasts, though, throughout the centuries, it has celebrated a variety of things. Epiphany comes from a Greek verb meaning “to reveal” and all of the various events celebrated by the Feast of the Epiphany are revelations of Christ to man. Like many of the most ancient Christian feasts, Epiphany was first celebrated in the East, where it has been held from the beginning almost universally on 6 January. Today, among Eastern Catholics, the feast is known as Theophany—the revelation of God to man. Epiphany originally celebrated four different events, in the following order of importance- the Baptism of the Lord, Christ’s first miracle, the changing of water into wine at the wedding in Cana, the Nativity of Christ, and the visitation of the Wise Men or Magi. Each of these is a revelation of God to man – at Christ’s Baptism, the Holy Spirit descends and the voice of God the Father is heard, declaring that Jesus is His Son, at the wedding in Cana, the miracle reveals Christ’s divinity, at the Nativity, the angels bear witness to Christ and the shepherds, representing the people of Israel, bow down before Him and at the visitation of the Magi, Christ’s divinity is revealed to the Gentiles—the other nations of the earth. Eventually, the celebration of the Nativity was separated out, in the West, into Christmas and shortly thereafter, Western Christians adopted the Eastern feast of the Epiphany, still celebrating the Baptism, the first miracle and the visit from the Wise Men. Thus, Epiphany came to mark the end of Christmastide—the Twelve Days of Christmas (celebrated in the song), which began with the revelation of Christ to Israel in His Birth and ended with the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles at Epiphany. Over the centuries, the various celebrations were further separated in the West and now the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on the Sunday after today and the wedding at Cana is commemorated on the Sunday after the Baptism of the Lord. https://www.instagram.com/p/CnE9iOprxBV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Friday, November 11, 2022

novembre 11_september 29

THE MONASTIC MARTYR ANASTASIA THE ROMAN (256)

The Monastic Martyr Anastasia the Roman lost her parents when she was three years old, and was taken to be raised by the Igoumeness of a women’s monastery, whose name was Sophia, a nun who had attained a high degree of spiritual perfection. She raised Anastasia in fervent faith, in the fear of God, and obedience. After seventeen years, Anastasia became known as a great ascetic, and she was very beautiful.

The Emperor Decius (249-251) began his persecution of Christians at that time. The city administrator, Probus, following the Emperor's orders, commanded that Anastasia be brought to him. Blessed by her Igoumeness to suffer for Christ, the young martyr Anastasia went out to meet the armed soldiers. Seeing her youth and beauty, Probus first tried flattery to make her deny Christ.

“Why do you waste your youth deprived of pleasure?" he asked. "What is to be gained by enduring tortures and death for the Crucified? Worship our gods, marry a handsome husband, and live with glory and honor.”

While Saint Anastasia stood before the ruler, her mind stood before Christ, and with her spiritual eyes, she beheld the comeliness of her Bridegroom.

The Saint replied, “My spouse, my riches, my life and my happiness are my Lord Jesus Christ, and you cannot turn me away from Him by your deceit!”

Probus had her stripped of her clothing, in order to humiliate her. She told him, "You can have me whipped, beaten, and cut to pieces, and then my nakedness will be hidden by my wounds, and my blood will cover my shame."

Probus subjected Anastasia to horrible tortures. The holy martyr bravely endured all of them, glorifying and praising God. When she became thirsty she asked for some water, and a Christian named Cyril gave her a drink. She thanked him, but Probus had him beheaded.

Then her tormentors cut off her breasts and ripped out her tongue, while an Angel held her upright. When the people witnessed the inhuman and disgusting treatment the Saint received, they became indignant, and Probus was forced to end the tortures by having her beheaded. In this manner, Saint Anastasia received the unfading crown of martyrdom.

Saint Anastasia's body was thrown outside the city limits to be eaten by wild animals, but the Lord did not permit her holy relics to be dishonored. By the instructions of a holy Angel, Igoumeness Sophia found Saint Anastasia’s mutilated body. With the help of two Christians, she buried it in the earth.

Her right tibia with the skin is at Grigoriou Monastery on Mount Athos, and pieces of her relics are at the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg.

Saint Anastasia the Roman should not be confused with Saint Anastasia Pharmakolytria, who is commemorated on December 22.

