Christ the Conquerer of Hell is in-depth study on the realm of death, and here, Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev presents the message of hope held by the early church, with respect to Christ's victory over Hades. Using Scripture, the patristic tradition and liturgical texts, Archbishop Hilarion explores the mysterious and cosmic event of Christ's descent into Hades and its consequences of this event for all of humanity. As we recite in our creeds that Christ 'descended into the dead,' so Archbishop Hilarion insists that Christ desended and entered Sheol as Conqueror rather than victim, and by doing so He opened the path to our salvation. Self-will then, remains the only hindrance to our full participation in a life in Christ.