Is St. Francis an EO Saint?

Silmarien

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Interestingly enough, I have never heard of another St. Francis.

There's also St. Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva during the Reformation. ;)

(Neither is an EO saint, but I've heard that St. Francis de Sales is more well liked within Orthodoxy, so "which St. Francis?" might be a relevant question.)
 
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Phronema

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Interestingly enough, I have never heard of another St. Francis.

In that case, no. St. Francis of Assisi is not an EO Saint as he lived well beyond the Great Schism. I'm sure lots of the Catholic Saints were nice guys, and ladies.

It may be an unpopular opinion, but it doesn't mean we can't learn from their lives in my opinion. I'm sure there are good, and edifying things that can be taught by reading about them. So long as we steer clear of their theology especially while we're still learning about Orthodox theology. Granted there are a lot of great Orthodox Saints to read about as well, and you get the upside of being able to learn about, and enjoy their theological teachings.
 
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Pavel Mosko

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Pavel Mosko

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I seem to recall reading somewhere a few years ago, probably on CF, that some Orthodox do honor St. Francis, even if he is not considered an EO saint.

Well that wouldn't be surprising since their is lots of variation in opinion (concerning my previous comment), and well if you are looking for a western Holy Fool then Saint Francis is a good candidate.
 
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Antoni

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My understanding: The Orthodox Church declares those it believes are glorified Saints within the Church. The Church does not make one a Saint, it merely affirms what the illumined person already is. With regards to Francis of Assisi, we cannot declare him a Saint since he is not in communion with the Orthodox Church, being born after the Schism and a member of the Catholic Church.

But ultimately, it is God Who judges who is and who isn’t a Saint. It would be better for us to concentrate on our own sins and measure our lives against those who the Church has affirmed are assuredly Saints.
 
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E.C.

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No and surprisingly a number of EO speak of him in terms of prelest (being under spiritual delusion/deception).

Remnant ROCOR: Prelest of Francis of Assisi
I wouldn't be surprised especially with the stigmata. I don't think there's been a case of a saint within the Orthodox Church who had it.

I seem to recall reading somewhere a few years ago, probably on CF, that some Orthodox do honor St. Francis, even if he is not considered an EO saint.
Some do, yes, in their private devotions.
 
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If you want a Francis to venerate, Saint Joseph the Hesychast was named Francis before becoming a monk.
I have wondered, who would he have been named after? Wouldn’t it be customary in Greece back then to give your child the name of a Saint? In which case, if his name was Francis - who was his patron?
 
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Chesterton

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There's also St. Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva during the Reformation. ;)

(Neither is an EO saint, but I've heard that St. Francis de Sales is more well liked within Orthodoxy, so "which St. Francis?" might be a relevant question.)
I used to have a little booklet full of pithy sayings by de Sales. It was a nice read, nothing too deep but he was good with words, and did in fact seem like a nice guy. :)
 
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Silmarien

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I used to have a little booklet full of pithy sayings by de Sales. It was a nice read, nothing too deep but he was good with words, and did in fact seem like a nice guy. :)

I actually spent a bit of time a couple years ago in his old stomping grounds in Annecy, France. Bought his "Introduction to the Devout Life" while I was there, but the antiquated French was terrifying so I still haven't gotten around to reading much of it. ^_^

I have a bit of a special affinity for him because of that, though. He is lovely.
 
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