Lives of saints are a special type of literature. It even has its own name — hagiography. This bibliographic genre originated during the time of persecution of Christians, in Ancient Rome. Was brought with Christianity to Rus’. Here he gained unprecedented popularity. Moreover, until the 15th century, biographies were a dry presentation of facts. But then, 2 monks, Epiphanius and Pachomius, created a new canon of biographies. They began to create lives “richly decorated with words,” with many details and details.
Reading the lives of saints was as much a part of the life of an Orthodox believer as the Liturgy and Communion. Reading descriptions of spiritual exploits, people strengthened their faith, national self-awareness, patriotism and pride in their people were formed.
Alas, nowadays reading has become a little popular activity in general, and reading biographies of martyrs and elders, even more so. Social networks are actively crowding out books from our lives. This undoubtedly impoverishes our spiritual development.
5 reasons to read the lives of the saints
1. «When wisdom has entered into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant your soul, then prudence will protect you, reason will protect you, in order to save you from the evil path, from the person who tells lies.» (Proverbs 2:10-12)
Wisdom comes from knowledge, and knowledge comes from reading. By studying the life of ascetics of faith, we develop spiritually and morally. We learn a lot about the customs and traditions of Orthodoxy, we begin to better understand the rituals.
2. The life of holy people is an example to follow
Devotees of faith are not angels who descended to earth, they are ordinary people. They were born into peasant families and royal palaces. Some received an excellent education, others barely knew how to read. But all of them were united by the main thing — faith in Jesus Christ. We are also different, but we should not think that the heights of spiritual development are beyond our reach. Step by step, making mistakes, repenting, but striving forward, we too can get closer to a life permeated with the light of faith. Biographies of saints show how one can not lose heart in difficult circumstances, teach patience and the ability to overcome difficulties. And most importantly, they teach us to understand that earthly life is only a preparation for something more important, meaningful and wonderful — life in heaven. Everyone can find something close to themselves in the biography of a saint, because among them there were hermits, ministers, and missionaries.
4. Saints are intercessors before the Lord for all Orthodox people. By studying their lives, we better understand how and whom to ask for intercession, on what days it is worth remembering this or that saint, when to read the troparion, kontakion or canon to a certain saint. the end of their lives, imitate their faith.» (Hebrews 13:7)
By studying the lives of the saints, we fulfill the commandment left to us by the Apostle Paul: to remember and imitate. As long as we remember, their example will live, passed on from generation to generation, raising new ascetics of the faith.
You can learn more about the ascetics of the faith, saints and martyrs of the faith by following the link. Life of the Saints.
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