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As a Coptic Orthodox, I finally understand "prayers and intercessions of the saints." It took me many years of confusion because many fellow Copts would tell me that I should "pray" to that saint or this saint for a specific issue. What I understand is that I only pray to God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God) and ask the saints to pray/intercede for me. However, one of my friends recently said to me: "Pope Kyrillos used to pray directly to St. Mina about problems or Mother Erini used to pray to St. Mercurius, and it even says so on their YouTube videos." That just seems like polytheism.  What is the right response?

No, this is not at all like polytheism. We believe that we are connected with all the believers. Those on earth comprise the striving Church and those in Paradise are the victorious ones that overcame. The saints are with us at all times (read 2 Kings 6). Thus, if Pope Kyrillos asked St. Mina to intervene, or Mother Erini asked St. Mercurius to help with a problem, it is because they felt so close to them and are assured 100% of their intercessions. They believed that these saints will carry their petitions on their behalf and lay them before the throne of God. It is also a sign of the humility of Pope Kyrillos and Mother Erini, that they feel that the prayers of the saints are more powerful and acceptable than their own due to their struggling human nature. It is as if you have a younger sibling that asked for your help to speak to your parents about a serious matter, and though you are willing to help and will oblige, however, you also ask the help of a much older, stronger, and wiser sibling for extra help and extra support. Therefore, all of us, as God's children, are a closely knit family. Polytheism is the belief in multiple gods, which is very wrong, and has no part at all in Christianity.