The priest explained why suicide is considered an unforgivable sin

Orthodox priest Alexander Ilyashenko told why suicide occupies a special place in the church teaching about sins and repentance. A person can be forgiven even for serious misconduct if he sincerely repents during his life. However, in the case of suicide, the possibility of such repentance is lost.

The priest explained that for forgiveness it is not enough just to admit your mistake. It is important to recognize the guilt and have a firm intention to change behavior by abandoning previous actions.

According to Ilyashenko, this principle applies even to renunciation of faith. If a person subsequently reconsiders his or her beliefs, returns to the Christian life, and sincerely repents, the Church accepts the possibility of forgiveness.

In the Orthodox tradition, suicide is considered. As the priest explained, the point is not that God’s mercy has certain limits, but the impossibility of repentance after death.

At the same time, church practice provides for a special approach to cases when a person committed suicide due to a serious mental disorder. If circumstances indicate a lack of awareness of one’s actions, the possibility of church funeral service may be considered separately.

The decision in such situations is made by the ruling bishop. If there are appropriate grounds, he may allow the funeral and church commemoration of the deceased.

Ilyashenko stressed that in the Christian understanding, repentance implies not only regret for what has been done, but also an inner desire to correct one’s life. The circumstances of each action require separate consideration.