Why Do Orthodox Christians Pray to Saints?

Orthodox Christians pray to God and also ask the saints to pray for them. In this context, the older Christian use of the word pray can mean to ask or petition. The saints are not treated as gods.

Why ask someone in heaven to pray?

Orthodox Christianity understands the Church as one communion in Christ that is not destroyed by physical death. Just as a Christian may ask a friend on earth to pray, the faithful ask the saints to intercede before God.

Does this compete with Jesus Christ?

No. Christ is the Savior, and every Christian prayer depends upon Him. The saints possess no independent divine power.

Why not simply pray directly to God?

Orthodox Christians do pray directly to God constantly. Asking others for prayer is additional, not a substitute. Christian life is communal rather than radically individual.

For the distinction between honor and worship, see Why Do Orthodox Christians Venerate Saints?