I figured I might get some questions as to the title of my blog, "The Synaxis of All Saints," so I figured I should offer an explanation.
First, to define "synaxis." The Catholic Encyclopedia defines synaxis as, "gathering, assembly, reunion." (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14383a.htm) Wikipedia states it "is an assembly for liturgical purposes." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synaxis)
The second part of the title, "all saints," should be fairly obvious. All who have believed upon Jesus Christ are saints, those who have been sanctified.
Therefore, I feel called to assist in the "gathering of all the sanctified," and even the non-sanctified!
I have taken great strength in the icon "The Synaxis of All Saints." In it Christians from all walks are shown surrounding the throne of Christ. My prayer is that we will all gather around the throne of Christ and together worship Him, along with the Father and Holy Spirit, in Spirit and in Truth (Jn. 4:23-24).
(An explanation of the icon can be found at http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=48.)
