Why Pray to Saints? Can’t We Pray Directly to God Without “Intermediaries”? #

This question needs to be divided into three parts. First, let’s determine whether it is possible to address God directly without any “intermediaries.” The answer is unequivocal: “Of course, it is." God calls people to turn to Him. He does not reject those who come to Him. Moreover, like a shepherd seeking a lost sheep, He strives to save every sinner, and in heaven, God and the holy angels rejoice over one repentant sinner more than over ninety-nine righteous ones who have no need of repentance. This pertains to the repentance and turning of a sinner to the Savior.

What is the role of saints in a person’s life? This is the second part of the question. First and foremost, the veneration of saints in the Church involves not so much attracting “intermediaries” as choosing a model for imitation. That is why the Church has established the tradition of giving names at baptism in honor of already glorified saints. The primary goal is not choosing a heavenly “patron,” but following the life example of the saint after whom the baptized Christian is named. Thus, the main purpose of venerating saints is to learn from their example.

But why then pray to saints? This leads us to the third part of our question. Praying to saints is connected to the fact that people often turn to one another for help, especially in difficult situations. We frequently ask our relatives, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers to assist us when we cannot cope on our own. From the Gospel, we know that “God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him” (John, lection (pericope) 34). And can any person confidently claim that they are not a sinner, that they perfectly honor God and do His will? This is why we ask other Christians, including our close ones, relatives, the priest in church, and members of the church community, to “pray for us!” We hope that God may hear someone else’s prayer and grant what we ask for. These are not intermediaries but helpers in our prayer.

We believe, however, that all are alive before God. Those Christians who have completed their earthly journey and, having pleased God, dwell in His presence, undoubtedly honor God and do His will — something they demonstrated through their lives. For this reason, we first and foremost ask already departed Christians, the saints of God, for prayerful help. We ask them to pray to God for us, appealing to them as good and faithful helpers in our prayer.

— Priest Mikhail Rodin.