They were believed to be men and women of “heroic virtue” who after their deaths held a privileged place with God in heaven. Because of this, saints were considered to be spiritual guides and mentors, who would add their prayers in heaven to those offered by Christians still living in the material world.
all Christians can be called saints, as long as they received the Holy Spirit through Holy Chrism and were baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. In this way, each Orthodox Christian has become “sanctified” or made holy, through these gifts. This was especially true in the early days of the church when the word “Saint” actually meant “Believer”. However, in today’s terminology, saints are different from every day folk because the church has made a special effort to honor them.
Types of Saints
However, the Orthodox Church has gotten away from calling all Christians saints. This term is largely reserved for a select group of people who led exceptionally holy lives. Here are the categories as to the types of saints that can be found in the Greek Orthodox Church:
Apostles
These individuals are mentioned in the Holy Bible and were the first to spread the news about Jesus Christ. The term “apostle” and “disciple” are used interchangeably. However, Judas isn’t really considered an Apostle since he is the one who betrayed Jesus.
Prophets
Some of the saints were considered prophets. One of the best examples of a saint who was a prophet was John the Baptist because he preached to crowds about Christ’s true identity of being the Son of God.
Martyrs
These are people who valiantly lost their lives because they were Christians. Saint Catherine, for example, is considered a Holy Martyr because she died because of her faith.
Church Fathers
Church Fathers came about in the early days of the church. They are known for being exceptionally wise and devout and their teachings are still adhered to today. Saint John Climacus, who wrote The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is an example of a church father.
Monastics
These are saints who lived their lives in solitude in order to live holy lives and contemplate the existence of God. Many of them wrote, prophesied, and prayed diligently. They’re a model example of true holiness.
Just
All other saints are called “the Just” because, even though they weren’t martyrs, monastics, or church fathers, they lived exceptionally holy lives.
By studying whom the saints were, Orthodox Christians can better understand what it truly means to be holy. Their lives are also an integral part of the history of the Orthodox Christian Church.
Since I am a Protestant, I consider this to be extra-Biblical. To me, if it's not in the Bible it's a human invention, therefore not meaningful.
Human invention would be created and not historic correct.
I was also told by a former Catholic that it's clearly extra-Biblical ancestor worship.
Nobody appeals to the Church Fathers for there beliefs but rather wat they all accepted as tradition during the Great Comission. Multiple Church Fathers were disciples of the Apostles so if that was a real RCC he would at least know that.
The Bible does not teach
Sola Scriptura, but it does teach the importance of the oral tradition which is not written down. Scripture also teaches the authority of the Church. Also, you believe solo scriptura not sola scriptura.