Icon of the saints
In the church, saints serve as role models to Christians everywhere, whether for their lives, miracles, or theological contributions. Here is a list of some of the most well-known saints.
Saint Cyril is considered one of the most important saints because of his contributions to the role of the cross and human nature. Some people back then believed that Christ was just a man or that he couldn’t feel pain as God. Saint Cyril fought against those beliefs, teaching that Jesus was both God and man, taking on both natures. His writings serve as a helpful apologetic against Christological heresies.
You may have encountered a painting or icon of a saint with a bear; the saint depicted is Saint Seraphim of Sarov. He was a monk who lived in the forest in solitude, praying to the Lord and trying to avoid unclean thoughts. One day, a nun named Matrona visited the saint, seeing a bear next to the saint. She screamed, but the saint was unbothered, even playing with the bear. He assured her the bear wouldn’t attack; to protect the bear from being killed, Saint Seraphim told the nun not to tell anyone until eleven years had passed. Soon after the saint had died, Matrona walked past an artist's studio in the monastery. The artist was painting the saint; seeing the painting, the nun told him to draw the bear, confusing the artist. The nun remembered the saint’s words and that eleven years had passed.
Painting of the saint and the bear - https://wmm.dormitionpress.org/archives/1285
Saint Athanasius is considered one of the greatest theologians of all time; his writings on Christology are considered some of the greatest. C.S. Lewis called his first letter to Saint Anthony the Great a “masterpiece.” He was also influential in combating Arianism, a common heresy at the time. His friendship with Saint Anthony the Great was also important, as he was one of the founders of Christian Monasticism.
One of the most well-known saints, even to non-Christians, mainly due to the Christmas tradition. Saint Nicholas was known for his generosity and humility, never showing off his deeds to others. He was an inspiring figurehead to the Christians being persecuted in his community. He was even an attendee of the council Of Nicaea, where he would punch Arius in the face.
Arguably one of the most respected saints of the last century, his articulation of the faith and monastic life is read by many Christians today. His biography, “Elder Paisios of Mount Athos,” written by Elder Issac, has been translated into many different languages and is a very comprehensive view of his life. Readers of the book are invited to “cast aside all cares” and see life from the perspective of a Holy Father. A YouTube documentary about him has also increased his notoriety, gaining over 400,000 views.
Saint Catherine lived during the Middle Ages and was the daughter of a pagan governor. She told her parents that she would not get married to someone unless he was more beautiful, intelligent, and wealthier than her; she would eventually find that person, the Lord Jesus Christ. Saint Catherine successfully debated against many philosophers at that time, converting them to Christ. She would even convert the wife of the Roman emperor Maxentius. Because of this, the emperor ordered her to be killed; they had tried to use the breaking wheel, a torture device, but it miraculously broke, So she was beheaded. Saint Catherine is still revered today.
コメント