Strictly Eastern Saints?

[theidler]

Why is it that such saints as Symeon the New Theologian are recognized in Eastern Catholicism, but not in the West? If it is one Catholic Church, I don’t understand why some of the saints recognized in the east are not also venerated in the west. Especially in the case of Symeon, as he lived before the split in 1054…why is he not recognized as a saint in the west then?

 

[Ghosty]

Some were canonized later even if they lived before the split. I don’t know the specifics on St. Symeon, but he was likely canonized after the split because his writings were problematic on some points.

Per your question, though, he is a Saint of the whole Church, as are all Saints. He’s just not on the Western calendar and doesn’t have a large following in the West.

Peace and God bless!

 

[Inego_de_Loyola]

Is he a canonical saint or a common saint? To be a common saint he need only be recognized as holy by a group of people and be approved by a bishop. To be a canonical saint he would need an infallible definition from the pope declaring him to be in heaven. Simon of Trent for Instance was a common saint who’s cult was suppressed in the 20th century, and St.Joan of Arc was a common saint until 1928 when she was finally canonized roughly 700 years after her martyrdom at the hands of the English.

 

[Ghosty]

Is he a canonical saint or a common saint? To be a common saint he need only be recognized as holy by a group of people and be approved by a bishop. To be a canonical saint he would need an infallible definition from the pope declaring him to be in heaven. Simon of Trent for Instance was a common saint who’s cult was suppressed in the 20th century, and St.Joan of Arc was a common saint until 1928 when she was finally canonized roughly 700 years after her martyrdom at the hands of the English.

That is a more recent distinction. By that standard St. Athanasius is not a Canonical Saint.

Peace and God bless!

 

[Inego_de_Loyola]

That is a more recent distinction. By that standard St. Athanasius is not a Canonical Saint.

Peace and God bless!

I know, the canonization process came about in the eleventh century I believe. Not being a Canonical saint doesn’t men you don’t deserve to be. I even included St. Joan the Maid of Orleans to demonstrate that.

 

[Inego_de_Loyola]

I take that back St.Athanasius is a Doctor of the faith, and I believe all the doctors have been canonized.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Note that many saints are “local” heroes, meaning their heroic virtue is recognized by people of a certain location. And sometimes their virtues relate to that of a certain tradition, so they are more venerated by people form a particular Church rather than by all. There are a number of Ukrainian Saints and Blesseds that most RCs simply haven’t heard of (I know I haven’t until I became part of the Ukrainian Catholic Church).