What Does the Orthodox Church Teach About Life After Death?

Orthodox Christianity teaches that physical death does not end the human person's relationship with God and that history moves toward the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.

What happens immediately after death? Orthodox prayers and tradition speak seriously about judgment and continued existence, but Christians should be cautious about treating every later image or private account as formally defined doctrine.

What is the final Christian hope? The Creed looks toward the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

For memorial prayer, see Why Do Orthodox Christians Pray for the Departed?.