The Soul

• The soul is immortal and has understanding, free will, and the power to choose right or wrong. These attributes are evident in the biblical account of Adam and Eve's disobedience (Gen. 3:1-7).

• The soul is in the image and likeness of God and has no end. This belief is based on Genesis 1:26-27 and Matthew 10:28.

Life After Death

• The believer has a life after death, and our Lord is with them until the day of resurrection. Jesus promised the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).

• The departed can hear our Lord's voice, communicate with Him, and worship Him. Examples include the dead daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:35-43), the widow's son (1 Kings 17:17-24), and Lazarus (John 11:1-44).

Intermediate State

• The interim period between death and resurrection is a state of rest in Christ and hope for the reward. St. Paul longed to "depart and be with Christ" (Phil. 1:21-24).

• The soul is alive, grows, and cannot remain inactive or without communication. St. Paul compared the sown seed to the intermediate state, highlighting its growth potential (1 Cor. 15:36-38).

Praying for the Departed

• The practice of praying for the dead has been present since the Old Testament Church. The Israelites offered prayers for the departed on the final day of the three important feasts.

• Christ did not rebuke this practice, and the early Christian Church adopted it. St. Paul mentioned the Lord as the Lord of the quick and the dead (Rom. 14:8-9).

• We should pray for the salvation of all, following Christ's example. Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34).

Benefits of Prayers

• Those who have departed in the Holy faith and were worthy of God's grace benefit from prayers.

• Unbelievers and those in mortal sin do not benefit from prayers. St. Paul distinguished between those who died in the Lord and those who did not (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Duties to the Departed

• Our duties include prayer, fasting, and remembering the departed during the Holy Mass.

Special Prayers

• Special prayers are offered on the 3rd, 9th, and 40th days after death, as well as on an annual day. These prayers are rooted in biblical events, such as Jesus' resurrection on the third day and His ascension on the 40th day.