Valentine Zander Translated by Sister Gabriel Anne, S.S.C. Introduction by Father Boris Bobrinskoy
“To reveal Staretz Seraphim, or rather to make him come alive alongside the pages of this book, is the whole aim of Valentine Zander’s work. It is concerned not so much with a new study of Orthodox holiness nor with St Seraphim’s teaching on the Holy Spirit—there is no lack of such writings among our contemporary literature—as to fill a need, to present to western readers an authentic biography of St Seraphim in which the author’s own personality effaces itself as much as possible in order to let the Staretz himself speak and live before our eyes.” —“Introduction”
CONTENTS
Introduction by Father Boris Bobrinskoy Author’s Introduction 1 From Childhood to the Priesthood Childhood. The history of the monastery of Sarov. The Novitiate. The Deacon. A visit to Diveyevo: Mother Alexandra. The Priest. 2 The Ascetic Way: the Call of the Desert The hermitage. Conflict with the devil. In the hands of brigands. Return to the hermitage. Enclosure. 3 The Staretz of Sarov The vocation of staretz. Michael Manturov. Manturov’s vow. The gift of insight. 4 Father of Nuns The community of Diveyevo. Helen Manturov. Mary Meliukov. Xenia Putkov. The Mill. The new wine. The community church. Mary’s death. The crypt. The Dower of the Queen of Heaven. Plan for a cathedral. 5 The Pilgrim Throngs at Sarov Father Seraphim’s visitors. Pelagia. 6 A Further Call to the Desert The Near Hermitage. The bear. Children. Trials. Manturov’s departure. Helen’s death. Motovilov. 7 Towards the Summits Levitation. The Mother of God. Conversation about the Holy Spirit. Motovilov’s departure. 8 Instructions and Final Teaching Last counsels. Last days. 9 Diveyevo after the Staretz’ Death The Staretz’ spiritual presence. The false disciple. The role of the foster father. ‘Seraphim’s Seraph’. Blessed Pacha. 10 Canonization Conclusion Sources A Select Bibliography of Works in English
Item Number: BKV366 Publication data: Crestwood, NY: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1999 Format: softcover Number of pages: xvi + 150 Dimensions (l × w × h): 21.5 cm × 13.8 cm × 1.2 cm ISBN: 0‒913836‒28‒1
