There is no formal doctrine in the Orthodox Church concerning the afterlife for animals, including our pets. Those Fathers of the Church who have expressed themselves on this matter were simply expressing theological opinions that have not become universally accepted, and remain known as “theologoumena” (personal opinion).
The Church has wisely refrained from pronouncing conclusively regarding the afterlife, for much remains unknown. We will not truly understand what awaits us after this life until we have entered into the afterlife. As Orthodox Christians, we simply accept the Nicaeo-Constantinopolitan Creed, reciting the words, “I look for….the life of the world to come.”
By God’s grace and our cooperation with this grace, we expect to inherit eternal life. We believe that all beings who have been a part of our lives will also be there. Some of us would even hope, along with C.S. Lewis, that it might be possible Paradise will also include our beloved pets, and even the animals that have contributed in a myriad of ways to our own well being. Would it be possible that the cow that provided milk for our children, and cheese for our table, might one day join us in a Paradise where there is no death and no pain?
C.S. Lewis describes something like this in his book “The Great Divorce” in which a sanctified lady in paradise is accompanied by a myriad of animals as she walks in glory through the fields of Paradise.
Thank you for posting this.
I have always loved little creatures (especially the creepy crawly things). I agree with Abbot Tryphon that a heaven without God’s beautiful creatures would seem less than the fullness and abundance of His love.
The monks of Holy Transfiguration have encouraged us to strive for right relationship with animals by decreasing the meat in our diet. Humans were given a diet of fruits and vegetables in Paradise; animals were given for partnership. It’s easy to lose sight of this in today’s modern world where we need not have any relationship with the animals that help provide our food.
Fr Gregory also pointed out that animals resist us when we try to kill them- it seems contrary to God’s order then, that we who are called to humility should impose our will over animals. Partnership indeed seems far closer to the mark.
In this light perhaps part of a redeemed Christian life ought to include owning chickens and a goat or a cow. 🙂
Peace;
-Mark Basil