Saint Seraphim of Sarov was an ascetic holy man from 19th century Russia. He gave spiritual guidance to people by teaching with love and passion. He secluded himself for 15 years in a forest cabin and then 5 more years in his room in a monastery. This icon is part of the same set as the icon of Saint Panteleimon here at the Cathedral.  

On top of the icon there is a smaller icon of Virgin Mary, named Seraphim-Diveyevo Tenderness Icon of the Mother of God. It is said, that while Seraphim was secluded in his room he prayed to this style of icon of Virgin Mary. He said that the icon was the “The greatest joy of all time”