This day is also established to encourage us to follow the way of the saints...

Sunday, June 19 is the Feast of All Saints.   Metropolitan Sotirios of Pisidia shares some thoughts...

Today, Heaven and earth celebrate the innumerable Saints of the Church of Christ, with glory and praise.   This Feast honors all of the Saints who rejoice in God, from all parts of the world and in every age.   Many of them we know by name, and we honor them throughout the year.   However, there are many more that are unknown, and this is why the Church has set aside the Sunday after Pentecost to honor all Saints, so that they may also be venerated by all.  The choice of this particular day is also significant, because it is with the Grace of the Holy Spirit that the Saints were sanctified.

According to the Synaxarion, these sanctified ones include:  the Nine Orders of Angels; the Lord’s Forefathers, Patriarchs and Prophets from the Old Testament; the Holy Apostles; the Martyrs; the Hierarchs; Hieromartyrs; Confessors; Ascetics; along with all the Righteous, be they men, women, or children.  This includes the countless ones whose names are known only to God.  Additionally, we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.   This day is also established to encourage us to follow the path of the Saints as much as we are able, to struggle with zeal towards holiness.

Full Homily