The image of God’s saints is wonderfully multifaceted. At times, their way of life, characters, and spiritual struggles seem completely different from one another, just as the times and countries in which they lived were different. Yet the holy Apostle Paul draws a profound comparison, likening the saints to the stars in the heavens. The heavenly lights indeed differ from one another: some shine more brightly, others less; some are white, red, blue, or golden. Despite these differences, all are established in the same heaven. In the same way, the saints, though very different, all abide in the one heaven of the Godhead.

“There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory” (1 Corinthians 15:41).

The Apostle Paul teaches that “one star differeth from another star in glory.” This thought is further developed in the writings of the Fathers of the Church. “There are greater and lesser gifts of God,” says Saint Isaac the Syrian, “and although all are lofty and wondrous, one surpasses another, and one degree is higher than another.” Those who loved God more deeply during their earthly life possess greater glory in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Another comparison may be made: the saints are like flowers in a beautiful garden. Flowers differ greatly in size, appearance, colour, and fragrance. So it is with the saints: all are different, yet all dwell in the same heavenly garden of God.

Reflecting upon the labours of God’s saints, it is important to remember one thing above all: we Christians are called to the very same destination to which they have attained—the Kingdom of God. Each of us is called in due time to become one of those heavenly “stars” or “flowers” in the paradise of God. For this is precisely what it means to be saved and to please God.

Although the paths of the saints differed greatly, they all shared one common characteristic: they loved Christ and devoted their lives to the fulfilment of His commandments. If we wish to attain the same goal, we too must dedicate our lives to keeping the commandments of Christ. And from whom should we learn this if not from the saints themselves? To do so, we must come to know them more closely and enter into spiritual fellowship with them.

Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) wisely observes that conversation and companionship greatly influence a person. Association with a scholar imparts knowledge; with a poet, lofty thoughts and feelings; with a traveller, an understanding of lands, customs, and peoples. Clearly, acquaintance and fellowship with the saints impart holiness.

How, then, can we become friends of the saints and gain their friendship?

We gain it by reading their Lives and writings. If we read the Lives and works of the saints and strive, according to our strength, to imitate them, we become their close and like-minded friends, continuing their work on earth. And if we become the saints’ like-minded friends, we shall undoubtedly, in due time, come to where they dwell—that is, to Heaven.

Then each one of us will become one of the beautiful flowers in the garden of the Heavenly King, one of the eternal stars in the Kingdom of Christ our God.