The Holy Mysteries
Confession
The Mystery of repentance, in which sin is named before Christ and communion with him is restored. The Church heals; it does not sentence.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 50
Truth and healing
Confession, or Holy Repentance, restores the communion with God that has been wounded by sins committed after Baptism. The penitent confesses not simply to a priest but to Christ in the presence of the priest, who serves as witness, spiritual physician, and minister of reconciliation.
Through sincere repentance, confession, and the prayer of absolution, sins are forgiven and the person is restored to the life of the Church. Confession is neither a courtroom nor a form of punishment. It is a place of truth and healing, where the Christian receives grace to turn again toward God and continue the struggle for holiness.
Practical guidance
Confession in practice
How it is done
Before the icon of Christ
The penitent stands before the icon of Christ or the Gospel book and names his sins simply. The priest stands beside him as a witness and reads the prayer of absolution.
A rule of healing
Epitimia as medicine
A rule given by the spiritual father is prescribed for healing, never as a sentence. It is fitted to the person and is meant to strengthen what sin has weakened.
The seal
Absolute and unbroken
What is said in confession is never repeated by the priest to anyone, for any reason. The seal is without exception, and it is the ground of the freedom to speak plainly.
Making a confession
Times for Confession are arranged with the pastor. If you have not confessed before, or not for a long time, say so, and he will help you make a beginning.
