Antiseptic, Part 1
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the idea of “purgatory” is a modern Catholic doctrine that appeared in the 13th century and was declared in several Catholic ecumenical councils such as Lateran, Lyons, Florence, and Trent, then confirmed by the Second Vatican Council. He emphasizes that this doctrine was unknown to the early Church and the teachings of the Holy Fathers.
The Catholic View of Purgatory
Catholics believe that purgatory is a place or state of temporary suffering where righteous souls who die with minor sins or unpaid penalties are purified. The torment there is said to resemble that of hell but is temporary, ending when the soul “pays what it owes.” Prayers for the dead and the Eucharist are thought to help those souls.
The Orthodox Response: The Sufficiency of Christ’s Redemption
Pope Shenouda rejects this belief as it contradicts the foundation of redemption and atonement. Christ fully paid the debt on the cross when He said, “It is finished.” The blood of Christ alone purifies from every sin; there is no other atonement after Him. If man still needs further punishment in purgatory, this implies that Christ’s atonement is insufficient — which is blasphemy against the complete work of salvation.
Contrary to Repentance and Forgiveness
His Holiness explains that purgatory also contradicts repentance and priestly absolution, for Scripture affirms that God “blots out transgressions and remembers them no more.” If God has forgiven sin, how could He punish for it again? This opposes God’s promises and His faithful mercy as declared in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Psalm 32.
Against Divine Justice
He points out that it is unjust for the soul alone to suffer while the body that sinned rests in the grave. The body and soul together share in sin and will be judged together after the resurrection. Punishment does not purify — only the blood of Christ and sincere repentance in this life do.
Consequences of the Purgatory Doctrine
Pope Shenouda stresses that purgatory dishonors the work of salvation and distorts the joyful message of the Gospel — “I bring you good tidings of great joy.” How can there be joy if the believer faces suffering after death? Purgatory brings fear and dread instead of the peace Christ promised.
Spiritual Conclusion
Salvation is complete and free through the blood of Christ, and purification occurs in this life through repentance and grace, not through suffering after death. Whoever believes and lives in repentance needs no purgatory, for God has forgiven and erased his sins forever.
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