“Prayer, fasting, vigils, and all other Christian practices, however good they may be in themselves, certainly do not constitute the aim of our Christian life: they are but the indispensable means of attaining that aim. For the true aim of the Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God. As for fasts, vigils, prayer and almsgiving, and other good works done in the name of Christ, they are only the means of acquiring the Holy Spirit of God. Note well that it is only good works done in the name of Christ that bring us the fruits of the Spirit.”
Quote by Seraphim of Sarov
Author
Seraphim of Sarov
Seraphim of Sarov (August 1, 1754 – January 14, 1833) is one of the most venerated saints in the Russian Orthodox Church, renowned as a mystic and spiritual guide. Born in Kursk to a merchant family, he entered the Sarov Monastery at age 17. After years of extreme asceticism in the forest, including living alone in a hut and praying for a thousand nights on a rock, he became known for his humility and wisdom. In his later years, he received visitors, offering counsel on acquiring the Holy Spirit and inner peace. His teachings, especially the 'Acquisition of the Holy Spirit,' have deeply influenced Orthodox spirituality. He was canonized in 1903, and his relics are enshrined at the Sarov Monastery. more
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“The Doctor of our souls has placed the remedy in the hidden regions of the soul.”