On how important it is to remember the dead on the 3rd, 9th and 40th day
Macarius of Alexandria became famous for his exploits of killing flesh and brokenness of spirit. For this, he was given the gift of miracles and the ability to know the innermost thoughts of other people. Saint Macarius left several literary works, the most famous of which is the essay “On the Exodus of the Soul.” angels. Walking past the half-decomposed corpse, Macarius covered his nose with his hand. The angels did the same. Surprised, Macarius asked if the angels could also sense the stench. To which I received the answer: “No, we don’t feel the stench of the body, but the stench of the soul, from sins, yes, and very strongly.” Macarius wondered whether they felt the stench from the souls of sinners during life or only after death. He was also interested in the question of how angels distinguish a believing sinner from an unbeliever. Then the angels gave him a detailed answer. many times. Evil deeds envelop the soul in darkness, like black robes. The soul itself is bright and pure, but while in the flesh, it is denigrated by sin.
What happens when the soul leaves the body? Angels are sent for her. Just as those sent from the earthly ruler take anyone against his will, filling him with fear and trembling, so souls are filled with trembling fear at the sight of angels. Many feelings overcome the soul: fear of the unknown, sadness for the earthly body, regret for sins. Her conscience constantly condemns her. shower.
To which I received the answer:
Nothing indecent can be in the Church, but only the Sacraments of earth and heaven. So, on the third day, as there is an offering in the church, the angel, holding the soul under his care, gives relief from the grief that the soul experiences after parting with the body. The doxology spoken for her gives the soul hope.
For two days the soul is allowed to wander wherever it wishes. This often happens near the place where she left the body, or at the coffin. As a bird looks for a nest, so the soul tries to find a place for itself.
On the 3rd day, by the authority of the one who rose from the dead, the soul ascends, in imitation of Christ, to heaven, to worship the God of all things. Therefore, prayer for the deceased and offerings are made on the third day.
Stay in heaven
After worshiping the Lord, the soul is given time to explore the abodes of the saints and admire the beauty of paradise. The soul guilty of sins both rejoices and mourns, reproaching itself for unrighteous deeds. She remains in paradise for 6 days, praising the Lord. By the end of this period, everything bad that she experienced while in the body is forgotten. But if the soul has a lot of sins, it begins to reproach itself. She laments: “What do I have in the wealth that I have collected? Where are they now and what are they needed for? Alas for me, everything I did was in vain.”
After 6 days, the soul again ascends to worship the Lord. On this day, it is important to hold services again and make offerings for the deceased. For her time in hell is coming.
Descent into Hell
After the secondary worship, the angels carry the soul to hell. There she sees places of torment, there she hears the gnashing of teeth. The soul remains in hell for 30 days, watching the torment of sinners and trembling that it will have to endure this. She visits all the branches of hell to be imbued with the horror of what is happening. death, the soul appears at the Judgment of the Lord. There they are finally determining her whereabouts. It is right for the Church to make commemorations for the souls of the departed who were baptized. Baptisms, angels do not stand on ceremony. They treat them cruelly, pointing out mistakes and saying: “Behold, unfortunate soul, you did not want to know the Lord of the world during your lifetime, but know his power now, when you are condemned to eternal torment. Your place is with the wicked like you and their prince, the devil. Your path into eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels, whom you worshiped during your life.” glorify the Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever and ever, for the Lord has wonderfully arranged everything! Amen!
Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Investing in Soul!
