Lexicon index Lexicon
Saints
The holy ones — all the baptized in their vocation; and specifically those the Church recognizes as having attained theosis.
In Orthodox theology, 'saints' (hagioi, holy ones) has two related meanings. First, the New Testament usage: all the baptized are 'saints' — holy by virtue of their incorporation into Christ. Second, those formally recognized by the Church as having attained theosis and as present intercessors before God. Canonization does not make someone a saint but declares what the Church discerns to be already true. The saints intercede for the living; their relics are venerated; their icons are windows to their presence.