Wishing to imitate his Heavenly teacher Saint Seraphim of Sarov, the Holy Elder Seraphim undertook a podvig to Pray every day on a rock, on his knees, in the garden, before the Icon of Saint Seraphim of Sarov which he placed on a young apple tree near the rock. He did this during the time when he was greatly suffering from his poor health. He did this for ten years, Praying for the revival of the Russian Orthodox Church and the salvation of the whole world. When he was 72 years old, his relatives would help him walk to the rock, and even carry him there sometimes because he was unwell. He would agonisingly Pray here for as long as he could, sometimes one hour, or sometimes several hours.
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Saint Seraphim was very strict with himself practicing great asceticism with fasting, all-night vigils and Prayer. The Holy Elder did not eat any food on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and sometimes he even fasted for several days at a time. When he did eat, his food would include a portion of a Prosphora and some Holy Water. Other times he would eat only a portion of a potato, or some grated carrot. However, he did receive Holy Communion every day, and this was his imperishable food.
