Talk 29: If Only the Saints are Saved, What Happens to the Faithful Who Die Struggling With Sins and Passions?
We often read in the writings of the Holy Fathers statements such as: “Only those who have been purified and illumined can be saved”, “Our passions will prevent us from seeing God”, and “After death, even forgotten sins will be used by the demons to obstruct a soul’s passage to Heaven”. Many who read these types of statements fall into despair, thinking that salvation is impossible. The fact is, most people are neither complete sinners nor complete saints when they die. So the question arises: what happens to the souls of these people?
In this talk, using the writings of both ancient and contemporary fathers and the Orthodox church services for the reposed, Father Kosmas explains what happens to the souls of those who have left this world without having attained spiritual perfection. One saint cited is Saint Mark of Ephesus, whose writings on this topic clearly teach us about whether these souls can be helped.
The following questions are also discussed: what is the Orthodox teaching on praying for those who have committed suicide? Why are people reluctant to give money to the poor on behalf of their departed brethren? Are the Protestants correct when they say that, since there is no repentance after death, praying for the dead is useless? When is it appropriate to weep for our departed brethren? Does Elder Cleopas of Romania give hope for Orthodox Christians who have departed this life with unconfessed sins? What are the fruits of repentance, and are they necessary for salvation?
Other topics covered in this talk include: a wonderful example of the dead appearing to defend a sinful priest; zeal in praying for the dead as a sign of spiritual progress; Saint Nikodemos the Athonite’s struggle over boiled wheat; and the sad story of an egotistical modern day confessor of the faith.
Talk Duration: 200 minutes
Chanting Duration: 26 minutes
3 CD set