Topic: Questions on the role of saints in our lives...

[KBN1]

Greetings!
I am hoping to further understand, appreciate, and recognize the workings of the Saints in my life, but based on my religious background I fear that I am blind to most, if not all of it.  I have spent my life in Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement churches (Church of Christ/Christian churches) and as full of lovely people as they are, there is so much about the kingdom of God that I don't have a grasp of that I sincerely would like to understand.  Things that I accept as true and right without yet having the skills of recognition.  Coming from a tradition that doesn't recognize saints in any fashion I don't fully know what to do with them or how to approach them.  I have been spending time reading lives of saints and have been finding great encouragement in their stories and I fully believe that they intercede on our behalf, but I am left with the nagging suspicion that there is much more to it.  I kind of feel like I am suppose to be looking for something that I don't know exists.  This last week I came across St Nilus of Sora (also known as Nil Sorsky) and there is so much about his life and work that resonates with me and seems to parallel the transformation that God has been working in my life.  Part of me wants to believe that somehow St Nilus has been involved with this, but I also know that "feelings" are often poor sources of conviction.  I wish I could ask a more specific question, but as I don't really quite know what I am asking this will have to do for now.  Any information or direction would be greatly appreciated.

[Punch]

Don't worry, and don't look too hard.  Like most things, it will be revealed to you at the proper time.  For some of us, the Saints are an example.  For some, they are as real and as present as those around us in the flesh.  I have experienced both in my life.  Keep reading their lives, and read their services.  Sing their hymns.  That is the beauty of the Orthodox Church.  We are all one, the living and those reposed.  That it is even in your heart to ask this question is good.

[ozgeorge]

I agree with Punch, don't force it. You are making your own connections with St Nilus of Sora.

[KBN1]

Thank you both for that measure of wisdom.

[witega]

Hi KBN1,

I was raised in the Campbellite Church of Christ but left it almost 20 years ago from Holy Orthodoxy. From that perspective I would say that in a sense, yes, you are missing something. But it's not something doctrinal. Right now, you are at the stage where you are just becoming acquainted with the saints. And like any other new acquaintance, there's a lot of potential depth which you have just started to scratch the surface of. But also like any other relationship, it's not something to force. Follow Punch's advice and over time you will find some of those acquaintances deepening into strong relationships.

[Irish Hermit]

I have a great love and veneration for Saint Nil Sorsky and wanted so much, when I was a young monk, to be a monk in his mould.   But God decided otherwise.

I don't know if your journey has progressed to the stage where you are comfortable praying to Saints but if you have, here is this Akathist which you can read.   It will increase your knowledge of him and your  "connection"  with him to stand in his presence while praying his Akathist.  Here is the link

http://web.archive.org/web/20010710002342/www.saintnilus.org/akathist.html

Holy Father Nil pray for us

[KBN1]

Hi KBN1,

I was raised in the Campbellite Church of Christ but left it almost 20 years ago from Holy Orthodoxy. From that perspective I would say that in a sense, yes, you are missing something. But it's not something doctrinal. Right now, you are at the stage where you are just becoming acquainted with the saints. And like any other new acquaintance, there's a lot of potential depth which you have just started to scratch the surface of. But also like any other relationship, it's not something to force. Follow Punch's advice and over time you will find some of those acquaintances deepening into strong relationships.

Yeah, I suppose in my excitement about finding Orthodoxy I am behaving like a starved man at a buffet; shoving as much stuff in as I can while savoring none of it. 

Also, thank you Irish Hermit.

[Punch]

Yeah, I suppose in my excitement about finding Orthodoxy I am behaving like a starved man at a buffet; shoving as much stuff in as I can while savoring none of it. 

Also, thank you Irish Hermit.

That is a pretty accurate way to put it.  I can certainly say that is how I felt 15 years ago.  Once I realized that I would never understand ALL of what the Church had to offer, I was able to enjoy the few things that I understood that much more.

[KBN1]

That is a pretty accurate way to put it.  I can certainly say that is how I felt 15 years ago.  Once I realized that I would never understand ALL of what the Church had to offer, I was able to enjoy the few things that I understood that much more.

I suppose I need to be more present with eternity.