The subject matter together with its presentation renders this icon reproduction capable of being an invitation to prayer, to the contemplation of the saint's virtues and an opportunity to "lay aside earthly cares", at least for a little while. St. Seraphim of Vyritsa's depiction in this icon is sober and manages to convey the sense of solemn joy he attained in his life and ministry under stressful societal circumstances at the beginning of the Soviet period in Russia.
