On the eve of the feast of glorification of Venerable Seraphim the Wonderworker of Sarov, the vespers service with the akathist to the saint was followed by the vigil service at the Trinity Cathedral. Metropolitan Varsonophius of St. Petersburg and Ladoga presided with the eleven archpastors concelebrating. The vigil services were also served at the Transfiguration Cathedral and the Dormition Church.

Venerable Seraphim, the ever-bright ray of Eternal Sun of truth, brings together the archpastors, priests, statesmen, and laity. According to Prot. Valentin Sventsitsky, no other God-pleasing saint had ever personified the spirit of Russian Orthodoxy like lowly Seraphim, a man of prayer, fasting, who was an affectionate, joyful, all-comforting, and all-forgiving elder of all Russia.

The celebration of the feast of father Seraphim’s glorification has long become a pan-Orthodox event as the miracle-worker of Sarov is revered throughout the world. “All of you, do come to my grave and having fallen before it, share with me, as if I am alive, everything your soul desires, everything that saddens you, or anything that has happened to you. I will hear you, and you will be comforted! Talk to me as if I am alive, and for you I will always stay alive,” the elder was known to say before his death. Just as father requested, during these festive days the faithful flock from every corner of the world to the Diveyevo monastery to venerate his holy relics. This year, due to the complicated epidemiological situation, the memorial days of Venerable Seraphim are held at the presence of a limited number of monastery guests and pilgrims. However, thanks to the live online broadcasts, anyone has an opportunity to participate in the services.

At the end of the Vigil service, Metropolitan Varsonophius of St.Petersburg and Ladoga called on faithful to seek the prayerful intercession of father Seraphim as through him we receive grace, consolation, and direction on our path to salvation.