THE MONK ABRAHAM, ARCHIMANDRITE OF ROSTOV  (Valaam 1073)

Saint Abramius, Archimandrite of Rostov, in the world Abercius, left his parents’ home in his youth and entered upon the path of Christian asceticism. Having assumed the monastic schema, Abramius settled at Rostov on the shore of Lake Nero. In the Rostov lands there were many pagans, and the saint worked intensely at spreading the true Faith.

Not far from the cell of the saint was a pagan temple, where the pagans worshipped a stone idol of Veles (Volos), which caused fright among the inhabitants of Rostov. In a miraculous vision the Apostle John the Theologian stood before Abramius, and gave him a staff with a cross on top, with which the venerable one destroyed the idol. At the place of the pagan temple, Saint Abramius founded a monastery in honor of the Theophany and became its head.

In memory of the miraculous appearance, the holy monk built a church named for Saint John the Theologian. Many of the pagans were persuaded and baptized by Saint Abramius. Particularly great was his influence with the children to whom he taught the ability to read and write, instructing them in the law of God, and tonsuring monastics from among them.

Everyone who came to the monastery was accepted with love. The saint’s life was a constant work of prayer and toil for the benefit of the brethren: he chopped firewood for the oven, he laundered the monks’ clothing and carried water for the kitchen. Saint Abramius reposed in old age and was buried in the church of the Theophany.

His holy relics were uncovered in the time of Great Prince Vsevolod (1176-1212). In the year 1551, Tsar Ivan the Terrible, before his campaign against Kazan, made the rounds of holy places. At the Theophany-Abramiev monastery the monks showed him the staff with which Saint Abramius had destroyed the idol of Veles. The Tsar took the staff with him on the campaign, but the cross remained at the monastery. And returning again after the subjugation of the Khan, Ivan the Terrible gave orders to build a new stone church at the Abramiev monastery in honor of the Theophany, with four chapels, and he also supplied it with books and icons.

Source: All texts Orthodox Church in America

LUKE 11:23-26 

23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. 24 When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

COLOSSIANS 4:10-18 

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. 16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." 18 This salutation by my own hand-Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

[hieromonkcharbel]

“TO BRING THE earth into submission” means to make it the temple of God. To consecrate the world is to make it pass from a demonic state to its nature as a creature conscious of God. No form of life or culture escapes the universal reach of the Incarnation. The image of all perfection, Christ took on the priesthood and the laity, all vocations, professions and trades in the world. “God so loved the world,” even in its sinfulness. The cosmic dimension of Christ’s victory, which destroys all barriers, is revealed by his descent into the very reaches of hell. Theosis is an essentially dynamic process in which the action of sharing in God’s life has repercussions for the whole of the cosmos, just as praise of God projects his glory to all that is human.

In the cosmology of the Fathers, which has nothing in common with natural ethics, the universe is moving towards its fulfillment in the full view of creation, even fuller because of the Incarnation. Christ takes up and fulfills, makes full that which was arrested by the Fall and manifests the saving Love without imposing his plan on us, who are concelebrants of the cosmic liturgy, co-workers with him

God is present in the world in a different way than he is present in his own Body. The Church has his explicit presence, the world has this implicitly. The Church’s task is that of St Paul in Athens when he discerned the “unknown God” and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:22-31). The work of spreading the Gospel must permeate civilization, turning it towards the Orient from on high, Christ himself. . . .

The paradox of Christian faith stimulates creativity in the world. But in the final phase true culture, in its eschatological dimension, makes the world shine, obliges history to leave its boundaries. Here it is not the way that is impossible, it is the impossible which is the way and the charisms of the Spirit help to realize it: “Divine power, capable of creating . . . a way through the impossible” (St Gregory of Nyssa). These are the radiant irruption of the “Wholly Other,” coming from the very depths of the same. All the forms of culture should lead to this border of the two worlds where they meet, relating the one to the other. This is the passage of the earthly “having” to the heavenly “being” of the Kingdom. The world in the Church, this is the Burning Bush located at the very heart of existence.

A great mind, a thinker, an artist, a social reformer, all ought to be able to rediscover the charisms of the royal priesthood, and each, as such a “priest,” can make of his or her work a priestly action, a sacrament transforming every form of culture into a place of theophany. This is to sing the Name of God in the midst of science, of thought, of social action (“the sacrament of the brother”), or of art. Thus in its own way, culture joins with the Liturgy, rendering it a “cosmic liturgy.” Culture itself becomes doxology, praise of God. . . .

