Saints

Eve has asked that her fellow bloggers create lists of the saints that have influenced them. Cacciaguida has already answered the call.

So, here's my list:

The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
I have for a long while tried to immerse my mind, heart, and soul in constant prayer (I have a rather mystical and ascetic way of approaching faith, for those who don't know me personally). I used to recite the Jesus prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner") over and over on my knotted prayer string. I came across this prayer rule of St. Seraphim, which included a prayer to the Theotokos. I have found it very spiritually helpful.

St. Andrew the Apostle
This entry should explain why.

St. John Chrysostom the Hierarch
He had an amazing way with words. I have long prayed to have such wisdom and such a golden tongue, that I may better express the love and wonder I feel in my heart after receiving Holy Communion.

St. Sylianos the Hermit
A patron saint of children. I have always been the older brother and the older cousin, and I've always had a love of children. Prayers to such a saint are especially necessary in a time such as ours when political careers are made by robbing children of their innocence and depriving them of even their first breaths.

St. Christopher
It's said that this giant of a man ferried Christ across a river. Jesus told that man that he had, in doing so, shouldered the sins of the world. Though this particular St. Christopher may have never existed, the story is a powerful metaphor. We should all pray for the strength to bear the burdens of life. We can very easily find ourselves surrounded by poor souls straining under the weight of misfortune or sin. We should do our part to purify and strengthen our souls so that we may aid our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.