Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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I live my life for the eternal One., and have always tried to separate myself from this world so I can feel paradise and heaven. Could you please explain to me what heaven looks like, what we will be doing there; and whether my wife and I will be close to each other in heaven; since marriage is an everlasting bond. Are there any books that speak about heaven?

"The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are counted worthy to attain that
age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection
" (Luke 20:34-36). If marriage is therefore in your future, choose a wife that is also seeking her salvation and eternal life. Throughout your married life, help and support each other in living a chaste and repentant life pleasing to God.  

"I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know and the way you know" (John 14:1-4).

"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelations 21:1-2).

"But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor it" (Revelation 21:22-24).

Many verses in the Holy Scripture provide glimpses into what paradise and heaven may be like. It is sufficient that Christ is there. In a lovely poetic book by St. Ephrem The Syrian, "Hymns on Paradise", (Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood New York, Translation 1990, p.156), he writes the following:
"Do not let your intellect be disturbed by mere names, for Paradise has simply clothed itself in terms that are akin to you; it is not because it is impoverished that it has put on your imagery; rather, your nature is far too weak to be able to attain to its greatness, and its beauties are much diminished by being depicted in the pale colors with which you are familiar."
There is a wonderful book called "Heaven" written by H.G. Bishop Youannis, the late bishop of Gharbia.
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