“Alas! What an agony the soul endures when from the body it is parting; how many are her tears for weeping, but there is none that will show compassion… Thus, my beloved brethren, let us all ponder well how brief is the span of our life; and peaceful rest for him that now is gone, let us ask of Christ, and also His abundant mercy for our souls.” +Odes of St John of Damascus, Orthodox Funeral Service
What happens when the soul is separated from the body? Will we be able to recognize the soul after death? Why does the church hold memorial services on certain days after death?