Eastern_Orthodoxy Saint

in eastern orthodox church saint defined in heaven, whether recognized here on earth, or not. definition, adam , eve, moses, various prophets, except angels , archangels given title of saint . sainthood in orthodox church not reflect moral model, communion god: there countless examples of people lived in great sin , became saints humility , repentance, such mary of egypt, moses ethiopian, , of course dysmas, repentant thief crucified. therefore, more complete definition of saint is, has way saints, through humility , love of humankind, saved inside them entire church, , loved people.

orthodox belief considers god reveals saints through answered prayers , other miracles. saints recognized local community, people directly knew them. popularity grows recognized entire church. formal process of recognition involves deliberation synod of bishops. if successful, followed service of glorification in saint given day on church calendar celebrated entire church. not, however, make person saint; person saint , church recognized it.

it believed 1 of ways holiness (sanctity) of person revealed, through condition of relics (remains). in orthodox countries (such greece, not in russia) graves reused after 3 5 years because of limited space. bones washed , placed in ossuary, person s name written on skull. when body exhumed miraculous reported having occurred; exhumed bones claimed have given off fragrance, flowers, or body reported having remained free of decay, despite not having been embalmed (traditionally orthodox not embalm dead) , having been buried years in earth.

the reason relics considered sacred because, orthodox, separation of body , soul unnatural. body , soul both comprise person, , in end, body , soul reunited; therefore, body of saint shares in holiness of soul of saint. general rule clergy touch relics in order move them or carry them in procession, however, in veneration faithful kiss relic show love , respect toward saint. altar in orthodox church contains relics of saints, of martyrs. church interiors covered icons of saints.

because church shows no true distinction between living , dead (the saints considered alive in heaven), saints referred if still alive. saints venerated not worshipped. believed able intercede salvation , mankind either through direct communion god, or personal intervention.

in eastern orthodox church, title Ὅσιος, hosios (f. Ὁσία hosia) used. title attributed saints had lived monastic or eremitic life, , equal more usual title of saint .