Apostolic Office for the Glorification of the Saints


The Apostolic Office for the Glorification of the Saints is part of the Prefecture of the Liturgy. It is the body of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church entrusted with the study, discernment, and recognition of sanctity within the life of the Church. It preserves the sacred memory of those who have lived in heroic virtue, fidelity to Christ, and visible manifestation of divine grace.

In the most simple terms, a saint is one whom the Church reasonably and sincerely believes to be in Heaven and therefore part of the Church Triumphant. In greater detail, a saint in the Orthodox and Catholic understanding is not merely a moral exemplar, but one who has allowed the life of God to shine fully through his or her humanity. The saints reveal what it means to be truly human — transfigured by divine love and conformed to the image of Christ. Through them, the Church beholds the victory of grace and the living continuity of the faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3).

The process of canonisation (also known as glorification) does not make a saint. Rather, it recognizes what God has already done. The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, solemnly proclaims that a person’s life is worthy of universal veneration and imitation. In this way, the faithful may confidently seek their intercession and follow their example of holiness.

The Apostolic Office examines proposed causes with reverence, prayer, and theological rigor. Not all causes proceed. It gathers testimony, studies the person’s writings and life, and presents its findings to the Patriarchal Curia and to the Supreme Pontiff, who alone possesses the authority in the United Roman-Ruthenian Church to decree canonisation.

Through this sacred work, the Church fulfills her duty to honor those in whom Christ has been most visibly glorified — men and women of every nation and station, known and unknown, who remind us that holiness is not reserved for a few, but is the universal vocation of all the baptized.

As the saints intercede for the world, they form a living bridge between heaven and earth, uniting the Church Militant, Suffering, and Triumphant in one communion of faith and love.

God is wondrous in His saints — the God of Israel. (Psalm 67:36, LXX)

General Procedure for Canonisation (Glorification)

I. Introduction of the Cause

  1. A Cause for Canonisation may be introduced by a diocesan bishop, metropolitan, religious superior, or the faithful with episcopal approval.
  2. A postulator (advocate) is appointed by the local hierarch to oversee the collection of materials and testimonies. This may alternatively be assigned to a member of the Apostolic Office.
  3. The Apostolic Office for the Glorification of the Saints is notified, and if the cause is accepted, then it is officially opened.


II. The Positio (Foundational Dossier)

The postulator prepares a Positio super Vita et Virtutibus, a comprehensive document summarizing:

  1. The person’s life, writings, and reputation for holiness.
  2. Witness testimonies and evidence of intercessory miracles (if any).
  3. Verification that the individual adhered to Orthodox-Catholic faith and morals.
  4. The investigation is submitted to the Apostolic Office, where it is reviewed for completeness and theological integrity.

III. Examination by the Office

  1. The Apostolic Office evaluates the Positio.
  2. If sufficient evidence of sanctity exists, the case proceeds for further review, known as the Apostolic Consultation, composed of clergy and lay experts in theology, history, and canon law.
  3. The consultation votes whether to recommend the cause proceed to the Prefects of the Patriarchal Curia and the Supreme Pontiff.

IV. Review and Recommendation

  1. The results of the consultation may be presented to the are presented to the Prefects of the Patriarchal Curia as a whole, to the College of Bishops, to the College of Cardinals, a combination thereof, or directly to the Supreme Pontiff at the discretion of the latter.
  2. Those undertaking the review then, after prayerful discernment, may issue a Recommendation for Canonisation, which is forwarded to the Supreme Pontiff.


V. Papal Decision

  1. The Supreme Pontiff, having reviewed the Synodal recommendation and after personal prayer and deliberation, may issue a Bulla of Canonisation and Glorification.
  2. The decree may be proclaimed in a Pontifical Divine Liturgy of Glorification, during which the saint’s name is inscribed in the Roman-Ruthenian Calendar of Saints.

VI. Liturgical Commemoration

  1. Upon canonisation, the Prefecture of the Liturgy assigns a feast day, proper hymns, and an iconographic model.
  2. Local veneration may precede universal observance, subject to pontifical approval.

VII. Notes

  1. No intermediate titles (e.g., Venerable or Blessed) are used.
  2. Miracles are not strictly required but may strengthen the case.
  3. Emphasis rests upon holiness of life, doctrinal fidelity, and fruit of intercession.
  4. All proceedings are recorded and archived by the Apostolic Office for future reference.


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