The Prayer of the Third Day

The Main Idea

This lecture addresses correcting the wrong concepts related to the prayer of the third day after a person’s departure, especially the idea of “dismissal of the soul”, and affirms the correct Orthodox teaching regarding the destiny of the soul after death.

Clarifying the Correct Concept

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that the expression “dismissal of the soul” is inaccurate and does not agree with Church teaching, because the soul does not remain wandering on earth nor needs someone to expel it, but rather goes directly to its place according to its spiritual state.

Biblical Teaching

The teaching explains that the soul after leaving the body returns to God:

• The souls of the righteous go to Paradise.
• The souls of the wicked go to Hades.
  This is based on clear texts such as the saying of Christ: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Rejecting False Beliefs

The teaching rejects ideas such as:

• The wandering of the soul for three or forty days.
• The possibility of the soul rebelling or staying in the house.
• The transformation of souls into ghosts or their embodiment.
  And confirms that these beliefs have no basis in the Holy Bible.

The True Purpose of the Third Day Prayer

The prayer on the third day is not for expelling the soul, but:

• A remembrance of Christ’s resurrection on the third day.
• Consolation for the family of the departed and strengthening their hope in resurrection.
• A reminder that death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life.

The Spiritual Dimension

The prayer shows the Church’s faith in resurrection and eternal life, and calls for hope and not surrendering to grief, because separation is temporary.

The Role of the Church

The Church goes to the family of the departed to support them spiritually, and encourages them to return to normal life and leave excessive sorrow.

Conclusion

The soul is not free to wander after death, but is in God’s hand. Every teaching not based on the Bible must be rejected, and adherence to the true faith that focuses on resurrection and hope is required.

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