Kanonizálás

Kanonizálás is the process by which a person is formally recognized as a saint within certain Christian denominations, most notably the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. This recognition signifies that the individual has lived a life of exceptional holiness and is now in heaven. The process is rigorous and involves extensive investigation into the person's life, virtues, and any miracles attributed to their intercession.

In the Catholic Church, the path to canonization typically begins with an investigation into the candidate's life and writings by the local bishop. If deemed worthy, the cause is presented to the Holy See, and the candidate is declared a Servant of God. The next step is beatification, where the individual is recognized as "blessed" after proof of at least one miracle attributed to their intercession. Full canonization requires a second verified miracle after beatification, though exceptions exist for martyrs.

The Eastern Orthodox Church also has a process for recognizing saints, which often involves local veneration that eventually gains wider recognition. Criteria include a life of holiness, martyrdom, or significant contributions to the faith. The final decision rests with a synod or council of bishops. Canonization is not seen as an act of declaring someone a saint, but rather of recognizing that God has already glorified them. The purpose of canonization is to provide a model of Christian life and to allow the faithful to venerate the saint and seek their intercession.