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Father Seraphim Rose: His Life and Works
This epic biography of Hieromonk Seraphim Rose tells the unique story of a man who, having grown up in a typical American home in southern California, became one of the greatest teachers of Orthodox Christianity in our times, loved and revered throughout Russia and Eastern Europe. Quoting at length from his letters, journals, manuscripts, recorded lectures and published writings, this book traces Fr. Seraphim’s intense search for truth and his philosophical development, setting forth his message and offering a glimpse into the soul of a man who lived, even while on this earth, in the otherworldly Kingdom of God. A greatly revised version of Not of This World, this new Life of Fr. Seraphim incorporates years of new research and includes much additional material. Because it deals closely with events in the recent history of Orthodoxy in America, the book has been reviewed prior to publication by clergy, monastics and laypeople from most of the Orthodox jurisdictions represented in this country. New edition 1.)New, previously unpublished material by Fr. Seraphim. 2.)New reminiscences by those who knew Fr. Seraphim. 3.)63 new photographs. 4.)Expanded and updated bibliography and source notes. 1160 pages, 234 illustrations, paperback, Smyth-sewn binding for greater durability.
1160 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 7, 2012
This biography read like a "page-turner novel." Most novels aren't this exciting. It is a combination of St Augustine's *Confessions* along with a touch of Louis L'Amour. But most importantly, it is the story of a man's passionate and desperate search for Christ. It is the excitement of a philosopher who spends his life for "truth" only to find Truth as a Person. Fr Seraphim's life can be summarized along several major segments: The Search for Truth, The Religion of AntiChrist, Acquiring the Mind of the Fathers, and the Resurrection of Holy Russia.
Truth as a Person
Fr Seraphim, not unlike St Augustine, was philosophically-minded and spent much of his youth vainly looking for "truth." He rejected the vapid form of Protestantism held by his nice, neat American suburb community, but soon drifted in and out of nihilism. After many bouts of anger and depression and binge-alcoholic drinking, he was to discover that Truth is "traditioned" and communities that had continuity with ancient traditions were more valid than more modern expressions of truth (64).
After his conversion to Russian Orthodoxy, Rose began to analyze the modern world. He followed Nietszche's trajectory of nihilism as the negation of truth (140ff). Nihilism in the modern age was to prepare man for the reign of Antichrist and the arrival of the New World Order. Rose outlined four stages of nihilism: liberalism, realism, vitalism, and Nihilism
The religion of Antichrist
For Rose, Antichrist was an "ape of Christ." He represented the forces of Satan opposing Christ. He will appear "good" to the world and solve the problems of the world (88). His religion will be a "demonic pentecost." The more fringe elements of society will become more mainstream (cf CS Lewis, That Hideous Strength, 281). There will be a frightening unity behind the disparate world religions. He noticed a common theme behind various religious phenomena: Charismatic Christianity centered on pagan forms of initiation; the ecumenical movement seeks to outdo each other in abandoning all forms of Christianity for the sake of "unity." And then UFOs: There is actually something behind the UFO encounters. They are clearly something of the paraphysical and occult realm. The aliens seem to be a strange mingling of physic and psychic matter--just like demons. The matter in them is of such subtlety it cannot be perceived except by saints. The message of the UFOs is to prepare for the reign of Antichrist. St Ignatius Brianchanninov said that the miracles of Antichrist will be in the aerial realm, where Satan has chief dominion.
Acquiring the Mind of the Fathers
The Mind of the Fathers is the Living understanding of Holy Tradition (416ff). They are the links between ancient texts and today's reality. The fathers are the most capable preservers of the Truth because of the sanctity of their lives. Rose learned that he had to "acquire their mind--" he had to learn, think, and feel the way they did. He had to conform his consciousness to that of the Fathers. Acquiring the mind of the fathers is to acquire the mind of the church, which is the mind of Christ, who is the head of the Church. How do we acquire their minds (465)? 1. Constancy: Rose worked out a spiritual regimen based on wisdom from the Holy Fathers. Regular reading of the fathersl 2. Pain of Heart.
