Christ will return in glory to judge the living and dead
Eastern Catholic churches affirm the bodily return of Jesus Christ at the end of the age to judge all humanity—the living and the dead—and to bring the present age to its consummation. This parousia is awaited with hope as the fulfillment of God's purposes for creation. Every celebration of the Divine Liturgy anticipates this eschatological consummation.
Eastern theology emphasizes the cosmic dimension of Christ's return: the entire created order will be renewed and transformed. The Divine Liturgy itself orients worshippers toward this eschatological horizon, with phrases such as 'mindful also of His Second and glorious Coming.' Eastern Christians pray in expectation of the Kingdom and look forward to the restoration of all things in Christ.
Key Distinctions
- Return expectation:
- literal, visible return of Christ preceded by signs
- Tribulation view:
- preceded by tribulation; no separate pre-trib rapture
- Parousia nature:
- bodily, visible, glorious return of Christ to earth for judgment
Scripture References
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§668–682
- Council of Constantinople I (381), Nicene Creed
- Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (Anaphora)