December 16, 2013
Wayne, WV: Update on Abbot Seraphim’s Health

Since 2012, the brethren of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV, have been fervently praying for the health of their deputy abbot, Abbot Seraphim (Voepel), who was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer in the area of his right tonsil. The cancer subsided temporarily after initial surgeries, but reappeared in October of this year, after which Fr. Seraphim began undergoing a series of chemotherapy treatments.

Glory be to God, Fr. Seraphim completed his chemotherapy and radiation treatment on Monday, December 9. "Though he did have some painful side effects, they were not nearly as severe as was expected," explained monastery dean Hieromonk Alexander (Frizzell). "Every day, Fr. Seraphim read an akathist to the Holy Great Martyr & Healer Panteleimon, and we know that the heavenly intercessor of our monastery looked after Fr. Seraphim and eased his sufferings. The doctors were amazed at how well he did throughout the treatment process and state that he has a ninety-percent chance of full recovery." In a few weeks, Fr. Seraphim will have another PET scan.

On Tuesday, December 10, the feast day of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, petitions of thanksgiving were inserted into the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Monastery. Fr. Seraphim expressed his deep gratitude to all those who prayed for him and showed him so much love and attention during his time of sickness.

May God grant him many more years of service to God, Holy Cross Monastery, and its pilgrims and friends.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese