I am also surprised to hear that Theodosius and Justinian are not considered saints in the EO Church, as the OCA website lists Justinian as a saint (14 November), and I could've sworn that Theodosius was also considered a saint (a cursory internet search seems to argue against this).
Who Was Your Favorite 4th Century Saint?
- Mor Ephrem
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FWIW, I think arguing over "who the greatest saint is" is perhaps sinful--though I would not make that condemnation myself. Perhaps it would best to say that it is not necessary or within a totally Orthodox spirit. Certainly there have been such disputes in the past. But that is beside the point. I didn't ask who the greatest was, only who was the favorite of people. If it's sinful to feel drawn towards certain saints, then I imagine 95% of the people who read this are going to have to confess that this weekend, as it's only natural to be attracted towards certain people, and not as attracted to others.
Mor Ephrem
I am also surprised to hear that Theodosius and Justinian are not considered saints in the EO Church, as the OCA website lists Justinian as a saint (14 November), and I could've sworn that Theodosius was also considered a saint (a cursory internet search seems to argue against this).
As with a lot, it's all about who you ask. FWIW, If the child of my wife and I due this summer is a boy, we plan on naming him Justinian, so you can probably guess what my own view is.
Apologist wrote:I think such polls are very sinful. I love all the saints!
Also, Emperor Theodosius IS NOT a saint, but simply a pious emperor (Synodicon of Orthodoxy). Neither is Emperor Justinian (on Mt. Sinai, the monks pray for his soul)!
Actually! These two Saints, Emperor Theodosius the Great and Justianian the Great (along with his wife Saint Theodora) are quite in the Synaxarion and in the Synodicon of Orthodoxy. Saint Theodosius the Great presided the Second (? Or third? correct me if I'm wrong) Ecumenical Council. And Saint Justinian the Great presided the Third (or Fourth? ) Ecumenical Council. These two Saints are very well Great Saints of the Chuch, and are numbered along with the Holy Emperors of the Synaxarion. Saint Theodora was a former prostitute when she has repented. Hey, doesn't anyone remember another set of Holy Emperors? Saint Theophana (as we Greeks call her, Theophano) who was from the regions of Modern Greece (Athens, if I'm correct) and was the wife of the Emperor Leo the Wise. Her piety can resemble a lot to her predecessor of Saint Helen. In Mount Sinai, (since it was built by Emperor Justinian!) they commemorate him as a Saint and at the same time, as the peaceful repose of the Saint. It seems the continued the tradition of Panikhida even after hes recognition as a Saint.
What for? When someone doesn't know you tell him. You haven't scandalized anyone! Quite a difficult post thought, as someone said before, it isn't right for us to choose who's better then that Saint. But, we of course, have favorites, which is normal.
My favorite is of course Saint Basil the Great! Who wouldn't enjoy participating in the his Divine Liturgy! Thsoe prayers! Rarely we see a Father like Saint Basil who has pushed his own limits for Christ's flock. Rarely do you see a whole family been glorified by God and His people! (Meaning, his Parents, Saints Basil and Emily, his Sisters Saints Macrina and Theosebia(I could be wrong of her spelling), his Brother Saints Gregory, Peter and Naucratius.)