Incorruptibility

Incorruptibility is the property of a body such that it does not decompose after death. Such a body is sometimes referred to as incorruptible or incorrupt. Incorruptibility is seen as distinct from the intentional preservation of a body, as by embalming or mummification. Incorrupt bodies are sometimes said to have a sweet smell. In the Orthodox tradition, the bodies of incorrupt saints have been associated with miracles, often of healing, and may exude myrrh. Incorruptibility is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition to demonstrate that the reposed individual is a saint. Nevertheless, many of the bodies of the saints have remained incorrupt, and serve as a testimony to the general resurrection at the end of time as promised in the New Testament and witnessed by the writings of the Church Fathers.