Synaxis of All Saints

THE CALL TO BE SAINTS

All Saints is the consequence of Pentecost—the outpouring of the Spirit that calls everyone and everything to be sanctified. Through the baptism of water and fire, we are anointed to become one with the Triune, tripersonal God.

Sanctity is not reserved for the few—it is the radiant sign of glory and light of Pentecost. Yet this call to holiness contains a deep tension.

As Fr. Robert reminds us, the "Hymn of Kassiani," chanted on Matins of Holy Wednesday, expresses the dramatic struggle between our desire for sin and our longing for the boundless mercy of God.

Yet, our ascent begins when we recognize our sinfulness in the light of divine compassion—when, like the sinful woman, we fall at Christ’s feet, anointing them with tears of repentance.

Such grace transforms. Without it, our hardened hearts risk wounding the living Body of Christ.