PhilokaliaKnowledge Map

Eschatology & Afterlife

Particular Judgment & Toll Houses

Particular Judgment & Toll Houses, by "Completed in 1846, the frescoes are the work of the famous Bulgarian muralist Zahari Zograf and his brother, the icon artist Dimitar Zograf, as well as many master artists from the schools of Bansko, Samokov and Razlog." ( source ), 19th century
Devils at an aerial toll house "Completed in 1846, the frescoes are the work of the famous Bulgarian muralist Zahari Zograf and his brother, the icon artist Dimitar Zograf, as well as many master artists from the schools of Bansko, Samokov and Razlog." ( source ), 19th century Public domain

At death, the soul undergoes a particular judgment. Some Orthodox tradition describes 'aerial toll houses' (telonia): where demons accuse and angels defend the soul. This is not official dogma but a widespread teaching in patristic and hagiographic literature. The final state is determined at the Last Judgment.

Sources

  • Life of St. Basil the New (10th c., describing Theodora's toll-house experience)
  • Rose, Fr. Seraphim, The Soul After Death

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