Gospel – Page 3 – Faith Unto Ages

An Orthodox Apologia for the Intercession of Saints

Concerning the Orthodox Church’s teaching on the intercession of saints, heretics often argue that it is both idolatrous and unbiblical. When the Orthodox Christian is challenged on this matter, they are forced to respond to at least one of the following objections: ‘How could the saints hear your prayers if they are dead?’, ‘praying to saints is idolatry!”, “where is that in the Bible?”, & “the Bible says that there is only one Mediator between God and Man.”

It is important to note that the Holy Orthodox Church does not by any means disagree with the latter statement presented above, given that this comes directly from Divine Revelation itself (c.f. 1 Timothy 2:5, Heb 8:6, 9:15, 12:25, etc). Before we address the objections to the doctrine of the intercession of the saints, it is necessary to first define Christ’s role as the Mediator between God and man in detail.

To Bear Suffering Patiently

The world teaches that it is necessary to live a life of comfort; one free of struggle, hardship, and misfortune. It considers one that is free of these as having a ‘successful’ life, because suffering is viewed by it as being something completely alien to goodness. Because tribulations come in many different forms – be it poverty, hunger, famine, war, sickness, or death; those with a carnal mind either conclude that there must therefore be no God. Others suggest that if one does exist, that He is either too far from us or unconcerned with our condition, and therefore unloving.

On the contrary, Christianity views suffering with great joy and a sign of God’s love for us. When we suffer, especially for His sake, it is pleasing to Him, not because He is a monster who delights in torturing or punishing us for sin, but because through it we become partakers of His own suffering.

St. Mary’s Warning of Hell – Coptic Vision of The Theotokos

An Excerpt from the book ‘Saint Mary’s Modern Miracles’ published by ‘Pope Kyrillos VI’s Sons’ through St. Mena Monastery Press:

“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Is 65:24).

Habib Farig developed a strong relationship with St. Mary and referred to her as the “Great Lady.” He would say of her that, as a mother, she knows the needs of us, her children, more than we do; he would also say that she knows what Christ has in His heart for us. He believed that having the Virgin’s presence in our lives gives us the hope to wait for the Lord’s miraculous and divine interventions. Through her intercessions, we see His Divine Power and blessings bestowed upon us.