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Hades

The realm of the dead — the intermediate state where souls await the general resurrection; distinguished from Gehenna.

Hades is the intermediate state between death and the final resurrection. Christ 'descended into Hades' (1 Peter 3:19) and trampled its gates. Orthodox theology distinguishes Hades from Gehenna (the final state of condemnation): Hades is not yet the final judgment. The Church prays for the departed in Hades, holding that the prayers of the Church can benefit those who have fallen asleep.

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