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[Alexandr Korol]

Question: You discuss the icon “Last Judgment,” noting that people are depicted without clothing — as a symbol of coming to God without attachments. I interpreted this as meaning that nothing can be hidden, and people are judged in the afterlife based on their actions, not their social status. In the past and even now, people are judged superficially — by their clothing, which outwardly shows their place in society. But on the icon, some people wear clothes of different colors, which perhaps indicate qualities of the soul, meaning their status or hierarchy in spirituality. For example, in different religions, clergy wear clothing in different colors. What do you think — could this be true? Is it important?

First of all, what I mentioned about people entering somewhere naked, without anything — that wasn’t about the Last Judgment. That’s a separate topic. But the icon “Last Judgment” really does depict a hierarchy; it’s clearly visible to anyone who looks at it. You can see the fiery Gehenna at the bottom, as it’s often called, where people are going somewhere and little devils are pushing them down — there are divisions into different realms. And then the spheres and hierarchies begin. There are people — I can’t say exactly now, because I don’t have the icon in front of me and I’ve seen many similar icons that vary slightly — but there are some where a clear hierarchy is depicted: first people without halos, then with halos, some in bright clothing with halos, and then further on — those in white clothing with halos. Of course, this all represents a certain state. A specific state of development, level of growth, spiritual maturity — you can call it whatever you like. That’s the fact. But I would also say that this is an indicator — that those without halos, it means they seemingly have no connection to God or to nature. Those with halos do have a connection, but a halo and bright clothing alone are not enough. The most powerful and important thing — as I’m currently reflecting on this while working on my next book — is the white garment. I interpret that as the Holy Spirit, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon people, when they are shown in white garments. This has nothing to do with how they are dressed in terms of being judged — no one is judging that outward appearance there. Yes, it is shown that everyone is lined up and going somewhere, that’s clear. But this is still something that can’t be explained and was simply illustrated to help people understand. The icon shows very clearly where each person stands spiritually — that’s where they are. So the “Last Judgment” icon clearly shows what will