Becoming Saints: Holiness, Healing, and Modern Miracles in the Orthodox Church | Fr. Photios Dumont | Ep. 111
In this episode of Raised & Redeemed, I sit down with Fr. Photios Dumont, an Orthodox priest of 35 years, to explore what it truly means to become Saints, and how God continues to raise up holy people in every generation.
This conversation is especially for inquirers and new converts who want to understand what Saints are, why Orthodox Christians pray to them, and how holiness is connected to healing in the Orthodox life.
What Is a Saint?
As Fr. Photios explains, Saints are those who live in heaven while on Earth. Being fully oriented toward God, the Saints experience grace and transformation that heals them, unites them to God, and even transforms their bodies into something miraculous.
Why Pray to Saints?
Praying to Saints does not replace prayer to God, it flows from it. The Saints are alive in Christ and continue to pray for us as members of the same Body. Their intercessions never distract from Christ; they reveal Him and glorify Him.
Modern Saints and Living Holiness
Fr. Photios shares firsthand stories of modern Saints and holy elders he personally encountered, including St. John of San Francisco, St. Paisios of Mount Athos, Elder Ephraim of Arizona, and Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra.
At the heart of the episode is St. John of San Francisco, the Saint Fr. Photios turns to most often in prayer. His life and miracles—both during his lifetime and after his repose—bear witness to God’s power and compassion in the modern world.
Becoming Saints Today
Holiness is not reserved for a select few. The Orthodox path to becoming Saints begins with finding our own Church and Spiritual Father, repentance, prayer, participation in the sacraments, and love for others. Fr. Photios offers practical guidance for anyone new to Orthodoxy who wants to begin forming a relationship with the Saints without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
God has not stopped working miracles. He has not stopped healing. And He has not stopped raising up Saints.
This episode is a reminder that holiness is still possible, and that Christ’s love and resurrection continues to shine through His Saints in every generation.
📺 Watch the full episode:
Becoming Saints: Orthodox Miracles, Healings, & Holy People
📚 Resources mentioned:
Akathist to the Virgin Mary (Jordanville Prayer Book)
Everyday Saints
Visiting the relics of St. John of San Francisco in California
Listen & Subscribe:
🎙️ Podcast: Raised & Redeemed on Spotify
🎥 YouTube: Michaela Nikolaenko Channel
Coming Up Next
Coming up next: In the next podcast episode, we will be hearing an ex-new age testimony to Christ!