In the eternal Liturgy of the age to come we, with all the elements of our culture passed through the fire of the last purifications, will sing the glory of our Lord. But already, here below we of the one community, the great thinker, artist, all as priests of the universal priesthood, celebrate our own Liturgy in which the presence of Christ is manifest according to the measure of the purity of those who receive and contain him. As skilled iconographers, we delineate with the matter of this world and in the light of the Transfiguration an entirely new reality in which slowly the mysterious figure of the Kingdom is made transparent.

—Paul Evdokimov, “Culture and Faith”

[discoveringorthodoxy]

St. Seraphim of Sarov the Wonderworker

Christ is Baptized in the Jordan by John!

Hello my brothers and sisters in Christ! I pray that you all continue to have a blessed Theophany and blessed new year! Today I would like to look into the life of St. Seraphim of Sarov, one of the most beloved Saints in recent Orthodox history. I have seen a lot of quotes from this saint but I never knew much about him. I only knew that he was often depicted with a bear. Why is that? Why is he so well loved? Today we're going to find out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prokhor Moshnin (Feast Day: 2 January) was born in the town of Kursk on July 30th in either the year 1754 or 1759. He was born into the family of a wealthy eminent merchant. He lost his father, Isidore, at a young age and was brought up by his pious widowed mother, Agathia. Since he was a child, Prokhor would read the Holy Scripture and go to church services daily. One day, he fell from a bell tower of the church his father had started building before his death. However, a miracle happened and Prokhor was alive and unharmed (St. Seraphim of Sarov).

When Moshnin was around 9 or 10 years old, be became gravely ill. One day, the most holy Mother of God appeared to him in a dream, telling him that she was going to heal him. When Agathia put him up to the miracle-working icon of the Mother of God called "The Sign", he was miraculously healed.

When he was 19, the saint felt a call to follow the monastic path after visiting the monastery of Sarov. So, Agathia blessed him and gave him a large crucifix made out of copper, which St. Seraphim would wear over his clothes until the day he passed. At the age of 20, he joined the Sarov Monastery as a novice.

In 1780, the Saint was stricken with a sickness which he endured for three years, until the Theotokos healed him, appearing to him with the Apostles Peter and John (Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov).

In 1786, Prokhor was tonsured a monk and was given the name Seraphim, after the holy Hieromartyr Seraphim, Bishop of Phanarion (Dec. 4). St. Seraphim was ordained a hierodeacon and then a hieromonk. He served the Divine Liturgy every day and in his love for God, continually added labours to labours. Once, during the Divine Liturgy of Holy Thursday, he was counted worthy of a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ, who appeared encompassed by the heavenly hosts (Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov). After this vision, St. Seraphim gave himself over to greater labors.

In 1794, St. Seraphim got a blessing from the Monastery's Hegumen Nicodemus to become a hermit. So, he took up the solitary life in a cell in the forest, where he lived in a remote cabin. The Saint devoted most of his time to praying, fasting, reading the Gospel, and working in his vegetable garden (St. Seraphim of Sarov). He spent 1000 successive nights being awake and praying on his knees. This period of extreme asceticism lasted about 15 years and his only visitors were wild animals.

Once while living in isolation, St. Seraphim was assaulted by robbers who severely injured him. They broke his chest and his head with their blows, leaving him almost dead. Even though he could have defended himself, he did not and completely forgave the robbers for their crime. St. Seraphim began to recover after receiving another appearance from the Theotokos, who was accompanied by the Apostles Peter and John. The Theotokos pointed to St. Seraphim and said to him, "This is one of my kind" (Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov).

In 1810, after being weakened by his more than human struggles, St. Seraphim returned to the monastery, where he lived as a recluse until 1825. For the first five years of his reclusion, he spoke to no one at all and very little is known about this period. After five years, he began receiving visitors, giving them counsel and consolation to ailing souls.

In 1825, he had another vision of the Mother of God, who blessed him to become an elder. She revealed to him that it was pleasing to God that he fully end his seclusion. Thousands of people would come to him for advice and blessing. People remembered the elder as extremely meek and joyful, greeting everyone with the words, "My joy, Christ is risen!" It was also at the command of the Theotokos that St. Seraphim undertook the spiritual direction of the Diveyvo Convent. The Saint healed "body ailments, foretold things that were to come, brought hardened sinners to repentance, and saw clearly the secrets of the heart of those who came to him" (Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov).

The last time the most holy Theotokos appeared to St. Seraphim was on Annunciation in 1831. She announced to him that he would soon enter into his rest. The holy Virgin was accompanied by twelve-virgin martyrs and monastic saints with St. John the Baptist and St. John the Theologian.

Shortly before his death, St. Seraphim became very ill. And less than two years after his last vision of the Theotokos, he fell asleep in peace on January 2, 1833. He was found asleep by his cell attendant standing on his knees in front of the icon of the Mother of God.

On the night of his repose, the righteous Philaret of the Glinsk Hermitage behind his soul ascending to Heaven in light. Because of the universal testimony to the holiness of his life, and the multitude of miracles that he performed in life and death, St. Seraphim's veneration quickly spread outside of Russia to the whole world (Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov). And on July 19, 1903, St.Seraphim of Sarov was canonized by the Orthodox Church.

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St. Seraphim of Sarov is often depicted with a bear in his icons. The story behind this is as follows:

One day Matrona, one of the nuns at the monastery, saw St. Seraphim sitting on a tree trunk in the company of a bear. Being terrified, she let out a scream. The elder, seeing her, patted the bear and sent him away. He then invited the nun to sit beside him. But, they had barely sat down together when the bear returned from the wood and came and lay at St. Seraphim's feet. Matrona was terrified but when she saw that St. Seraphim was unconcerned. He was treating the bear like a lamb, stroking him and giving him bread. When Matrona was wholly reassured, the Elder gave her a piece of bread and said: "You needn't be the least afraid of him, he won't hurt you." So, she held out the bread to the bear, and felt great joy as it ate the bread.

Seeing how much Matrona was enjoying feeding the bear, Fr. Seraphim said: "You remember the story of St. Jerome feeding a lion in the desert? Well, here we've got a bear obeying us."

"The sisters would die of fright if they saw such a sight!" Matrona exclaimed.

"They won't see it," replied the Elder.

"I'd be very sad if anyone killed him," Matrona went on.

"Nobody will kill him and nobody except yourself will see him," answered Fr. Seraphim.

Matrona was rejoicing at the thought of telling the sisters about it, but Elder Seraphim, reading her thoughts, said to her, "'No, my joy, you're not to tell anyone until eleven years after my death. Then God will show you whom to tell."

A day came years after St. Seraphim's death where Matrona went past an artist's studio in the monastery. The artist was working on a portrait of the Elder in the forest on a tree trunk. "You really must paint the bear!" Matrona told him. "What bear?" the artist asked in surprise. Then Matrona told him the story and remembered the Elder's words. Eleven years had gone by since his repose (Carlson).

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St. Seraphim of Sarov is indeed a holy and blessed man. His life alone shows the beauty of God's grace and love for all of us. There were many times where St. Seraphim could have fallen to illness, but through the Theotokos, God healed him. He had every opportunity to give up and not fully commit himself to God. For example, the 1000 nights of prayer. If I did that now, I wouldn't make it very long. But St. Seraphim, through the grace of God, did.

I love the words that he greeted everyone with: "My joy, Christ is risen!". I might start doing the same to my brothers and sisters.

And the fact that he reposed while praying to God is the most beautiful thing. If I had to choose how I'd die, that is the death I'd seek.

The story behind the bear is also beautiful. I think it's interesting how his words about revealing the story of the bear came true. And St. Seraphim was so peaceful and holy that a wild bear felt safe to lie at his feet. It is truly a testament to the kind of person St. Seraphim was.

Until next time and may God bless all of you!

Love your sister in Christ,

Joanna

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Works Cited:

Carlson, Kristofer “The Story of St Seraphim of Sarov and the Bear.” Why Mary Matters, 3 Sept. 2017, http://wmm.dormitionpress.org/archives/1285.

“Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov .” Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=366.

“St. Seraphim of Sarov.” Https://Obitel-Minsk.org/, St. Elisabeth Convent, https://obitel-minsk.org/st-seraphim-of-sarov.