A Saint once had a Turkish friend — a man of remarkable kindness, who helped Christians and acted with love and integrity. The Saint often wondered what would become of this man’s soul, since he was not Orthodox, yet his heart was sincere and compassionate.
After his friend’s death, the Saint prayed and asked God to reveal the truth.
In a vision, he saw his friend in a place filled with light and peace. Surprised, he asked:
— “What is this place? It resembles Paradise.”
And the man replied:
— “My friend Anthimos, the mercy of God is greater than we understand.”
The Saint then asked:
— “Why did you not become Orthodox?”
And he answered:
— “I was afraid for my head.”
The story reminds us that fear has kept many from openly confessing faith throughout history. It also reminds us that God alone knows the depths of every human heart.
Orthodoxy does not teach “many paradises,” but it does teach that divine justice is inseparable from divine mercy. The final judgment belongs to God — not to us.
His mercy is deeper than our categories.
His justice is purer than our opinions.
