Perhaps one of the more intriguing aspects of the life of St. Seraphim is his unique personality and the unusual way he lived. In him we see a rare appearance of the ancient ascetic practices stemming from the desert of fourth century Egypt, which he brought to fruition in the forests of nineteenth century Russia. Though unique as an individual, St. Seraphim at the same time stands as a living connection with the experiences, practices, and traditions that are common