Why do some in Eastern Orthodoxy believe the devil can repent despite Scripture teaching his eternal condemnation?
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I have come across statements (including from some Orthodox clergy and theologians) suggesting that the Eastern Orthodox Church leaves open the possibility that even the devil could eventually repent and be restored.
However, I struggle to reconcile this with passages that describe:
The devil being “*tormented day and night forever and ever*” (Revelation 20:10)
Some angels being *“kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness”* (Jude 1:6)
Christ saying everlasting fire is “*prepared for the devil and his angels”* (Matthew 25:41)
My questions are:
1. Is belief in the possible repentance/salvation of Satan an official teaching of the Eastern Orthodox Church, or only a theological opinion held by some within the tradition?
2. If it is a theological opinion within Orthodoxy, how do its proponents interpret the above biblical passages regarding eternal condemnation and chains of darkness?
Asked by Glory To The Most High
(5317 rep)
Nov 22, 2025, 05:37 AM
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Last activity: Nov 24, 2025, 12:36 PM