In the Holy Tradition, in agreement with the Holy Scriptures, we find the teaching about ordeals (Orthodox Confession, part 2, answer 25). The essence of the doctrine of ordeals is expounded by St. Cyril of Alexandria in the word “On the Exodus of the Soul.” Ordeal is the inevitable path by which all human souls, both evil and good, make their transition from temporary earthly life to an eternal lot. During the ordeals, the soul, in the presence of Angels and demons, but also before the eye of the all-seeing Judge God, is tested in all deeds, words and thoughts. Good souls, justified at the ordeals, are ascended by Angels to the heavenly abodes for the beginning of eternal bliss, and sinful souls, detained at one or another ordeal, are drawn by demons to their dark abodes for the beginning of eternal torment. Thus, the ordeals are a private judgment carried out on each invisibly by the human soul by the Lord Himself through His Angels, allowing evil tax collectors and accusers - demons - to do this. In the life of Rev. Vasily the New is told that his student, Rev. Gregory was revealed in detail in a vision both the circumstances of the hour of death and the journey through the ordeals of St. Theodora (Dec. 8). Here the 20 ordeals are calculated in detail. Careful familiarization with the ordeals is useful for more thorough preparation for confession, testing your conscience, and gaining a repentant mood.