[kosta50]

Thank you, OP. The theological aspects of the intercession of Saints, and Angels, and the distinction between the worship of God and veneration of Saints and Angels is not a simple subject. I am sure you, of all people, are keenly aware of that. I will throw in some ideas, because more detailed arguments would be to extensive for this medium.

The Orthodox share the belief of all Christians that Christ is the only mediator for the reconciliation between man and God.

The Church believes that the Saints, having prayed for the members of the Church while on earth, do so in Heaven. But you are right: the intercession of the Saints for the moral uprgithness and betterment of the Militant members is not clearly stated in the Scripture.

Angels, on the other hand, who are also created beings, intercede (Zech 1:12-13)

"The angel of the Lord said 'O Lord pf hosts, how long wilt though have no mercy...' And the Lord answered gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me."

and Tobit 12:12, LXX

"So now, when you and your daughter-in-law Sarah prayed, I [angel] brought the remembrance of your prayer before the Holy One."

and Luke 15:10

Our Lord Jesus Christ says "I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

The distinction between veneration and worship is likewise very clear. Veneration is rightful expression of honor for those whose faith and pious life are deemed worthy of God's glory. Worship and adoration belong to God alone. Saints are commemorated. The worship of Saints and Angles is forbidden in Scripture (Rev. 19:10).

Likewise, the icons and relics are honored as pious and righteous men and women of God, worthy of our respect, many of whom have died martyr's death for faith. Icons were found in the catacombs and early church walls. John of Damascus, a towering theologian, set the correct usage of icons: "honor which is given to the icon passes on the the prototype." They help imitate the virtues of the saints to glorify God. Icons are monuments.

Any thoughts?

[Romulus]

Icons are monuments.

And windows onto the Kingdom. Iconodules do not look so much upon icons as through them -- just as, in your Bible school you all understood that the stories were not about two-dimensional pieces of felt, but rather the subsiding realities that St. John Damascene calls their prototype.