The Glorification of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) of Platina

Years of anticipation lead to the announcement from the ROCOR Synod. What's next?

Christ is Risen!

So much speculation since we learned in April that the ROCOR Synod of Bishops would be considering the work of the Commission on the Glorification of Father Seraphim Rose, shared by Bishop James of Sonora, at their recent Spring meeting.

Then, on Monday this week the Union of Orthodox Journalists ran a story announcing the canonization of Father Seraphim. This set off volleys of social media celebrations and criticism, as well as private emails and text messaging, as an official statement from the Synod had not yet been released. The Synod did indeed confirm the pre-announcement by the UOJ on Tuesday, March 5, and another wave of celebrations (and more subdued criticisms) ensued.

I know within our parish circles there were still questions as to what the wording of the Synod’s letter meant, and what would happen next. Before sharing my own thoughts, I would strongly recommend reading the Synod’s Epistle, which is signed by all the bishops present. 

Secondly, I would just as strongly recommend reading this excellent interview with His Grace, Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, who was present at the Synod’s gathering, and who sets forth the process going forward. This excerpt gives a sense of how His Grace approaches the glorification:

I can say that I rejoice in my heart that we have been able so to state — that the Council of Bishops recognises even now, at this point in the process, the righteous way of life of Fr Seraphim. That is to say, the task of preparing for his glorification is not being undertaken as if we do not already concretely feel his holiness and recognise it, not only amongst ourselves, but in a way we feel a desire to share with others. We look forward to ecclesially proclaiming it more fully, should God so bless us — and we have blessed the continuation of the work towards this.

This is no small thing! The holiness is tangible! We do not hide this, or pretend otherwise. We now seek to do all that is right and proper so that what we already taste might become the source of spiritual nourishment for so many…

Recent Interviews, Cathedral Retreat, build momentum for Glorification of Fr. Seraphim Rose

Plus 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:

1. Report on the Holy Virgin Cathedral Lenten Retreat w Bp James of Sonora
2. Interview with Abp. Gabriel of Montreal & Canada
3. Director Yelena Popovic Teases Film Project on Fr. Seraphim Rose
4. 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... 

Holy Virgin Cathedral in SF to host Lenten Retreat on life and legacy of Hieromonk Seraphim Rose of Platina

ONE DAY ONLY - SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2026

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY BISHOP JAMES OF SONOMA

The announcement plus full schedule, online registration, and extensive photo gallery was recently posted on the website of the ROCOR Western Diocese, and includes the following:

We are pleased to announce that our XV Annual Lenten Retreat at Holy Virgin Cathedral will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, – it will be a very special one. At the 2025 December session of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia it was resolved to establish a commission to study the life, legacy and veneration of the ever-memorable Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) of Platina: ascetic, theologian, priest, missionary, translator, profound Orthodox thinker, apologist, spiritual writer, and one time chanter-reader at Holy Virgin Cathedral.

Our talks will be presented by Bishop James of Sonora, Chairman of the new Commission, and Archpriest Martin Person, Dean of the Western American Diocese San Francisco Deanery – two clergymen who personally knew Fr. Seraphim, and for whom he played a significant role in their conversion to Orthodoxy. Besides the talks there will be beautiful fellowship, a Q&A period, and wonderful lenten meals.

RETREAT SCHEDULE

7:30 – 9:45  Divine Liturgy (in English)

10:00–10:45  Breakfast 

10:45 – 12:15  THE BIOGRAPHY OF A MAN TRANSFORMED BY CHRIST - Archpriest Martin Person

Can one speak of holiness in our age? How does the transformation of an atheist to Orthodox Christian take place? Our first speaker, a convert to Orthodoxy himself, with many years of service to the Church, – Fr. Martin – will delve into the life of Hieromonk Seraphim and reveal the "mystery" of this holy man.

12:15 – 1:30  Lunch Break

1:30 – 3:00  KEYNOTE ADDRESS: REFLECTIONS ON FR. SERAPHIM’s THEOLOGICAL, PASTORAL & PROPHETIC LEGACY – Bishop James of Sonora

Vladika James is an excellent and engaging speaker, with exceptional spiritual insight and a special way of connecting with people and helping them discover the concept of Orthodox phronema – the Orthodox mindset, or outlook. His reflections will certainly open to us the meaning and place of Fr. Seraphim in the XX and XXI centuries.

3:00 – 4:00 CLERGY ROUND TABLE Q&A

4:00 — End of Retreat

Much more info, with links to register, on the website of the ROCOR Western Diocese.

See this special article on the retreat by the Union of Orthodox Journalists.

New Video Interview with Fr John Valadez

The YouTube Channel 'Roots of Orthodoxy' presents a one-hour interview with Fr John Valadez, priest at St Timothy Orthodox Church (Antiochian Archdiocese) in Lompoc, California, speaking about Blessed Hieromonk Seraphim Rose. 

Of the many recent videos about Father Seraphim done by a variety of channels, this is one of the most significant and helpful interviews yet presented, as Fr John is the "second generation" editor and publisher of the Death To The World  'zine, and has been deeply impacted by Fr Seraphim's life and "leaven." He relates aspects of Fr Seraphim's life, teachings, and pastoral approach clearly and with appreciation, sharing the impact of Fr Seraphim on his own life and his conversion to Orthodoxy.

