Orthodox saints are often quoted in the Bible. They are examples of people who lived by the teachings of God. These saints were not all equal, but they all had some important things in common. These traits make them ideal examples of those who are truly committed to the path of righteousness. They also practiced prayer, keeping the Law, and giving praise to the righteous.
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Praying for the dead
The tradition of praying for the dead has roots in biblical scripture and has been a part of Christian life for millennia. In the Orthodox Church, we honor and pray for our patronal saints on their feast days, and also remember those who died in the faith.
The practice of praying for the dead goes hand in hand with belief in the resurrection. Even in Jewish circles, intercession for the departed was a part of worship. The catacombs attest to this. While the New Testament does not mention the practice, prayer for the dead is a major part of Orthodox and Roman Catholic tradition.
Prayers for the dead are observed throughout the Orthodox Church. These prayers are part of the Divine Liturgy and are said in memory of the deceased. Many people increase their offerings to the Church on these days, in memory of the departed. This act is often done out of compassion for those who are suffering from illness or the death of a loved one. While these prayers are addressed to God and the departed, they may also be addressed to other people.
Observing the Law
Observing the Law is a way of life and a way to worship God. The Bible has commandments about the proper way to worship God. Those who follow these commandments are like saints. By contrast, those who violate them are like the devil. If this mystery could be known, then people would be freed from the devil’s grip on their lives. As a result, they would strive to serve God with all of their strength and become like Him.
In addition to the Law of God, the Bible also contains rules about how to conduct ourselves in the presence of God. The apostle Paul wrote two letters to the Church in which he laid out his moral requirements for being a bishop. A pastor is a member of the Church, and he must be faithful to the Church’s doctrine.
As an Orthodox Christian, it is essential to live according to the teachings of the Bible. For instance, one should follow the Law of God to keep one’s faith and to keep the purity of his body and soul. Another rule is that one should not indulge in acts that are against God or his beliefs.
Influence of Reformers
The Reformation brought about the greatest theological change in the Western Church, reorienting it toward the gospel and God. The Reformation also brought about the Reformation’s consequences, ranging from the revival of antisemitism to a bloody display of political conflict disguised as religion.
In the early Church, the Bible formed the basis of Christian belief. Today, we find the New Testament and the Old Testament. We read about Jesus’s life and teachings throughout Scripture. The Reformers challenged the validity of tradition, arguing that Scripture should be the sole source of all faith.
Protestants reinterpreted Scripture, which led to a lack of unity among Protestant groups. They believed that the Holy Spirit would guide pious Protestants, but that the Holy Spirit could not guide everyone. In the process, they de-Christianized those who disagreed.
