Common Ground: Seraphim and Thérèse

Sister Helen Columba explores the shared spiritual ground that exists between St Seraphim of Sarov (1754-1833) and St Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897), showing how the Orthodox and Carmelite traditions converge in humility, suffering, spiritual childhood, and surrender to Divine love. Though outwardly very different - Seraphim in the forests of Sarov, Therese in the hidden life of Carmel - both reveal a way of holiness founded in participation in Christ's suffering and in the transforming action of the Holy Spirit within the heart.Comparing Russian spirituality, Carmelite teaching, iconography, poetry, and contemplative theology, Sister Helen Columba reflects on prayer, sacrifice, hiddenness, obedience, and the 'way of love' lived through daily faithfulness. Throughout, she presents sanctity not as heroic self-assertion but as self-emptying openness to God's grace. Rich in spiritual insight and ecumenical vision, this short study reveals deep affinities between Eastern Orthodox and Western contemplative traditions, while offering a compelling meditation on the Christian vocation to become 'children of a God of love'.