Saint Seraphim became very close with a bear, and often asked it to run errands for him.
Two Nuns from a certain convent once came to visit Saint Seraphim. Suddenly a bear lumbered unexpectedly out of the woods and frightened the visitors with his appearance. “Misha,” – said the Saint, – “why do you frighten the poor orphans! Go back and bring us a treat, otherwise I have nothing to offer my guests.” Hearing these words, the bear went back into the woods, and two hours later he tumbled into the Holy Elder’s Cell and gave him something covered with leaves. It was a fresh honeycomb of purest honey. Father Seraphim took a piece of bread from his bag, gave it to the bear, pointed to the door – and the bear left immediately.
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