|
|
|
|
|
Orthodox Holy Fathers
The ultimate goal of the saint is to imitate God and live the life of deification (theosis).
St. Maximos the Confessor (seventh century) writes that the saints are men who have reached theosis;
they have avoided unnatural development of the soul, that is, sin, and tried to live the natural way
of life (i.e., living according to created nature), turning and looking always towards God, thus
achieving total unity with God through the Holy Spirit.
It may be stated here that the Saints are first of all "friends" of God. Secondly, through their
genuine piety and absolute obedience to God, they pleased Him and have therefore been "sanctified"
both in soul and body, and subsequently glorified in this world. Third, they have been accepted in
God's bosom after their passing from the world into eternal life. Fourth, many of them have been
given special "grace" or "favor" to perform miracles either before their departure from this world
or after. Fifth, they have been granted the special gift to pray and intercede for those still living
in this world and fighting the "good fight" for the glory of God and their own perfection in Christ.
This intercession springs from the fact that they also are part of the "Communion of Saints". They
share prayers and good works with Christians on earth and there is a constant interaction and unity
between the glorified saints in Heaven and Christians who still live in the world.
|
|
|
|
