The main source of historical information about the elder Seraphim is the biography compiled by the Sarov hieromonk Sergey. Prokhor Isidorovich Moshnin was born in 1754 in Kursk to the merchant Isidor Moshnin and his wife Agafiya.

At the age of seventeen, Prokhor decided to dedicate himself to monastic life. After receiving his mother's blessing, who gave him a copper cross, he went to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in 1776. There, Elder Dosifei directed him to the Sarov wilderness for obedience and tonsure. In 1778, Prokhor became a novice under Elder Joseph at the Sarov Monastery. The abbot Pachomiy welcomed him warmly, and the young man immediately began monastic feats, spending his free time in the forest.

Prokhor's strict way of life attracted the attention of the brethren, and his feats caused amazement. In 1786, he took monastic vows and became a hierodeacon, and in 1793 he was ordained as a hieromonk with the name Seraphim, which in ancient Hebrew means "fiery."

In 1794, seeking solitude, Seraphim settled in a cell in the forest, located five kilometers from the monastery. His asceticism included strict bodily restrictions, reading sacred books, and long prayers. Near the cell, he established a garden and set up a beehive. The life mentions miracles, such as feeding a bear with bread. Once he was attacked by robbers, but despite severe injuries, Seraphim forgave them and asked not to punish them.

In 1807, he took a vow of silence and avoided communication. In 1810, he returned to the monastery but went into seclusion until 1825. After that, he began to receive visitors, possessing, as stated in the life, the gift of foresight and healing. Among his guests was Emperor Alexander I. Seraphim greeted everyone with the words "My joy!" and "Christ is Risen!"

Seraphim patronized the Diveyevo women's monastery. In 1831, he had a vision of the Mother of God surrounded by John the Baptist, John the Theologian, and 12 maidens. Seraphim passed away in 1833 in his cell during prayer.

The iconographic image of Seraphim was created from his lifetime portrait painted by the artist Serebryakov. In 1839, a "Brief Outline of Life" by Schema-monk Mark was published in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, which included the teachings of Father Seraphim. In 1841, the "Tale of the Life and Feats" of Seraphim was published. Many of his teachings are known from the notes of merchant Nikolai Motovilov, although their authenticity is disputed.

The popular veneration of Seraphim began during his lifetime. The preparation for canonization caused a political scandal and was associated with attempts by Nicholas II to strengthen ties with the people. The idea of canonization arose in 1883, and in 1902 it was supported by Nicholas II.

On January 11, 1903, a commission chaired by Metropolitan Vladimir examined the relics of Seraphim. Although the expectations of the incorruptibility of the relics were not met, Metropolitan Anthony noted the preservation of the remains. In the summer of 1903, the "Sarov Celebrations" took place with the participation of the tsar and a multitude of people.

In 1920, the relics were uncovered, and in 1922 they were transferred to Moscow. In 1990, the relics of Seraphim were discovered in Leningrad, which were transferred to the Diveyevo Monastery in 1991.