110 years ago—July 19 (August 1 new style), 1903 Batiushka Seraphim of Sarov, long loved and venerated by the people, was officially canonized a saint and his honorable relics uncovered. The solemnities that took place in Sarov And Diveyevo were a special page in the history of Russia, and Sarov and Diveyevo will forever occupy a an honored place in Russia’s spiritual geography.
2003. Centennial of the Canonization
The celebration of the Centennial of Batiushka Seraphim’s canonization in July-August, 2003 was a festive occasion for all the Orthodox, for the wonder-worker of Sarov is now venerated all over the world. The event was presided over by Patriarch Alexiy II, and the heads of Local Churches also came to participate. “Just as it was 100 years ago, the memory of St. Seraphim gathered together archpastors, pastors, laypeople, and government authorities as one. The tradition is being renewed of a unified service of the Church and State for the good of the Fatherland and its people,” stated Patriarch Alexiy II in his epistle.
The center of events was Sarov. The renovated Church of St. Seraphim was consecrated, a meeting of the Holy Synod convened, and even President Vladimir Putin paid a visit. Over 10,000 people participated in the Cross procession with St. Seraphim’s relics from Sarov to Diveyevo. Pilgrims prayed at the All-Night Vigil and received Holy Communion at Divine Liturgy in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Diveyevo Convent.
Photos by
Olga Chudova