Question about relics.

[Dust and Ashes]

Hi, guys. I just got back from my second Divine Liturgy and it seemed more comfortable than the first since I knew somewhat what to expect. My wife and I had a nice talk with Fr. Troy after coffee hour and he told us to take our time and discuss with each other and let him know when we are ready to be enrolled as catechumens. :clap:

Anyway, today we had the Procession of the Cross because of the Feast and the cross we used was affixed with a Relic from the True Cross. It was amazing to venerate the Cross and literally be venerating the Cross.

My question is how common are Relics from the True Cross and Relics of the Apostles? And what are the defining qualities of a relic? Does it have to predate a certain period or can a relic be from any period so long as it comes from a Saint or miracle?

[Oblio]

Does it have to predate a certain period or can a relic be from any period so long as it comes from a Saint or miracle?


Any period. There are modern relics either of the Saint themselves or perhaps a peice of clothing they wore. These also exist of Apostolic Saints or Traditional items , e.g. I have venerated the Belt of the Theotokos and a portion of The Reed that held the sponge soaked in gall offered to Christ on the Cross.

[Eusebios]

Hi Brad,
Just bumping this topic up. Glad to hear you and Brenda had a good experience again at your 2nd Divine Liturgy. Also know that you continue to be in our prayers. here is a link to a good site that talks about Holy Relics (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/general/relics_place.aspx)
His unworthy servant,
Eusebios.
http://www.christianforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16090&stc=1

[ExOrienteLux]

I'm glad to hear that you had a good experience at Liturgy yesterday. And I had no idea that any American churches had pieces of the True Cross. That's amazing.

And I'll keep praying for your journey to Holy Orthodoxy, for what my prayers are worth. Pray for me as well, if you don't mind.

His sinful and unworthy servant,
Josh.

[Eusebios]

Actually our parish has a relic from the True Cross as well. Along with bone fragments of St, MAry of Egypt, cloth from the sticherion of St John of Shanghai and San Francisco.

[Matthias]

I'm glad you had a blast.