The writings of our Blessed Fr. Seraphim Rose are popular amongst those in and out of the United States of America As noted on the front cover of The Soul After Death which states: “The American book that has become Russia’s most popular book on the afterlife, awakening countless souls with its sobering truth.” Although his writings are so universally influential, one outside of the USA may still find it peculiar as to why we are so strongly drawn to this Hieromonk from California.
Growing up in America, we were, and still are, inundated with occult symbolism and teachings through music, movies, television shows and commercials, plays, books, and every other form of entertainment. Blessed Fr. Seraphim Rose deeply understood our modern culture, as one who was brought up in it and was called out of it. By the Grace of God, he could discern the times with clarity and care. He delivered unto us the Tradition of the Church and all her tools so that we may be delivered from the occult ideals that Satan has so brazenly and nakedly entered our culture with.
Thus, many Americans who have been enamored knowingly or unknowingly by the occult; straightforwardly or passively; through false religions, drug-fueled anti-religions, or no religion at all; are so drawn to Blessed Fr. Seraphim’s books, articles, and recorded talks. His work brings precise definition to our cultural ailments. He is a modern, living example of how to be in the world and not of it. An example of a Western-born American who is suffused with the Orthodox spirit. He makes sense of the chaos, confusion, and emptiness that has been spread nationally. Even more, he gives us hope in Christ and the Church by showing us the way to live this life, carrying our crosses, with a firm Orthodox Christian Ethos and through traditional Orthodox Christian Praxis.
Glory to God for giving us such a teacher for our times as God has always given us Saints at the proper time throughout all of human history. Blessed Fr. Seraphim Rose, pray to God for us!