The Resurrection of Holy Russia
Fr Seraphim noted that Holy Russia would be resurrected from the ashes of Communism before the end of the world (653). The return of a Tsarist and pious leader is the half-hour silence in heaven spoken of in the Apocalypse, immediately before the reign of Antichrist. Rose saw Russia as a "blood-covered martyric land." The Tsar-martyr Nicholas II was the restrainer of Antichrist (2 Thess. 2). The patricidal murder of the Tsar is a sign we are living in pre-Antichrist times (192). This idea can be connected with the horror of the 20th century, the rise of globalist institutions, global credit, and secular ideologies.
Of particular interest here are the prophecies of St Seraphim of Sarov, who gave four prophecies pertaining to the resurrection of Holy Russia (he spoke in the 19th century), three of which have already happened.
Fr Seraphim's message to us:
It is later than you think. We live in an age where secular leaders openly call for world governance based on the bloody ideologies of the 20th century. While many ages think they are in the last generation, and Fr Seraphim would not want us wasting time predicting "times," the New Testament does call for us to be awake and alert. When the leaders of countries call for a one-world government and one-world market, and when we take note of the "demonic pentecost" (spoken above), we can't pretend we are "just living in normal times." Rose had a particularly painful chapter called, "Today in Russia; tomorrow in America." He meant that the Communist GULAG would soon come to America. With Obama's cabinet and FEMA, can anyone seriously doubt this?
In any case, Hieromonk Damascene did a wonderful job in writing this book.
July 1, 2013
This book changed my life and is the most important book I have ever read. The first edition changed my life. By the time the second edition was being prepared, the author had become my Godfather and friend, and I proofread parts of it, arguing for certain bits to be left in. It looks daunting, but there are many photos and it is an easy read.
I consider this an essential sourcebook.
I consider this an essential sourcebook.
August 17, 2013
An epic biography indeed, and one well worth reading, mulling over, rereading, and contemplating often.
The thing that keeps me from giving it five stars is that sometimes the story veers into the more minute details of a theological point, and I found myself skimming those.
My dear friend, who loaned me the book, and her family were Godchildren of Father Seraphim, and are mentioned in the book, so that was delightful to have that personal connection.
The thing that keeps me from giving it five stars is that sometimes the story veers into the more minute details of a theological point, and I found myself skimming those.
My dear friend, who loaned me the book, and her family were Godchildren of Father Seraphim, and are mentioned in the book, so that was delightful to have that personal connection.
March 21, 2019
This is a massive book, and I would say a must-read. I will not give it 5 stars because I feel the book suffers in the second half from an overbearing desire to avoid controversy. So what happens is that in the first half we get a good narrative on Fr. Seraphim's life and influences, his conversion and the formation of the St. Herman Brotherhood, the founding of The Orthodox Word, the move out to Platina, etc. But then the narrative disappears and we get chapter after chapter which are essentially in-depth essays on this or that aspect of his thoughts and works. They are interesting, but the author does not return to the narrative until basically the events leading up to Fr. Seraphim's death.
The reason for this is well-known: things were not well with the Brotherhood in the last years of his life, due to the actions of Fr. Herman, and went completely off the rails after Fr. Seraphim's death. This is not mentioned or even alluded to, although it would seem to be a very important aspect of Fr. Seraphim's life. There is also the aspect of Fr. Seraphim's ecclesiological views which do not mesh very well with the St. Herman Monastery's current ecclesiastical affiliation (as evidenced by his unpublished letters, widely available online, and in the many articles written or published by him in The Orthodox Word during his lifetime), so this aspect is also not dealt with forthrightly in the book. Fr. Seraphim was a staunch supporter of the Old Calendarists (even as he decried the excesses of some of them) and very pessimistic about the so-called official Orthodox Churches. Again, this is clear from many of his writings which St. Herman Monastery has either never published or allows to remain out of print.
