Heinävesi, North Karelia, Finland, December 5, 2024
Photo: wp.com The Holy Transfiguration-New Valaam Monastery is being gifted a wooden chapel named in honor of the summer feast of St. Seraphim of Sarov.
The chapel, which was previously located near a private summer residence, is currently being dismantled for relocation to the monastery. It will be rebuilt along the path that circles the monastery cemetery at the edge of the so-called “Prayer Forest,” reports the Finnish Church.
Archimandrite Michael, the monastery’s abbot, expressed gratitude for the gift, noting that St. Seraphim of Sarov holds special significance for many monastery residents, local inhabitants, and pilgrims.
“Thanks to the chapel, his veneration will take on new forms here, and the importance of his memory will grow. The Prayer Forest, where the chapel will be placed, is considered vaguely reminiscent of St. Seraphim of Sarov’s places of ascetic struggle, making it a fitting location,” the abbot explained.
The chapel was originally consecrated by His Eminence Archbishop John of Karelia and All Finland, on July 19, 1993, and the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of Waters have been celebrated there annually on that day.
The gift includes icons painted by Jurki Pouta (Christ, the Mother of God, and two icons of St. Seraphim of Sarov), as well as specially crafted altar furnishings, vestments, Eucharistic vessels, an altar Gospel, and a censer.
The chapel is the gift of Deacon Risto Ikäheimo, who has received spiritual consolation at Valaam Monastery for decades.
The chapel will be reconsecrated at its new location on St. Seraphim’s feast day, June 19, when Divine Liturgy will be celebrated there for the first time.
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