The Sunday of All Saints
Today is the Feast of All Saints, and just as each of us, young and old alike, is unique in our character, so too are the Saints of the Church. Among the multitude of Saints whom we honor today, we find scholars, theologians, physicians, hierarchs, priests, deacons, monastics, hymnographers, iconographers, cooks, gardeners, architects, rulers, soldiers, bakers, grave diggers, parents, children….and the list goes on. Yet, even as unique as their stewardship may have been, the commonality that led them to sainthood was their selfless commitment to Christ and His Church.
The commemoration of Saints is one of the most beautiful aspects of our tradition. We look to them as examples, we ask/pray that our prayers be co-mingled with theirs for intercession, and we gather with them during Divine services to worship God. In fact, even when it appears that our pews are far from full, the Church is still bursting at the seams on account of the Saints that gather with us mystically to praise and glorify God.
Each of us possesses the Grace of God and the ability to live a saintly life; the diversity of the Saints and their experiences attests to this. Therefore, as we honor today all those who have been canonized by the Church, along with those who are known only but to God, pray that we might measure up to their level of faith and commitment as we continue to strive and serve God with all of our being!
Fr. John
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