👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾 Why the #Orthodox #Church #Teaches About the #Saints
Beloved children of the Church,
Let us now incline our ears to the sacred instruction of our Holy Mother, the Orthodox Church, regarding the saints those shining stars in the firmament of God’s grace. For many, this teaching is a stumbling stone, but to the faithful it is a fountain of wisdom, reverence, and consolation, rooted in Scripture, witnessed in tradition, and confirmed by the grace of the Spirit. Let us then speak plainly and devoutly, not in the speech of man’s philosophy, but in the voice of divine truth.
1. The Saints Are Honored, Not Worshiped And God Is Glorified Through Them
It is falsely said by some that the Church offends God by honoring His saints, naming churches after them or commemorating their lives in feast days. Yet, what foolishness is this? For Scripture itself testifies that God is not diminished when He exalts His servants. He created man in His own image, and when He glorifies man, He glorifies His own handiwork. When we honor the saints, we do not rob God; we magnify His grace in them.
The saints are not self-made. They are what they are by the mercy and power of God. In honoring them, we honor what God has done through them, and by this we also honor human nature redeemed, sanctified, and glorified through the Cross of Christ. Therefore, the glory of the saints is nothing less than the reflection of the glory of God Himself.
2. Why Are Some Honored More Than Others?
Another complaint is made: “Why do we honor some more than others? Are we not all saints?” Ah, but my beloved, although God’s love is the same for all, not all return that love in equal measure. The saints are those who responded to divine mercy with total devotion. They loved without reserve, they followed Christ without hesitation, and they endured the suffering of the cross even in the valley of the shadow of death.
Some gave up house, name, and reputation; they wandered as strangers in the world, yet God called them His own. And how did God reward them? He said:
“I will give them in My house and within My walls a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters… an everlasting name” (Isaiah 56:5-7).
Let the scoffer now be silent! If God Himself builds their memorial, shall we not honor what God honors? The Church only proclaims what the Lord has already confirmed in His Word.
3. Reverence Is Not Idolatry
Some accuse the Church of worshiping saints. But let us be clear: worship belongs to God alone, and the Church knows this well. The gestures of bowing or kissing an icon, the lighting of candles, or calling upon a saint these are not acts of divine worship, but of deep respect, just as Scripture testifies.
When Cornelius bowed to Peter (Acts 10), or when others bowed in reverence, did they mean to replace God? Certainly not! And even John, overwhelmed by the glory of heaven, fell before an angel. But the angel reminded him of the order of worship directed to God alone.
Let the wise understand: the measure of worship is the heart’s intention, not the body’s posture. No Orthodox bows to the saints as to God, but with reverence and gratitude for their witness, intercession, and example.
Continues👇🏾