At the end of the second century, so - called Christians began to honor those who had been martyred for their faith and, believing that they were already with Christ in heaven, prayed to them to intercede on their behalf.
Teise sajandi lõpus hakkasid nimikristlased austama neid, kes olid surnud märtrisurma, arvates, et need märtrid on juba koos Kristusega taevas, ning palvetasid nende poole, et need kostaksid nende eest.