WE REMIND OF THE PREREQUISITES FOR SANCTIFICATION.. ΠΕΡΙ ΑΓΙΟΚΑΤΑΤΑΞΕΩΣ..
WE REMIND OF THE PREREQUISITES FOR SANCTIFICATION:
A. SUFFICIENT TIME AFTER DEATH: At least fifty years. B. RECOGNIZED ORTHODOX LIFE: Lived in repentance, confession, and obedience; characterized by fasting, self-restraint, devotion to church services, hesychastic practice, Holiness, confession of Faith, or Martyrdom. This includes their way of life, sermons, written texts, Orthodox perspective, teaching, and testimony consistent with their life. C. RECOGNIZED ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN DEATH: A holy passing in accordance with Orthodox Faith. D. MIRACLES PERFORMED: During their lifetime, at the time of death, and after death. E. RELATED TESTIMONIES: From reputable and recognized spiritual fathers and brethren regarding the above. F. CONTINUITY OF MIRACLES: Miracles and wondrous acts persisting over time. G. WONDROUS REVELATIONS: Of the Saints presence, miracles, tombs, and holy relics. H. VERIFICATIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS: Of all the above. I. FRAGRANT OR MYRRH-STREAMING HOLY RELICS: J. INCORRUPT, FRAGRANT, OR MYRRH-STREAMING SACRED BODIES: K. HOLY SPRINGS (AGIASMATA): L. COMMEMORATIVE MIRACLES:
The only case of automatic Sanctification without requiring a Synodal decision (though one may follow) is that of Holy Martyrs.. their place of Martyrdom is called a Martyrium. According to the Holy Tradition, an Ekklesia, also called a Martyrium or Martyric Ekklesia, is erected in their honor at that site.
For all these reasons, and because Saints are honored and celebrated throughout the entire Ekklesia(Church), Sanctifications must be ratified by the consensus of the Senior Patriarchates and not performed unilaterally.
Ioannis Kapodistrias was a good Christian, just man, patriot, and capable governor. However, these are not necessarily prerequisites for Sanctification. He uncanonically introduced the oath on the Holy Gospel for officials of secular justice, public life, and the military, while our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ explicitly commands, “Do not swear at all” (Matthew 5:33-37). The absolute prohibition of oaths is unanimously taught by the Holy Fathers. St. Basil the Great emphasizes that oaths are forbidden once and for all.
We are obliged to honor and commemorate his memory. However, one thing is distinct from another.
Even some recent Sanctifications may have been excessive. This is a very serious matter, one to be resolved by the Eighth True Ecumenical Synod.
Until then, it is good to pause or remain silent regarding Sanctifications unless the above prerequisites are met, and even then, they should be done with the consensus of all Senior Orthodox Patriarchates. This is especially important since confirmed Saints, meeting the above criteria, have not yet been Sanctified, (as for excample.. NewMartyr Ioannis Daskalogiannis.. Anthimus the Third Ecumenical Patriarch.. Ieromonak Filotheos of Loggovarda.. and lot more.. ) while others, with doubtable prerequisites, have been sanctified.
Great caution is needed, and let our words be brief. Let us leave space and time for our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ to decide whom He wishes to Sanctifie.
These are the few words, brothers: Keep them close to mind, and knowledge follows.
