The Final Sermon of Fr. Seraphim Rose

Under the starry night sky on the feast of the Transfiguration, just two weeks before his repose, Fr. Seraphim spoke these words to those who loved him: “‘Beholding the majesty of God’s creation, we catch a glimpse, however vague and shadowy, of the beauty of God’s eternal Kingdom, for which we were all created. We must always remember that our home is in the heavens; we must shake off all the vain and petty passions and worries that keep us tied to the ground, to the fallen earthly world, that keep us from realizing the purpose of our creation. How easily we forget the very reason for our existence.... The end times are already here; we see clearly the preparation of the world for the Antichrist. Christians will be faced with an unprecedented trial of their faith and love for God. We will have to hide in the wilderness — in land like we see before us here. Of course, in the end they will find us even there. The purpose of hiding is not just for the preservation of our earthly life, but to gain time to strengthen our souls for the final trial. And this must begin even now. Let us therefore at least begin to struggle against the fetters of petty passions, and remember that our true home is not here, but in the heavens. Let us “strive towards our heavenly homeland,” as St. Herman used to say... Ad astera! Ad astera!’ “He finished and continued staring into the heavenly blue of the starry grandeur, oblivious of us who beheld before us a glimpse of the mystery of a man who, having long since prepared his soul, would be going there soon.” This text is from: Chapter 101 “Ad Astera!” of Father Seraphim Rose: His Life and Works by Hieromonk Damascene Ad Astera is Latin for “To the stars” Holy Father Seraphim, pray to God for us! This channel is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!