01Section 1
What is a Saint?
- In Orthodox theology, a saint is anyone who is united with God — 'saints' can refer to all the baptized faithful.
- In the technical sense, the Church glorifies (canonizes) those whose holiness has been confirmed by miracles and the witness of the faithful.
- Saints are not worshiped; they are venerated and asked to intercede for us.
- The body of a saint often remains incorrupt, a sign of the Holy Spirit's indwelling.
02Section 2
How Does the Church Recognize Saints?
- Glorification (canonization) is a formal act of a local or universal council.
- Evidence includes: incorruption of relics, myrrh-streaming, documented miracles, and the witness of the faithful.
- Local veneration often precedes formal glorification — the Church confirms what the faithful have already discerned.
03Section 3
The Communion of Saints
- Death does not sever fellowship in the Body of Christ — saints in heaven are alive in God.
- Orthodox Christians ask the saints to pray for them, as they ask living Christians to pray.
- The Divine Liturgy is celebrated in communion with 'all the saints' — past, present, and future.
- Icons of saints make them present in our worship; we pray with them, not merely to them.
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