New book, proposed film project, also add to groundswell of anticipation over Blessed Hieromonk Seraphim's entry into the calendar of saints.
There have been so many recent news stories and announcements regarding Father Seraphim Rose that it seemed best in this post to provide an overview, with links for further reading.
Included below:
- Report on the Holy Virgin Cathedral Lenten Retreat
- Interview with Abp. Gabriel of Montreal & Canada
- Director Yelena Popovic Teases Film Project on Fr. Seraphim Rose
- New Book Calls for Glorification of Fr. Seraphim Rose
1. Great Lenten Retreat Dedicated to Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose); (ROCOR Western American Diocese, March 24, 2026) — This extensive report on the retreat, by Timothy Honeycutt, features highly edifying summaries and quotes from the speakers, plus an extensive photo gallery of the event. Believe me, the excerpts below, lengthy as they may seem, are just the tip of the iceberg:
The XV Annual Lenten Retreat at Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, California, was held on Sunday, March 22, 2026. This year’s retreat was titled: “Hieromonk Seraphim Rose of Platina: His Life, Teachings & Legacy”. Over 100 people were in attendance, many of whom attended the English-language Divine Liturgy in the morning. They came to hear from Bishop James of Sonora and Archpriest Martin Person, Rector of the St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church in Sunnyvale, California. Both clerics knew Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) personally during the last few years of his earthly life, which ended in 1982.
The first talk, titled “Biography of a Man Transformed in Christ,” was given by Fr. Martin. He provided a detailed overview of Fr. Seraphim’s life, adding throughout stories of his personal experiences with Hieromonk Seraphim. Father Martin was a student at UC Santa Cruz when Hieromonk Seraphim was invited to the university to give two talks. For Bishop James and other friends of theirs, encountering Father Seraphim struck something deep in their hearts, changing the entire course of their lives. Many of these young men became bishops, priests, and monks...
When visiting Platina, the young Martin took long walks with Fr. Seraphim, who provided clarity regarding eastern religions and the syncretistic, philosophical worldview Fr. Martin was then drawn to. Through Father Seraphim’s clear and direct words, and the Holy Spirit’s presence in him, Father Martin’s heart began to be formed in the ways of Christ, Who Himself is Truth. [...]
Bishop James gave the afternoon talk, titled “Reflections on Father Seraphim’s Theological, Pastoral, & Prophetic Legacy”. Speaking on the important themes of Fr. Seraphim’s teachings for us today, Bishop James echoed Father Seraphim’s famous talk, “Living the Orthodox Worldview” by reminding us that in traditionally Orthodox countries they do not have a word for the English term “fun”. Bishop James once asked a Romanian how he would translate that word into his language and he said “distraxia.” This “distraxia” is a grave pitfall many in the world today fall into, Bishop James noted. Many do this by seeking enjoyment from various forms of entertainment, especially the world of social media and the various distractions of the smartphone. He exhorted those in attendance to make use of our limited time in such a way that we grow in the knowledge and love of God, that we might acquire the Holy Spirit and, in this way, imitate Father Seraphim and bring great benefit to ourselves and those around us. A very helpful tool in this pursuit are the teachings of Father Seraphim Rose. Bishop James, in a very sober tone, stated: “I submit to you that not a day should go by without bringing a bit of Father Seraphim’s treasury into your life.” [...]
Bishop James, [who was appointed as chairman of the commission to study the life, legacy, and veneration of Hieromonk Seraphim], gave a brief update regarding the progress and next steps... He also noted that a website is being created to allow people to share stories of miraculous intercessions by Father Seraphim that they may have experienced.
The retreat concluded with a lengthy Q&A with many attendees staying afterwards to talk with the two speakers and receive a blessing from Bishop James.
Much, much more, plus photo gallery, in the full report...
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2. Abp. Gabriel of Montreal and Canada speaks about the commission to investigate the life of Fr. Seraphim Rose (UOJ, March 26, 2026) — "While Abp. Gabriel leads the church’s commission on all canonizations, a specific commission to study the life, legacy, and veneration of Fr. Seraphim was established by the ROCOR Synod in December. It is headed by Bp. James of Sonora.
"The commission is expected to report its findings at the ROCOR Council of Bishops, scheduled for April 29–May 5 in Munich, Germany.
"Abp. Gabriel said he hopes the canonization could take place in the near future. 'I would like to think this may become a reality sometime soon', he said. He added that ROCOR is not currently considering other canonizations." Read the full story...
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3. Director Yelena Popovic Teases Film Projects on Fr. Seraphim Rose and Other Orthodox Saints (UOJ, January 5, 2026) — "In an interview with the Union of Orthodox Journalists of America, 'Man of God' and 'Moses the Black' director Yelena Popovic said that she has a tentative script put together for a project on the life of Fr. Seraphim Rose. She has also conducted research on the life of Hieromartyr John of Santa Cruz. 'There is a script, but it's just a tentative idea about St. Seraphim Rose', Popovic said, explicitly referring to him as a saint. 'I think that would be a fantastic story, but that would need a lot of work'." Much more in the full article...
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4. 'Voice in the Wilderness' Calls for Glorification of Fr. Seraphim Rose (UOJ, December 31, 2025) — NOTE: I have purchased this book and plan to provide a review in the near future.
As announced in a recent press release from New Way Press, "Voice in the Wilderness: Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Father Seraphim Rose," the latest work by award-winning author and filmmaker Robert John Hammond, makes a compelling case for the canonization of Fr. Seraphim Rose, a seminal figure in modern Orthodox Christianity. Drawing on biography, theology, and firsthand testimony, Hammond portrays a life marked by deep asceticism, intellectual rigor, and spiritual authenticity. [...]
Through intimate narratives and firsthand accounts, Hammond captures the voices of Fr. Seraphim's spiritual children — monastics, clergy, and lay faithful — whose lives bear witness to his enduring guidance. Their stories paint a vivid picture of Fr. Seraphim's ongoing impact on Orthodox life and thought, connecting his message to the challenges of the 21st century. [...]
Hammond’s previous work, including the acclaimed documentary 'American Orthodox', has established him as a leading voice in faith-based storytelling. With "Voice in the Wilderness," he continues to bridge sacred tradition and contemporary culture, offering readers — and potentially viewers — a nuanced portrait of faith, sacrifice, and sanctity in the modern age.
The book is available for purchase here. More in the full article...