Pope Shenouda III
Also, St. Paul knew that after he would leave, savage wolves would come in among the Ephesians and would not spare the flock (Acts 20: 29). If the Apostles knew that much while they were still in the flesh, how much more would the Lord reveal to them in heaven!
These saints have knowledge and have a message for people. Their life, which started on earth did not end with their departure to heaven. We ask them to intervene more than we ask those who are still striving on earth like ourselves and have not yet departed.