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Trampling Down Death By Death
Father Spyridon invites the reader to confront the reality of their own death. Through the ancient truths of the Orthodox Church he demonstrates how only when we have a true understanding of death can we begin to discover and live out the purpose of our existence. He dispels many modern myths concerning purgatory, the rapture, judgement, the soul, heaven and hell, angels and many more. Though deeply spiritual, Trampling Down Death By Death offers a pragmatic approach to the reality of our mortality.
224 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 3, 2025
Remarkable book about what happens to us after death.
Western culture is all about hanging on to youth and beauty and it’s almost taboo or at best uncomfortable and confusing to talk about death. “Death is the path to victory for the Christian.” So constant remembrance and awareness of death is the best way to live life on Earth.
It all goes back to Christ’s resurrection. When He died on the cross, His body lay in the tomb while His soul descended into Hades. There, he raised the souls from captivity, souls that have been there since the fall, including Adam and Eve and saints and prophets like Moses and John the Baptist. Essentially, Christ conquers death. Therefore, biological death is only a marker for the beginning of our eternal life.
Our life on earth with all its pleasures and pains is temporary. Our purpose here is to prepare for our eternal life. Saint Isaac points out: this life has been given to you for repentance, do not waste it on vain pursuits. “He who frequently remembers death has already risen from the dead in his soul. Setting our eyes firmly on eternity leads us to overcome the trials and struggles of life because we understand their brevity and accept the care with which God is making us fit for Paradise. “
Western culture is all about hanging on to youth and beauty and it’s almost taboo or at best uncomfortable and confusing to talk about death. “Death is the path to victory for the Christian.” So constant remembrance and awareness of death is the best way to live life on Earth.
It all goes back to Christ’s resurrection. When He died on the cross, His body lay in the tomb while His soul descended into Hades. There, he raised the souls from captivity, souls that have been there since the fall, including Adam and Eve and saints and prophets like Moses and John the Baptist. Essentially, Christ conquers death. Therefore, biological death is only a marker for the beginning of our eternal life.
Our life on earth with all its pleasures and pains is temporary. Our purpose here is to prepare for our eternal life. Saint Isaac points out: this life has been given to you for repentance, do not waste it on vain pursuits. “He who frequently remembers death has already risen from the dead in his soul. Setting our eyes firmly on eternity leads us to overcome the trials and struggles of life because we understand their brevity and accept the care with which God is making us fit for Paradise. “
August 20, 2025
Edifying book that pushes us toward repentance as we consider the inevitability of death. The chapter on grief and bereavement was particularly profound.
January 17, 2019
Many, many thanks, Father Spyridon!
Excellent! I will read this again and again and take it to heart. Many, many thanks, Father Spyridon! Father, bless!
Excellent! I will read this again and again and take it to heart. Many, many thanks, Father Spyridon! Father, bless!
July 28, 2025
The Victory of Christ Over Death
This is an excellent short book that summarizes the historical orthodox Christian understanding of the victory over Death accomplished by Jesus in His death on the cross, His harrowing of hades, His resurrection, and His ascension into heaven. The book explains how Christ’s victory brings life to the genuine believer that repents of sin that will enable him or her to enjoy paradise at the end of this life.
This is an excellent short book that summarizes the historical orthodox Christian understanding of the victory over Death accomplished by Jesus in His death on the cross, His harrowing of hades, His resurrection, and His ascension into heaven. The book explains how Christ’s victory brings life to the genuine believer that repents of sin that will enable him or her to enjoy paradise at the end of this life.
December 10, 2024
Another Spyridon Bailey classic
I started this book in 2022 and for some unknown reason i never finished it.
I started i anew (from the beginning!) recently. What an outstanding 5 star read!
I started this book in 2022 and for some unknown reason i never finished it.
I started i anew (from the beginning!) recently. What an outstanding 5 star read!
May 27, 2022
Excellent overview of the Orthodox Christian dogmas concerning eschatology, death, and the afterlife.
December 16, 2025
Inspirational
I really enjoyed the father Spyridon book. Very inspirational and beautifully written. I'm a new student of the church and I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed the father Spyridon book. Very inspirational and beautifully written. I'm a new student of the church and I really enjoyed this book.
January 8, 2023
Easy to understand for new to/curious about Orthodox Eschatology
This is the 3rd book by Fr. Spyridon that I have read. I've enjoyed those others very much, and like the other two, he breaks down some of the more complicated theological concepts and doctrinal differences between Orthodoxy and the Prots/Catholics into an easy to read and more digestible way.
I, myself purchased this and Seraphim Roses work "The Soul After Death" at the same time, and for being new to Orthodoxy, gradually, methodically working through as many books as possible, this was a good one to read first, in my opinion. Fr. Bailey takes on various Eschatology topics and gives clear explanations from the Orthodox faith. The chapters are sometimes short, but are concise and to the point and he doesn't add filler in any way and I really appreciate this. There's no time wasted on anything, it's all informative. I've come to expect this from Fr. Bailey, his other books are well done in this way, too.
I definitely recommend adding this to your library if you're exploring Orthodoxy, or are curious on the difference in Eschatology, or, like me you're hoping to become a Catechumen and are like a sponge, absorbing good books on every aspect of the Faith that you can.
I hope to share this book with family and friends as well.
This is the 3rd book by Fr. Spyridon that I have read. I've enjoyed those others very much, and like the other two, he breaks down some of the more complicated theological concepts and doctrinal differences between Orthodoxy and the Prots/Catholics into an easy to read and more digestible way.
I, myself purchased this and Seraphim Roses work "The Soul After Death" at the same time, and for being new to Orthodoxy, gradually, methodically working through as many books as possible, this was a good one to read first, in my opinion. Fr. Bailey takes on various Eschatology topics and gives clear explanations from the Orthodox faith. The chapters are sometimes short, but are concise and to the point and he doesn't add filler in any way and I really appreciate this. There's no time wasted on anything, it's all informative. I've come to expect this from Fr. Bailey, his other books are well done in this way, too.
I definitely recommend adding this to your library if you're exploring Orthodoxy, or are curious on the difference in Eschatology, or, like me you're hoping to become a Catechumen and are like a sponge, absorbing good books on every aspect of the Faith that you can.
I hope to share this book with family and friends as well.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews