Wonder-worker Seraphim gave his love to each living being, be it a person or an animal. “My Gladness” – is the way he called everyone who came to him. A bear used to visit the hermitage quite frequently. He came, accepted food offered to him, placed his huge head for caress and, like a true dog, lay down at the elder’s feet, pleased.

- God sent me a beast in consolation, - St. Seraphim said stroking the bear on his shaggy skin.