Seraphim of Sarov (in the world Prokhor Moshnin) (07/19/1753-01/2/1833), Russian saint and spiritual thinker. In 1786 Prokhor was tonsured a monk with the name of Seraphim, and the following year he was ordained a deacon. Having accepted this dignity, St. Seraphim began to spend almost all the time in prayer, without leaving the temple. Participating in divine services, he saw holy angels serving the clergy and singing with the brethren.Elder Seraphim taught that the goal of Christian life is to acquire (obtain) the Holy Spirit, he explained the conditions for this acquisition (sobriety of the soul and spirit, purity of the flesh) and its means (fasting, prayer, good deeds). Seraphim of Sarov was canonized in 1903. He is commemorated on January 2/15 and July 19/August 1.The publication is offered both for church-going people and for people just starting their path to God.