The church is one of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in Montreal and the only independent church of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) in this city. The monastery chapel of St. Seraphim of Sarov was consecrated by Metropolitan Vitaly in 1954 on Bloomfield Street shortly after his appointment to the Montreal diocese. In 1965, the chapel was moved to Champagneur Street, where it remains today. After a fire at the Holy Nicholas Cathedral, a parish was established at the chapel, which was initially planned as temporary but became permanent.

Regular services are held at the church, as well as baptisms, weddings, funerals, memorial services, and other Orthodox sacraments. Two educational classes operate at the church: Saturday and Sunday. In the Saturday class, children learn to read and write in Russian, become familiar with Orthodox life, study Russian poetry, and engage in crafts and drawing. The Sunday class includes discussions about current events in the Orthodox calendar and other spiritual matters.

Every year, the parish organizes a Russian Orthodox Camp at the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Skete, which usually takes place in July.

The clergy of the Church of St. Seraphim also conduct regular services at the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Skete in Mansonville. However, since the priests cannot serve every Sunday, information about the services is sent out in advance via email.