Are you wondering if the Greek Orthodox do pray to saints? If so, you are not alone. While many people claim that praying to saints is a sinful practice, there are actually several Scriptures that support the belief that it is acceptable.
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Scriptural passages supporting greek orthodox prayer to saints
Prayer to Saints is an ancient tradition in the Church. It dates back to the early Church. Some of the oldest surviving prayers are to Theotokos, the Virgin Mary.
Saint Basil the Great was an Orthodox Christian who lived from 330-379. He was a prolific writer. In his writings, he defended orthodoxy against Arian heresy. His letters also deal with moral issues. During his time, he was known as a man of wisdom, and as a writer.
Besides defending Christianity against heresy, he was a teacher and a bishop. He was a dean of a school in Alexandria when he was 18. Later on, he was a senator in Rome.
Maximus was an eminent politician who converted to Orthodoxy. Despite his talents, he was persecuted. However, he was a man of great faith and virtue. His life ended shortly after the Sixth Ecumenical Council.
Another popular orthodox saint is St. Nectarios of Aegina, a mystic. His exemplary life of patience made him a great protector of God’s love for mankind.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, intercessory prayer to saints is a very important practice. It is believed that saints know the secrets of the hearts of everyone. Christians need to honor them as sons of God, and friends of Jesus.
In the Orthodox Church, it is believed that saints have been resurrected from the dead and are able to intercede on behalf of people who need their help. This has led to many miracles being produced during the canonization process.
The ultimate goal of the saint is to imitate God and live the life of deification
Among the many reasons why the Orthodox Church recognizes Saints is their imitability and deification. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Saints have been sanctified in both body and soul. Moreover, they have been granted a special gift of intercession for the people.
Deification is a process that enables a human being to attain a higher state of being. The idea of deification is not only a self-realization of one’s humanity, but also a realization of the holiness of the human person.
In the early centuries of Christianity, the lives of saints were often described in synaxaria, a gathering of Christians where their lives were read and analyzed. This practice preserved detailed descriptions of the lives and miracles of Saints.
Theosis is the Greek word for deification. This term refers to the fulfillment of one’s potentiality and the overcoming of passions. It is the goal of a Saint to become like God.
Theosis is also a vital process in a person’s life. To achieve this, a person must learn to grow in spiritual exercises, which are designed to facilitate a person’s union with God. These exercises allow a person to meditate on the scriptures, contemplate on his own death, and be exposed to suffering and weak members of the community.
