communion of saints

Another term for the Christian church community, favoured in particular by Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Christians. It includes those Christians who are alive (the Church Militant) and those who have died and are in heaven (the Church Triumphant).

The New Testament describes saints as people who are made holy by the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In this sense any Christian can be described as a saint because the Holy Spirit has sanctified them. Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and some Anglicans believe that saints in heaven can be asked to pray for them, and can act as mediators between God and Christians on earth.