The answer
This is evident from the apostle Paul’s longing to die to be with Christ (Phil. 1:23).
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty · Catechism · 1399
Faith Q&A › Catechism › 4. The Two Comings and the Rapture
Do the righteous meet the Lord Christ face to face immediately after death?
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty, Catechism of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Volumes 1 and 2, Books 1–7. First English Edition, 2023. Published by St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, Sporting, Alexandria, and Queen St. Mary & Prince Tadros Coptic Orthodox Church, South Brunswick, NJ. Copyright © 2023. Translation and Editing: Youth of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Arabian Gulf, and Egypt.