Parousia

The Second Coming — the return of Christ at the end of the age; the cosmic, public event the Church prays for.

Parousia (presence, arrival) is the New Testament term for Christ's return at the end of history. Orthodox theology holds the parousia is a real, cosmic, public event — not a private spiritual experience. The Resurrection of Christ is its first installment; the Eucharist is its anticipation ('until he comes,' 1 Corinthians 11:26). The Church prays for the parousia: 'Come, Lord Jesus' (Revelation 22:20).