There is much more to the story to be told which the author, for his own reasons, does not wish to tell, and so we eagerly await, one day, the definitive story of Fr. Seraphim's life and a less sanitized account of his thought and works.
The reason for this is well-known: things were not well with the Brotherhood in the last years of his life, due to the actions of Fr. Herman, and went completely off the rails after Fr. Seraphim's death. This is not mentioned or even alluded to, although it would seem to be a very important aspect of Fr. Seraphim's life. There is also the aspect of Fr. Seraphim's ecclesiological views which do not mesh very well with the St. Herman Monastery's current ecclesiastical affiliation (as evidenced by his unpublished letters, widely available online, and in the many articles written or published by him in The Orthodox Word during his lifetime), so this aspect is also not dealt with forthrightly in the book. Fr. Seraphim was a staunch supporter of the Old Calendarists (even as he decried the excesses of some of them) and very pessimistic about the so-called official Orthodox Churches. Again, this is clear from many of his writings which St. Herman Monastery has either never published or allows to remain out of print.
There is much more to the story to be told which the author, for his own reasons, does not wish to tell, and so we eagerly await, one day, the definitive story of Fr. Seraphim's life and a less sanitized account of his thought and works.
December 10, 2010
This book was inspiring to me. I've read it twice and will do so again very shortly. Father Seraphim is considered a Saint in many other countries and his book has done much to draw seekers to the Orthodox Faith. This is truly a fascinating story.
December 22, 2014
This is a massive account of the life and writings of Fr Seraphim Rose, an American convert to the Eastern Orthodox Church. I have read this book through nearly every year since its publication in September 2003. I have always come away inspired to a deeper faith and stronger devotion to Christ from my reading. The account of Fr Seraphim's labors in the faith and his life as a monastic and pastor reveals the heart of a man wholly devoted to Christ. It also reveals a life of increasing healing and wholeness--a revelation of hope to all of us. Fr Seraphim had an insightful mind that could read his times and respond with the Gospel. He was among the first to discern the development of currents that became known as the New Age movement, and also had insights into the happenings in what was then the Soviet Union. A one-time academic, he left it all to struggle in the California wilderness with his co-laborer, Fr Herman, to build a monastic community and publishing ministry. His legacy, through his writings, not only ministers to Americans but has reached around the world to Greece, Mt Athos, and Russia.
March 21, 2025
Longer than it should be yet so worthy of reading. I have barely been a fan of this man prior to this book, but it won me over
“Our attitude, beginning right now, must be down-to-earth and normal. That is, it must be applied to the real circumstances of our life, not a product of fantasy and escapism and refusal to face the often unpleasant facts of the world around us. An Orthodoxy that is too exalted and too much in the clouds belongs in a hothouse and is incapable of helping us in our daily life, let alone saying anything for the salvation of those around us. Our world is quite cruel and wounds souls with its harshness; we need to respond first of all with down-to-earth Christian love and understanding, leaving accounts of hesychasm and advanced forms of prayer to those capable of receiving them.“
- Fr. Seraphim
“Our attitude, beginning right now, must be down-to-earth and normal. That is, it must be applied to the real circumstances of our life, not a product of fantasy and escapism and refusal to face the often unpleasant facts of the world around us. An Orthodoxy that is too exalted and too much in the clouds belongs in a hothouse and is incapable of helping us in our daily life, let alone saying anything for the salvation of those around us. Our world is quite cruel and wounds souls with its harshness; we need to respond first of all with down-to-earth Christian love and understanding, leaving accounts of hesychasm and advanced forms of prayer to those capable of receiving them.“
- Fr. Seraphim
March 11, 2023
Finally finished this one. An incredible book! I’m not usually a huge fan of biographies, but this one was really engaging and interesting. I also found some connections to it as Rose was born in California and I visited the monastery he was buried at. He was a fascinating man and I’m looking forward to reading the material he’s written. The book also does a good job explaining various Orthodox concepts and Orthodoxy’s presence in America.
