Catechumen choosing patron saint

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SophiaOrthi

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Hello all,

I am a catechumen in the Melkite church. This could probably wait till the next time I see my catechist, but I’m going to go ahead and ask it anyways. I am really drawn to Saint Seraphim of Sarov, and would like to choose him as my patron saint when I come into the Church. The question I have, since St. Seraphim was Orthodox, and I am joining the Melkite church, am I able to choose him? Is it ok for a Eastern Catholic Christian to choose an Orthodox saint? Thanks!
 
In the UGCC we celebrate St. Seraphim of Sarov’s feast on the January second according to the official book published by our (now retired) Bishop. So I would say it would be wholly appropriate to take such a holy man as your patron saint.
 
I know a Melkite Deacon who, at his request, took the name Seraphim after the beloved Saint of Sarov at his ordination.

I also knew a Melkite monk who was tonsured with that name for that saint.

Beloved John Paul the Great even referred to St. Seraphim by his honorific.

I personally think that honoring the saints of both churches will go a LONG way to eventual reconciliation.
 
Thanks to everyone for their replies.

I’ll be talking with my catechist soon, but this gives me hope. I’ve really been drawn to St. Seraphim since first discovering him.
 
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