“Actually it is unique not to believe it, as 75% of Christianity believes in Purgatory, the Orthodox and Catholics that is.”
G, Orthodox Christians do not believe in Purgatory (Russian “toll houses” notwithstanding). Here’s a link to an article you might find interesting:
http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/death/stmark_purg.aspx
From the link:
"On the other hand, the Greeks teach of one eternal fire alone, understanding that the temporal punishment of sinful souls consists in that they for a time depart into a place of darkness and sorrow:"
Well, it sounds like Purgatory to me with a difference of opinion on the details of the fire that purges (Thus the Latins receive both the temporal and the eternal fire, and call the first the purgatorial fire. On the other hand, the Greeks teach of one eternal fire alone, understanding that the temporal punishment of sinful souls consists in that they for a time depart into a place of darkness and sorrow, are punished by being deprived of the Divine light, and are purified).
More direct, K, is there a place other than heaven in the Orthodox faith where a soul goes to before reaching heaven?
I think according to the link there is.
FReegards,
Gonzo