Conversations from the Confessional

Confession helps you navigate life, love, sin, and salvation. Here's how:

Read:

The origin of the Sacrament of Confession is rooted in John 20:22-23 where Christ gives the Apostles the authority to forgive sins. In Orthodox theology and spirituality, Confession (also known as the Mystery or Sacrament of Repentance) is understood as a vital means of spiritual healing and reconciliation with God, self, and others.

Keep in mind that confession is not merely a legal transaction. It is a therapeutic, a healing of the soul from the wounds of sin. In fact, the priest acts as a witness and spiritual physician rather than a judge, and the true forgiver is God Himself. It is also important to note that the priest is bound to absolute secrecy regarding what is confessed, a principle taken with utmost seriousness in Canon Law.

Finally, Confession typically takes place face-to-face in a private, but open area before an icon of Christ, emphasizing that the person is confessing to God with the priest serving as a guide. At the end of the Confession, the priest places his epitrachelion (stole) over the penitent's head while he reads the absolution prayer.

Ponder:

Confession involves a verbal recitation of sins, genuine contrition, and a firm intention to amend one's life. The priest may offer counsel and assign a penance, which typically includes prayers, fasting, acts of charity, or, in some rare cases, a temporary restriction from receiving Holy Eucharist.

So, ask yourself: when was the last time I went to Confession? Why do not I go on a regular basis?

Pray:

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Ask:

If you have a question or a prayer request, please reach out here.

“The Good Shepherd” mosaic, 5th century, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Italy. (photo: Petar Milošević / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

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