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.

ANCIENT FAITH PRESENTS: 

Join Illumined Heart co-host Kevin Allen on his pilgrimage to Saint Herman of Alaska Monastery, Platina, California to talk with its Abbot Fr. Gerasim and Fr. Seraphim Rose legacy-keeper and biographer Monk Damascene. Transcripts included.

1. Father Seraphim Rose - Spiritual Father - Play in new tab

August 31, 2007 - Length: 46:49 — In part 1 of this 3 part series, Kevin is in the cell constructed by Fr. Seraphim and now occupied by Monk Damascene where he talks with the monk about his spiritual father.

2. Fr. Seraphim Rose - The Man, The Struggler - Play in new tab

September 1, 2007 - Length: 47:30 — Enter once again into the rustic cell of Fr. Seraphim Rose with Kevin Allen as he talks with Fr. Damascene, the biographer and spiritual child of Fr. Seraphim. This is part 2 of a 3 part series and provides a unique glimpse into the life of a man who many say will someday be venerated as a Saint.

3. Fr. Seraphim Rose - Prayer and Orthodox Spirituality - Play in new tab

September 2, 2007 - Length: 1:00:00 — In the conclusion of our 3 part series commemorating the 25th anniversary of the repose of Fr Seraphim (Rose), Kevin Allen is seated on a wooden bench overlooking a panoramic view of Mt. Yolla Bolly with the Abbot of St. Herman of Alaska Monastery, Fr. Gerasim. Listen for valuable lessons (as well as birds chirping!) on the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting from a spiritual child of this venerated American monk and writer.

Memory Eternal, Kevin Allen!