To the Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of our Patriarchate:
Grace and peace to you.
In reading over correspondence written to my predecessor of blessed memory, in recent months, questions have arisen concerning the discernment of sanctity and the appropriate forms of honour accorded to holy men and women. For the sake of doctrinal clarity, liturgical order, and pastoral unity, the Patriarchate issues the following teaching and guidance on the distinction between canonised saints and folk saints, together with practical norms for devotion in our churches and homes.
Canonised saints are those whom the Church has formally recognised, after careful investigation, as shining examples of holiness who now intercede before the Throne of God. Canonisation requires an ecclesial act of the competent authority of our Church (here, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the House of Assembly), following an established process that typically includes:
1) a sustained and orthodox reputation for holiness;
2) evidence of heroic virtue or martyrdom;
3) the absence of doctrinal error or scandal inconsistent with the Gospel;
4) confirmed signs of heavenly intercession according to the norms of the Church;
5) synodal judgement and patriarchal decree, which determine liturgical commemoration, inclusion in our calendars and diptychs, and the authorisation of public cultus throughout our jurisdiction.
Once canonised by the Church, the saint may be invoked publicly in the liturgy, assigned a feast day, depicted in icons placed for veneration, and commended to the faithful for imitation and intercession. Such veneration is a gift entrusted to the whole Church for the building up of faith.
Folk saints are persons who, without formal canonisation by the Holy Church, have attracted local or popular devotion due to an enduring reputation for holiness, answered prayers, or edifying witness. This category includes:
1) righteous elders, confessors, martyrs, ascetics, or laity known for exemplary Christian life;
2) figures canonised by other communions but not yet formally recognised by our own;
3) pious memories rooted in a parish, monastery, or region, where signs of grace are reported yet have not been adjudicated through our canonical procedures.
Veneration of a folk saint may be laudable when it fosters repentance, charity, and fidelity to the Creed; however, it does not carry ecclesial approbation for public liturgical cultus in our churches unless and until the Patriarchate authorises it. Folk devotion remains pastoral and private, subject to the oversight of the local priest and bishop, and must avoid superstition, syncretism, and any practice contrary to the faith.
A currently discussed example is Carlo Acutis. The Vatican has canonised him as a saint within the Roman Catholic Church. The Ancient Catholic Church under the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, however, has not formally canonised him at this time. Accordingly, Carlo Acutis may be spoken of with respect and gratitude for his witness, and the faithful are not forbidden—except in special circumstances judged by competent authority—to ask privately for his prayers.
Until such time as the Patriarchate conducts its own discernment and issues a decree, public liturgical cultus in our jurisdiction (e.g., inserting his name into our litanies, assigning a feast day, placing his image on the holy table, or promoting public devotions under our ecclesial auspices) is not authorised.
Priests should ensure that any private devotion remains theologically sound, avoids exaggeration, and directs the faithful ultimately to the worship of the Most Holy Trinity.
This approach illustrates the general principle that we honour what is edifying, refrain from presuming canonical status, and maintain unity by following the Church’s proper processes.
Only those saints canonised by our Church and promulgated by the Patriarchate may be named in public liturgical texts, commemorated with feasts, or depicted in icons placed for public veneration in our temples and chapels.
The faithful may honour certain folk saints privately, asking their intercession and drawing inspiration from their lives, provided such devotion accords with the Rule of Faith and does not supplant the liturgy or sow confusion. Where uncertainty exists, seek counsel from your parish priest.
In churches or church halls, images presented for veneration must be of saints canonised by our Church or of universally received saints we have formally recognised. In private homes, discretion and sobriety should guide the display of images connected to folk devotion. Avoid titles that imply canonical status (e.g., “Saint” in official parish communications) unless duly authorised.
Parish calendars, bulletins, social media pages, schools, guilds, and sodalities under ecclesial sponsorship are to follow the Patriarchate’s calendar. Do not promote public novenas, processions, or patronal dedications to folk saints without written approval from the diocesan bishop or the Patriarchate.
Clergy and catechists should teach clearly the distinction between the certainty of the Church’s judgement in canonisation and the praiseworthy yet unconfirmed character of folk devotion. Emphasise that all sanctity flows from Christ and that the goal of devotion is conversion, charity, and worship of God.
When credible reports of favours or miracles are associated with a Christian of holy reputation, priests should collect testimonies soberly and forward them to the Patriarchate with appropriate documentation for possible investigation.
The phrase “except for special circumstances” refers to cases where the Patriarchate judges that a particular folk devotion risks pastoral harm (e.g., doctrinal confusion, manipulative claims, commercial exploitation, or patterns of superstition). In such instances, the bishop may curtail or temporarily suspend public promotion while discernment proceeds. These measures protect the faithful and honour true holiness.
Our unity is served when parishes and faithful act in concert with the Patriarch and the House of Assembly. Canonisation is a gift to the whole Church and cannot be reduced to private enthusiasm or popular vote. Likewise, folk devotion, rightly guided, can prepare the soil for a future ecclesial judgement. In all things, let charity and obedience prevail.
When questions arise, always ask your priest. If further clarity is needed, communicate directly with the Patriarchate. The Patriarchate stands ready to assist priests and faithful in matters of devotion, iconography, catechesis, and calendar.
Given this day under my hand and seal, at Nashville, Tennessee, this 12th day of October, in the Year of Our Lord 2025.
+ Mar Mattai
[Parish priests should retain this communiqué in the parish file and post a copy on the noticeboard.]