Introducing the Orthodox Church: Its Faith and Life by Anthony M. Coniaris

Author:Anthony M. Coniaris [Coniaris, Anthony M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Religion, Christianity, Orthodox
ISBN: 9781933654089
Google: lDk0HwAACAAJ
Publisher: Light and Life Pub.
Published: 2007-12-14T23:00:00+00:00

Thus, after death we begin to experience a real foretaste of heaven or hell, but we shall have to wait for the Second Coming before we can receive the fullness of our reward.

The judgment that takes place after death is called the Particular or Intermediate Judgment. It is clear that the soul does not sleep during this time. The word “asleep” applies only to the body. This is why the place where the body is placed is called “cemetery” from the Greek word Kimitirion, a place where one sleeps. The soul, however, does not sleep after death. It is fully conscious, experiencing part of its reward.

Can there be anything like repentance after we die? The Orthodox Church teaches that the state of the soul at the Particular Judgment (immediately after death) is fixed and unchangeable, that is, there can be no moral improvement or repentance beyond the grave. The place for such improvement is in this life. “I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day,” said Jesus, “night comes, when no man can work” (John 9:4). In His mercy God gives us many chances to repent and return to Him. But this should not lead anyone to presume upon God’s goodness. One day “night will come when no man can work”.

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