Saint Seraphim of Sarov (1754–1833) is one of the most famous Russian monks and saints. Already in his own lifetime he was famous for his healing power and gift of prophecy.

The story about Seraphim of Sarov and the Imperial Russian family goes like this: In 1903 Tsar Nicholas II and Tsaritsa Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia had had four children - all girls. But they also wished a male heir and as good Orthodox Christians they asked God to bless them with a son. The Tsar and the Tsaritsa had also heard about Seraphim of Sarov and caused a canonization of him, which took place in 1903 in the presence of the Imperial family. On July 3, his relics were removed from their original burial place to the church of Saints Zosimus and Sabbatius. On July 18, the last memorial service was in the Cathedral at Sarov, still with the Imperial family in attendance. The family would then be the last prayers offered for Seraphim as a departed servant of God. From that time forward, prayers would instead be addressed to him as a saint. On July 19 at 6.00 PM, the bells rang for All-Night Vigil: The first service with hymns honoring Seraphim as a saint, during which his relics would be exposed for public veneration. July 19 1903 is as said engraved in the above-mentioned silver-gilt case as well as this date is still celebrated as the feast day of the Uncovering of the relics of Saint Seraphim.

After the canonization Tsaritsa Alexandra Feodorovna bathed in Saraphim's miracle-working well - praying for a son. Within a few weeks the Tsartitsa learned that she was expecting her fifth child and on August 12 1904, she gave birth to a son, Alexis.