Though a long read, its really well worth the time. I would highly encourage everyone to read it.
Though a long read, its really well worth the time. I would highly encourage everyone to read it.
May 19, 2021
Excellent
June 27, 2013
This is an excellent biography of Fr. Seraphim Rose, a monk and glory to the American land. He was living during a turbulent time in America whose fruits we are now reaping. Not only does the reader encounter Fr. Seraphim (and through him Christ), but also many other Orthodox hierarchs, monks, and laymen who have contributed greatly to Orthodoxy in America.
December 14, 2007
Good biography of a modern saint. Leaves out the fact of Seraphim Rose's early homosexual liaisons, which was probably a bad idea. One of the greatest modern Christians, fit to be compared to Mother Teresa.
February 3, 2023
What a magnificent book. A huge undertaking but well worth it. I believe Fr. Seraphim is a Saint and his writings were hugely influential on me, particularly his Orthodox Survival Course and Nihilism. I had never encountered anyone who so keenly skewered the philosophical and spiritual undercurrents that wove together to form the modern west as we know it, with all its worldly comforts and lukewarm Christianity. There has been no other writer who has so profoundly changed my life as Fr. Seraphim.
In the world he was known as Eugene Rose and grew up in California. He was, to put it bluntly, a genius. He spoke German, French, ancient and modern Chinese and later learned Russian so well that few believed he could really be American, he was talented musically and could turn his hand to pretty much anything. The main theme of his life however, was always the search for truth that took him on a painful journey exploring different religions and traditions amidst the 1960s counterculture of the time. He earned degrees in philosophy and in the study of oriental language, and even studied Zen Buddhism under Alan Watts, and was on the edge of a promising academic career… When he attended the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco and met St. John Maximovitch, the wonderworker. Ultimately this path would lead him to a hard, ascetic life in the Californian wilderness, walking with the desert-dwellers and Saints of old while he dedicated himself to prayer and to spreading Orthodoxy worldwide. Today, many of his works are extremely popular in Russia, Greece and other orthodox nations and there are very few western converts who are unfamiliar with him.
So many of his works were hard-hitting, calls to arms for the complacent Christians of our times, but the primary takeaway from reading his life was his love for others and his long suffering. He truly had the mindset of the Holy Fathers and he has been instrumental in passing it on to the increasing numbers of rootless westerners who are discovering the truth in Orthodoxy. For many, he is their first encounter with real Christianity, a Christianity which demands something of you, which embraces suffering and offers something more than emasculated feel-good, rainbow-flag Christianity.
In the world he was known as Eugene Rose and grew up in California. He was, to put it bluntly, a genius. He spoke German, French, ancient and modern Chinese and later learned Russian so well that few believed he could really be American, he was talented musically and could turn his hand to pretty much anything. The main theme of his life however, was always the search for truth that took him on a painful journey exploring different religions and traditions amidst the 1960s counterculture of the time. He earned degrees in philosophy and in the study of oriental language, and even studied Zen Buddhism under Alan Watts, and was on the edge of a promising academic career… When he attended the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco and met St. John Maximovitch, the wonderworker. Ultimately this path would lead him to a hard, ascetic life in the Californian wilderness, walking with the desert-dwellers and Saints of old while he dedicated himself to prayer and to spreading Orthodoxy worldwide. Today, many of his works are extremely popular in Russia, Greece and other orthodox nations and there are very few western converts who are unfamiliar with him.
So many of his works were hard-hitting, calls to arms for the complacent Christians of our times, but the primary takeaway from reading his life was his love for others and his long suffering. He truly had the mindset of the Holy Fathers and he has been instrumental in passing it on to the increasing numbers of rootless westerners who are discovering the truth in Orthodoxy. For many, he is their first encounter with real Christianity, a Christianity which demands something of you, which embraces suffering and offers something more than emasculated feel-good, rainbow-flag Christianity.
February 23, 2020
A window into a fascinating corner of American history. Anyone with an interest in Orthodox Christianity, in the 1960-70's counterculture, in the Russian-American experience, in the trials of Christianity under communism, in a Christian critique of "New Age" spirituality, or in monasticism, should check out this book. For me, the book also provided some interesting insight into the meaning of Catholicism vis-a-vis Orthodoxy. Fr. Seraphim asserted that the Catholic church was "chiliastic," i.e. that it was attempting to create the kingdom of God on earth, a feature that he found problematic in the light of biblical and patristic descriptions of the coming reign of the antichrist. For its part, Orthodoxy, as interpreted by Rose, is heavily preoccupied with the fallenness of human nature and with apocalyptic considerations, something I think that the influence of Aquinas' school of thought has de-emphasized in Catholicism. Further, Fr. Seraphim argues for the necessity of a 'patristic' emphasis in Christianity, i.e. for seeking to study and pass on the teachings of the Church Fathers, rather than casting about looking for what might be new and innovative in theology. This, over the 10 months that I have been reading this book, has affected my own approach to studying Catholicism, and I have as a result undertaken to read the writings of Sts. Gregory, Jerome, Leo, and others, which I have found very productive.
March 7, 2023
Learning how Eugene Dennis Rose (Fr. Seraphim Rose) grew up, it is clear that he was searching. He was born into a Protestant family, which seemed to push him away from Jesus. He went to university for Asian Studies and Oriental Languages. He repeatedly talks about searching for the truth of life. He found it in Orthodox Christianity. He found Christ = The Truth. He was truly a man touched by God. I consider myself lucky to have read his works. The world was lucky to have had such a teacher as Fr. Seraphim Rose. He was so incredibly smart, but it didn't stop his soul from searching for the purpose of life. At a time when people his age were partying, expanding their minds with drugs, and embracing the idea of subverting the government and "the American" way of life. Eugene was pondering profound questions. Why am I here? What is the point of this life? What is truth?
This man was the wisest man of the 20th century. Anything he wrote, is so worth reading. Reading his works changed me. He saw everything that was coming. Everything happening now, is no surprise once you have read all his works. There is no way I can write a good enough review of Fr. Seraphim Rose: His Life and Works. He died Sept. 2, 1982. Bless the Lord for having sent us Fr. Seraphim Rose as an example. Memory Eternal for Fr. Seraphim Rose.
This man was the wisest man of the 20th century. Anything he wrote, is so worth reading. Reading his works changed me. He saw everything that was coming. Everything happening now, is no surprise once you have read all his works. There is no way I can write a good enough review of Fr. Seraphim Rose: His Life and Works. He died Sept. 2, 1982. Bless the Lord for having sent us Fr. Seraphim Rose as an example. Memory Eternal for Fr. Seraphim Rose.
March 1, 2020
I was given this book at a time when I was beginning a deep searching of my Christian faith, struggling to make peace with the chaos I saw in the protestant church I had been raised in. The door to Orthodoxy had been opened to me, in large part due to my brothers and their entrance into Holy Orthodoxy. Though it has honestly taken me over 18 months to finish, through the life of Father Seraphim I have been blessed to enter deeper into the life and mystery of Christ's holy church. In Fr. Seraphim I have found a kindred spirit who struggled and rose above the noise of this failing world, who sought truth and meaning above the passing comforts and falsehood that swirls around us. His life has guided me, his teachings encourage me and through his prayers I trust to continue on this journey I have been welcomed into. Fr. Seraphim, pray for us that we might all find the truth as you did
December 25, 2018
The book that completely shook me out of my OCA-inspired rut. By the time I finished reading, I realized just how un-serious and careless I was (and am) about my Orthodox faith. I managed to read this monster of a book in four days - often staying up until three or four in the morning. I literally couldn't put it down.
