**What is remembered in the Church on August 1, 2026** The future saint was born into the family of a merchant named Isidor Moshnin, who was engaged in construction contracts, and his wife Agafya on July 19, 1754, in Kursk. He was the youngest child in the family and was named Prokhor. His father died early, leaving the child in the care of his mother, who instilled in him a deep faith in God. The widow continued her husband's work and was already finishing the construction of the Kursk Cathedral herself. One day she took Prokhor to the construction site, and he fell from the bell tower there. But miraculously he remained unharmed, which his mother considered an important sign. Prokhor was distinguished by his intelligence, learned to read early, and easily mastered any sciences, but he loved united prayers the most. Once, the boy fell seriously ill, but he was saved by going to the gates and touching the icon that was being carried past in a procession. This further strengthened his resolve to dedicate his life to the Lord. He made a pilgrimage to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, where he received a blessing to become a monk in Sarov. There he became a disciple of the elder Pachomius and the elder Joseph. He took monastic vows under the name Seraphim, performed all obediences, but often secluded himself in the forest for prayer. Later he fell ill and suffered for 3 years, refusing medical help, as he believed that his fate was in God's hands. After that, the Mother of God appeared to him in a dream accompanied by the apostles Peter and John the Theologian. They said about Seraphim that he was “of our kin.” Soon after that, the saint was healed. A hospital church was built on the site of this event. Seraphim had many miraculous signs, prayed a lot. At the age of 39, he received a blessing for hermitage and went to live in a cell in a remote forest in solitude. He only came to the monastery on Saturdays to attend prayer and receive communion. He ate only what he gathered himself, constantly fasted, and prayed. Sometimes he would stand motionless for hours, immersed in inner prayer. Near his cell lived a tame bear. When the devil began to tempt him, he took on the feat of pillar asceticism — spending every night in prayer, standing on a huge stone near his cell. Once, robbers attacked Seraphim; he did not wish to resist them, and they beat him cruelly. But once again, he was healed by the Mother of God. After 15 years of seclusion, he returned to the monastery, where he spent the last years of his life. By that time, he had acquired a high purity of soul, received the gift of miracle-working, and became clairvoyant. This allowed him to help people — with light and deeds. Many came to him asking for help, and he never refused anyone. Sensing his death, Seraphim himself indicated the place for his burial in the Assumption Cathedral of the monastery and even cut a coffin for himself. **The meaning of the holiday** On this day, the great elder and intercessor for Orthodox people is remembered. **Folk weather signs** — If the day is dry, there will be no rain for six weeks; if it is damp, it will rain for the same amount of time. — If it is dry on this day, we expect an excellent harvest. — Strong wind indicates hunger and diseases. **What can be done on August 1, 2026** — It is customary to gather and prepare mushrooms. — Harvesting from the garden is done. — A great day for cleaning, as well as washing and ironing. — A wonderful day to visit the bathhouse. — If a cat comes to the house, it must be fed and ideally sheltered or new owners found for it. **What cannot be done on August 1, 2026** — It is very bad to drive away all stray animals. — Driving away all insects from the apartment is not allowed; they should not buzz there. This especially applies to horseflies. — Alcohol should not be consumed. — Fishing is not advisable. — Do not take worn clothes for yourself. — Do not bring anything from the street into the house.