Heaven, Paradise, Hell

[Kuriakose]

Hello there,

While at my church youth retreat, I had the opportunity to ask my archbishop questions regarding the orthodox faith. I only got to ask him about why we pray for the departed, then it led up to the people that have died are in paradise? At that point I was confused, I thought that everyone who had passed away who was a believer in Christ was in heaven. I have 2 questions; where exactly does this belief in paradise come from & are the Saints in heaven presently or paradise?

God bless,

[dhinuus]

Dear Kuriakose,
There is a difference between the Sheol (also referred to as Hades) and Gehenna. Also there is a difference between Paradise (also referred to as the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) and the full glory of Heaven. The following is a short article, and I think it will give you atleast some idea of what the differences are:
https://sites.google.com/site/syrianorthodox/home/articles/heaven-and-hell

It is impossible to understand Heaven..Paradise, Hell, Gehenna etc completely. Forget about the next world; we dont even understand ALL the things that happen in this universe that we live in.

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