The Orthodox Study Bible: The Saints (Brief)

The text

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy,Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

Purchased from my employer, the Canadian Bible Society @ Cafe Logos, Vancouver.

This text review continues...

Five sources of Christian tradition (iv)

4) The Saints

I have already dealt with an aspect of this issue, veneration, in the second review entry. This is the sixth entry. Within my Reformed theology, in particular, I embrace Hebrews:

New American Standard Bible

Hebrews 9: 15

For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 

Hebrews 12:24 24

and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

In regard to reverence, related to prayer, Jesus Christ, as God-man, via the Trinity, within the Christian Church, is our source of atonement and resurrection, and this eliminates the need for any human, finite mode of veneration.
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However, let us allow this section to present itself...

Within the saints are the Fathers, and sometimes the mothers. (vi). These are classic, historical examples of the Christian faith. (vi). These are those that show great spiritual wisdom and also defend Church doctrine. (vi).

These are the heroes of the Church. (vi). These provide witness to the traditions of the Church. (vi).

On this point, in regard to the saints, I am in agreement. So, I disagree on veneration, but agree in regards to saints, Church Fathers and mothers as historical Christian Church, examples.

Interestingly, I own a Bulgarian Orthodox icon, given to me by my Bulgarian friend, An Jela, and her husband. For me, it is purely a beautiful piece of art sitting on the fireplace mantel. As you may have noticed, I really like red (and blue).

Today, Maple Ridge

Yesterday, Maple Ridge

Sunday, Port Coquitlam