St. Seraphim of Sarov Day

St. Seraphim of Sarov was born in 1759. His parents were pious Orthodox Christians, and young Seraphim was immersed in church services. He was ordained as a priest at age 34 and then spent fifteen years in solitary existence as a hermit in the forest. Later he served as a spiritual counselor to lay people whom he called "my joys," seeing them at the monastery or at his forest cell. He was known for his visions and clairvoyant powers. He died on this day in 1833 and was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1903.

St. Seraphim of Sarov once stated: "Prayer, fasting, vigils, and all other Christian exercises, however good in themselves, are not the goal of our Christian life, although they are the necessary means of its attainment. The true goal of the Christian life consists in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit.''

While stock analysts are trying to convince us that this will be a better year for the market, we name this day by remembering the perspicacious Russian saint who taught about the best acquisition of all — the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is a high flyer who isn't affected by fluctuations in the economy. Free as the breeze, the Holy Spirit brings the world the riches of inner contentment.