[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III





The intercessions of the saints for us are merely praying for us; they are of the pleading type, which is completely different to Christ's atoning mediation

This is sanctioned by the Holy Bible which says: "...pray for one another" (Jas.5: 16). The saints themselves asked people to pray for them. St. Paul said to the Thessalonians: "...pray for us" (2Thess.3: 1) and asked the Hebrews the same request: "Pray for us" (Heb.13: 18). He also said to the Ephesians: "...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints - and for me" (Eph.6: 18,19),