Toll Houses

Toll Houses are a concept in the Orthodox tradition that describes the journey of the soul after death. According to this doctrine, the soul passes through various "stations" or "tollbooths" where it is tested by demons for the sins committed during its life. Each toll booth represents a particular category of sin, such as pride, anger, or lust. The angels accompany the soul, defending the soul on the basis of repentance and good deeds.

Church Fathers and saints who mention or support this concept include:

St. Cyril of Alexandria speaks of the trials of the soul after death.

St. Gregory of Nyssa describes a process of purification and trial.

St. John Climacus, in the Ladder of Divine Ascent, indirectly refers to the soul's struggle with demonic forces.

St. Theophanes the Hermit and St. Ignatius Bryanchaninov provide detailed interpretations of the tolls, emphasizing their symbolic and spiritual significance.