Glorification of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, the Wonderworker — July 19 / August 1 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 19 according to the Julian Calendar (August 1 civil calendar), the Orthodox Church commemorates the glorification (canonization) of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, the great Russian wonderworker and mystic, which took place in the year 1903.

The Venerable Seraphim was born in 1754 in Kursk, Russia, and entered the Sarov Monastery as a young man. He lived as a monk for decades, practicing extreme asceticism — at one point spending a thousand days and nights standing in prayer on a stone in the forest. He was also known for periods of complete silence lasting years.

After long years of solitary labor, Seraphim opened his cell to all who came to him. He greeted every visitor with the words ‘Christ is Risen!’ regardless of the time of year, and guided thousands of souls in the spiritual life. He was especially beloved for his warmth, joy, and compassion — his face was said to radiate a visible divine light in the presence of those he guided.

The Venerable Seraphim reposed in peace in 1833, and his remains were found incorrupt. He was glorified — formally recognized as a saint — by the Russian Orthodox Church on July 19 (Old Style), 1903, in a ceremony attended by Tsar Nicholas II and an enormous crowd of faithful.

Saint Seraphim of Sarov is one of the most beloved saints of the Orthodox world. His words ‘Acquire the Holy Spirit and thousands around you will be saved’ have become a cornerstone of Orthodox spiritual teaching. His feast is celebrated twice: on January 2 for his repose, and on July 19 for his glorification.