Veneration of Saints in Orthodox Christianity- Part I

The Orthodox Church holds a unique perspective on the role of those who have lived exceptionally holy lives. Veneration of Saints (ቅዱሳንን ማክበር), a core aspect of Orthodox Christianity, goes beyond mere admiration. It's a practice rooted in the belief that these holy men and women continue to participate in the life of the Church after their death. They are seen as spiritual companions and models for Christian living, inspiring believers through their exemplary lives.

Who are the Saints?

Saints are not simply those who performed miracles or achieved martyrdom. In the Orthodox understanding, Sainthood is a recognition of a life transformed by God's grace. Saints are individuals who have dedicated themselves to Christ, exhibiting exceptional devotion, unwavering faith, and Christ-like love. They serve as living testaments to the transformative power of the Christian faith.

Biblical Justification

The practice of veneration of Saints finds justification in several biblical passages. The concept of a "communion of Saints (የቅዱሳን ኅብረት ከምድራዊያን ጋር)” is found in phrases like "the church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven" “በሰማያትም ወደ ተጻፉ ወደ በኵራት ማኅበር (ቤተክርስቲያን)” (Hebrews 12:23) and "we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" “እንግዲህ እነዚህን የሚያህሉ ምስክሮች እንደ ደመና በዙሪያችን ካሉልን” (Hebrews 12:1). These verses suggest a connection between the Church on earth (the living) and the Church in heaven (the departed Saints).

Another justification comes from the instances of the dead appearing to the living. For example, Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus at the Transfiguration “እነሆም፥ ሙሴና ኤልያስ ከእርሱ ጋር ሲነጋገሩ ታዩአቸው።” (Matthew 17:3). This suggests that communication and interaction between those in heaven and those on earth is possible.

Veneration vs. Worship

A crucial distinction exists between veneration and worship. Worship is reserved solely for God, the one true divine being. Veneration, on the other hand, is an act of respect and honor shown to the Saints. It involves venerating their relics (physical remains), venerating icons (sacred images), and celebrating their feast days. Through these practices, Orthodox Christians seek inspiration from the Saints' exemplary lives and draw closer to God.

Conclusion

The veneration of Saints is more than just tradition; it's a vibrant expression of the enduring power of faith. By venerating Saints, Orthodox Christians affirm the transformative power of God's grace and the possibility of living a holy life. The Saints serve as an encouragement of hope, reminding us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things through faith and devotion. Ultimately, the veneration of Saints strengthens the connection between the earthly Church and the heavenly Church, creating a sense of unity and purpose within the Orthodox Christian community.