Revisiting Kevin Allen's 2007 interviews of Abbot Gerasim and Hieromonk Damascene

In 2007, for the 25th anniversary of the repose of Blessed Father Seraphim, Kevin Allen — much beloved and respected podcaster at Ancient Faith Radio, who reposed in the Lord on August 7, 2018 — conducted a series of interviews with two of Fr Seraphim's most important spiritual children: Hieromonk Damascene, author of the massive biography of Father Seraphim and the current abbot of St Herman of Alaska in Platina CA (the monastery Fr. Seraphim co-founded), and then-Abbot Gerasim (now auxiliary bishop and administrator of the OCA Diocese of the South).

These three interviews provide a priceless and revealing look into the "Platina spirit" and offer many insights into Blessed Father Seraphim's life and character, how he shepherded souls, and how his influence resonates to this day, inspiring new generations of Orthodox converts and monastics. One can easily see why the veneration of Father Seraphim continues to grow, and why more and more of the faithful, including clergy, monastic and laity worldwide, believe he will soon be added to the calendar of saints of the Orthodox Church.

Georgian bishop at Platina Pilgrimage calls for formal canonization process for Blessed Father Seraphim to begin

This year's pilgrimage at St Herman of Alaska Monastery in Platina, California, which marked the 40th anniversary of the repose of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) of blessed memory, saw a decisive movement towards the beginning of his formal glorification.

Photos of Platina Pilgrimage 2022 from Punks and Monks Bookstore

Bishop Gerasim serves at Blessed Father Seraphim's grave. Photo: Punks & Monks Bookstore

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the repose of Blessed Father Seraphim, "pilgrims from across America and beyond made their way to St. Herman’s, the monastery founded by Fr. Seraphim in Platina, California."

"Among the distinguished guests were His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth (OCA), former abbot of St. Herman’s and a spiritual child of Fr. Seraphim, and His Grace Bishop James of Sonora (ROCOR), who also knew Fr. Seraphim." (Source)

Explore the photo gallery of the weekend posted by Punks & Monks Bookstore.

About this Blog - Notes for the Launch

Blessed Father Seraphim's cell

For almost a decade I have been maintaining a resource page on one of my other blogs with articles, links, videos and audio on Father Seraphim Rose of blessed memory. 

Growing out of that longstanding labor of love, for the past few years it has been my desire to create a new platform with the express purpose of advancing the veneration of Blessed Father Seraphim, and gathering materials on his life, teachings, legacy, and significance for us today. The occasion of the 40th anniversary of his repose in the Lord on September 2, 1982 seemed like the perfect time to launch this new endeavor.

The Veneration of Father Seraphim Rose

Posted in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the repose of Blessed Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) of Platina.

Father Seraphim serving the Divine Liturgy, Saint Herman Monastery, Platina CA.

The Veneration of

Father Seraphim Rose

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

~ Psalm 115 (LXX) 

Excerpted from the booklet, AKATHIST to our Holy Father Blessed Seraphim of Platina. You can learn more details about this unique publication here.

Those familiar with the edifying life story of Father Seraphim Rose know how the popular veneration of him began immediately upon his death, and has spread all over the globe these nearly thirty years since.