The Saints of Undivided Christianity
Common Christian saints (saints of the undivided Church) are saints glorified by the unified Christian church before the Great Schism of 1054. They are worshiped both by Orthodox and Catholic churches, as well as by other Christian movements; among them are the apostles, the first martyrs, the Church Fathers, missionaries, enlighteners, warriors, many of the most famous saints of God, such as Nicholas the Miracle-Worker and Spiridon Trimyfuntsky.
Today it is difficult to imagine the development of spiritual and humanitarian relations between the East and the West without recourse to the Tradition of the undivided Church, to that which unites the Christian world. The most important part of this Tradition is the images of saints who carried out their diverse ministry throughout the world and are revered by various denominations. They carry the spirit of universal Christianity, the integrity of Christian culture, and recall the words of Jesus Christ: “Let all be one (John 17:21).
In the I millennium over 10 thousand saints shone in Western Europe. Among them are the apostle Peter - the founder of the Roman Church (the first Pope); Blessed Augustine; Ambrose of Milan; Pope Gregory the Great, also known as Gregory Dvoeslov - compiler of the Liturgy of the pre-consecrated Gifts; St. Patricius (Patrick) is the baptist and patron of Ireland. All of them are loved by Orthodox Christians.
In turn, the Catholic Church honors the equal to the Apostles Cyril and Methodius, the Martyr Lyudmila of the Czech and Equal Apostles Princess Olga, St. Vladimir - the Baptist of Russia, the martyrs of the Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb.
Recently in Russia, interest towards the saints of the undivided Church has increased significantly. Responding to this spiritual inquiry, caused by the desire to touch the spiritual roots of Europe, the Russian Orthodox Church included more than a dozen western saints in its holy calendar in the beginning of 2017.