Once you read it, you will find yourself finally forced to choose decisively between this world and its kingdoms, and the Kingdom of Heaven. Every Orthodox Christian should own a copy.
Once you read it, you will find yourself finally forced to choose decisively between this world and its kingdoms, and the Kingdom of Heaven. Every Orthodox Christian should own a copy.
October 7, 2020
Wow! What a life lived!
I learned a lot about the culture that I lived in during 1960-1990. This gave me new perspectives into my own life. But even more importanly as a convert to Orthodox, the book answered many questions that I have had. I would recommend this to anyone trying to understand the Orthodox view of life, the world, religion, philosophy, and everything sacred. My words fail to describe the impact this book has had on my thinking and life. The continuing influence of Fr. Seraphim Rose is still to be played out in my life.
I learned a lot about the culture that I lived in during 1960-1990. This gave me new perspectives into my own life. But even more importanly as a convert to Orthodox, the book answered many questions that I have had. I would recommend this to anyone trying to understand the Orthodox view of life, the world, religion, philosophy, and everything sacred. My words fail to describe the impact this book has had on my thinking and life. The continuing influence of Fr. Seraphim Rose is still to be played out in my life.
August 15, 2025
“Be kind to one another. Smile, and be cheerful. Carry one another’s burdens for the sake of Christ.”
“Let no temptation overcome you. Let no darkness cloud your path, and no trial come upon you in which you do not immediately turn to Christ our All-merciful God, Who has trampled upon death and abolished the power of the devil.”
What a gift is Fr Seraphim to us! (and what a gift is this 1000-page book!) Blessed Father Seraphim of Platina, pray for us.
“Let no temptation overcome you. Let no darkness cloud your path, and no trial come upon you in which you do not immediately turn to Christ our All-merciful God, Who has trampled upon death and abolished the power of the devil.”
What a gift is Fr Seraphim to us! (and what a gift is this 1000-page book!) Blessed Father Seraphim of Platina, pray for us.
May 9, 2020
Phenomenal work, a good reference for the Father's works and a very intimate view of the journey of young man into monk-hood and his establishment of not only a bookstore but a Hermitage. Very eye opening views on the U.F.O.s and New Age beliefs and movements of the time. A worthy addiotn to your library.
February 25, 2025
"It is later than you think! Hasten, therefore, to do the work of God.” Fr. Seraphim is a gift to our times. His life and works speak to our current problems and predicaments, never with the goal of frightening us or making us grab pitchforks, but always with the goal of inspiring us to repent and acquire the Spirit.
January 3, 2018
Great story of Life, Path, and search for Truth. The detailed account of Fr. Seraphim's actions reflected his thought process, helped answer a few spiritual questions for me, and left with many things to ponder and quotes to re-read.
Read
April 12, 2021There are parts that really drag, with very long descriptions of Orthodox church politics. But even so, this is a great book, a biography of a very interesting and holy man. Good reading for any Christian.
May 11, 2017
What an inspiring read from an amazing life. When god calls you, you can only resist it for so long.
June 1, 2018
Inspiring!
The word epic in the description of this book is very appropriate! This a great book about a man who used his life to server God in a heart way
The word epic in the description of this book is very appropriate! This a great book about a man who used his life to server God in a heart way
November 1, 2018
A very long book yet really beautiful.
The life of Fr. Seraphim is an epic story about a great man
The life of Fr. Seraphim is an epic story about a great man
June 24, 2021
Really deep knowledge inside yhe book and even relatively simple for reading. Nice juct nice book :)
October 7, 2021
Aweinspiring. A true man of God. I don't know why the Church hasn't officially canonized him yet, it's clear he is a saint.
Blessed Father Seraphim of Platina pray to God for us!
Blessed Father Seraphim of Platina pray to God for us!
April 14, 2022
So glad I took the time to re-read this intense biography. Fr. Seraphim's life gives a beautiful image of total abandonment of the world for Christ and is both deeply inspiring and deeply convicting.
April 7, 2024
amazing book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews