Deacon Toby John serves as the Youth Minister of St. Mary Malankara Orthodox Church, General Secretary for the MGOCSM of the Diocese of South-West America, and Prisoner Spiritual Support Manager for Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------An official podcast of the Diocese of South-West America.This channel shares conversations, reflections, and teachings from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The purpose of the podcast is not only to help the faithful grow in their knowledge of the Orthodox faith, remain rooted in the apostolic tradition, and stay connected to the life of the Church, but also to be a witness to Christ in the world. We seek to spread the Gospel beyond the Church walls, inviting others to encounter the ancient faith, while encouraging the faithful to live out and share Orthodoxy in their daily lives.Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Find all links here: linktr.ee/divineascent.orthodoxy--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 - Intro & Prayer00:45 - What is the Orthodox Understanding of Intercession?04:04 - Intercession in the Early Church06:42 - What is a Saint? 08:22 - The Church's teaching on lowercase-s saints09:49 - Isn't praying to God enough? 14:29 - Difference between venerating a saint and worshipping God17:01 - Is venerating a saint prayer? 17:55 - How are we allowed to pray to those that are dead?22:30 - Bodily Resurrection23:55 - If the saints are human, how are they physically able to listen to our prayers? 27:06 - Can we ask non-canonized departed to pray for us?29:07 - Why do we pray for the departed? Is their fate not already sealed?32:24 - Is praying to saints essential in our prayer life?34:38 - Do different saints have different roles? 36:19 - How do we keep our prayer life Christ-centered while praying to saints? 41:43 - How did you come to the ministry?43:25 - Deacon's experience as a prison minister46:09 - Outro & Prayer