Perhaps because of his punk background and the remarkable intervention of Father Seraphim during his conversion, Fr John Valadez "keeps it real," and always draws the listener back to Fr Seraphim's pastoral heart, to the "one thing needful," to the "Royal Path," and "God's Revelation to the Human Heart."

Should Fr Seraphim Rose be glorified as a Saint? (VIDEO)

Archpriest Paul Baba, a spiritual son of Fr. Seraphim Rose, shares his thoughts on the anticipated glorification (canonization) of Fr. Seraphim Rose and his significance for us today. 

"What's the hesitation?...I believe it’s time to glorify this holy, righteous man!... There are many saints, but here is one right here for us. It’s time, and the people are longing for it.”  - Fr. Paul Baba

Excerpt from the FULL INTERVIEW here:

Experiences with Fr. Seraphim Rose - from Archpriest Paul Baba

Originally posted on the Orthodox Wisdom YouTube Channel

Bishop Gerasim Interview on AFT: On Reading Fr. Seraphim Rose in Context (VIDEO)

This recent episode of Ancient Faith Today LIVE, with Fr. Thomas Soroka, was recorded Tuesday, October 24, and in addition to the interview, features His Grace's responses to numerous questions sent in during the show by viewers and listeners.

Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth: On Reading Fr. Seraphim Rose in Context (VIDEO)

From an article on the podcast at OrthoChristian.com:

His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, Auxiliary Bishop of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the South, joined Fr. Thomas Soroka on his Ancient Faith Today Live podcast yesterday to talk about Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose), who is greatly beloved throughout the Orthodox world.

Bp. Gerasim personally knew Fr. Seraphim during the last two years of his life. He became a monastic under the influence of Fr. Seraphim and lived under his guidance as a novice.

In yesterday’s show, he spoke with Fr. Thomas about reading Fr. Seraphim in context. Bp. Gerasim addresses several issues, including the availability of Orthodox material and Divine services in English in Fr. Seraphim’s time, ROCOR’s and Fr. Seraphim’s view of the OCA, including Fr. Alexander Schmemann, the teaching of the toll houses, Fr. Seraphim’s popularity throughout Eastern Europe, and more.

My thoughts and response:

The format and time constraints of the podcast format did not allow Fr. Thomas and Bp. Gerasim to further explore some of the topics covered, so I would like to offer the following brief observations, in an effort to amplify just a bit what was an immensely helpful and authoritative "inside look" at the life and writings of Blessed Hieromonk Seraphim by one who was "right there" the last two years of Fr. Seraphim's life.

Bishop Gerasim to appear on Ancient Faith Today Live: Tue. Oct 24

Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth (OCA) to appear on Ancient Faith Today LIVE with Fr. Tom Soroka

This will be a major episode on Ancient Faith Today. His Grace Bishop Gerasim is just the sober, knowledgeable voice needed to help provide a grounded hagiographical context for Blessed Father Seraphim Rose, as we approach his hoped for glorification and his entry into the calendar of saints.

• Tuesday, October 24 at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT! 
• Watch live on YouTube
• Or listen live on Ancient Faith Radio

For some background, listen to this fascinating interview of then Abbot Gerasim at Platina in 2007, conducted by Kevin Allen for The Illumined Heart podcast.

This will be another major episode on Ancient Faith Today. His Grace, Bishop Gerasim (Eliel) is one of Blessed Father Seraphim's most significant spiritual children, having entered St Herman of Alaska Monastery in Platina, California, a little over a year before the repose of Father Seraphim. 

After Fr Seraphim's death, he remained at the monastery and was soon tonsured a monk, and became deeply involved in the St Herman Brotherhood's publishing ministry. He helped Abbot Herman re-establish Orthodox monasticism on Spruce Island, Alaska, in the mid 1980s, and would later help lead the monastery back into canonical Orthodoxy around the year 2000. 

After that pivotal event he served as abbot for a number of years before proceeding to St Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary where he graduated as valedictorian. He has served in a few key roles roles since then, including as Administrator of the OCA Diocese of the South, before being consecrated Bishop of Fort Worth and continuing as auxiliary bishop and administrator under Archbishop Alexander (Golitzin) of the OCA Diocese of the South.

Conference on Fr. Seraphim Rose, other Modern Saints, held in Georgia (VIDEO)

Some videos are already being posted, and over a dozen transcripts and texts of the talks are available for free download. Our thanks to Metropolitan Nikolozi of Georgia for posting this wealth of material, and to OrthoChristian.com for sharing the news and links.

UPDATE 09/30/23: Some of the conference talks specifically about Blessed Father Seraphim are being posted by the podcast, Homilies of Fr Seraphim Rose.

Conference dedicated to Fr. Seraphim Rose, Fr. George Calciu, other Modern Saints, held in Georgia

OrthoChristian.com, September 28, 2023

An international conference dedicated to modern holy men and women was held earlier this month in Georgia.

The Luminaries Summit, dedicated to Fr. Seraphim (Rose), Fr. George Calciu, Matushka Olga of Alaska, Br. José Muñoz Cortés, Abbot Gregory (Zumis) of Docharious Monastery, and others was hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Nikolozi of Akhalkalaki, Kumurdo, and Kari, in Akhalkalaki, September 15-16.

Met. Nikolozi locally canonized Fr. Seraphim in his diocese in February, and has openly spoken about the need to canonize Br. José and others.

The conference gathered a number of speakers, including spiritual children of Frs. Seraphim, George, and Gregory, and others whose lives have been touched by the holy men and women of our times.

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.