The Orthodox Confession

Orthodox confession is one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox Church and an essential part of the Orthodox faith life. Orthodox Christians are called to regularly receive the sacrament of repentance in order to restore their spiritual purity and renew their connection to God and the Orthodox faith community.

Confession played a central role in the Orthodox Church even in the first Christian communities. The importance of the Orthodox practice of confession is reflected in the words of John the Baptist: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Christ also emphasized: "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

The Orthodox Sacrament of Confession was instituted directly by Jesus Christ when He said to His Apostles: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive any sins, they are forgiven; if you retain any sins, they are retained" (John 20:21-22). This divine authority was passed on by the Apostles to the Orthodox priests who administer the Sacrament of Confession today.

Process of Orthodox Confession

The sacrament of confession consists of four essential elements:

repentance for the sins committed

Confessing sins to the confessor

A prayer for forgiveness from the priest

The restoration of communion with the Church, which is completed by the reception of Holy Communion

Orthodox confessional practice is a central part of spiritual life. Orthodox Christians prepare for confession by examining their consciences and honestly confessing their sins. In the Serbian Orthodox tradition in particular, great emphasis is placed on sincere repentance, which is accompanied by works of penance such as prayers, fasting or charitable deeds.

Importance of the Confessor in the Orthodox Church

The confessor plays a central role in Orthodox confession practice. He is not only a listener, but also a spiritual advisor who accompanies the confessant on his path to conversion. In the Serbian Orthodox Church, an experienced priest is often chosen as a permanent confessor who provides pastoral care to the believer over a longer period of time.

A central principle of Orthodox confession is absolute secrecy. The priest may not under any circumstances disclose the revealed sins - neither to other people nor in legal proceedings.

Orthodox Confession Times and Preparation

Many Orthodox Christians go to confession regularly, especially before receiving Holy Communion. During Lent before Easter and Christmas, Orthodox parishes often have special confession times to prepare for Easter or the Nativity of Christ. Orthodox confession times are especially popular during Great Lent, as confession serves as preparation for Easter. In many Orthodox traditions, confession is even obligatory before one can participate in the Eucharist.

Common Sins Confessed by Orthodox Christians

In confession, Orthodox Christians confess crimes such as lying, stealing, disrespecting parents, quarrelling, hatred, false accusations, arrogance, adultery, contempt for the poor, obscene language, or inciting others to evil deeds. Confession in the Orthodox Church serves to purify the soul and helps to lead a person back to the right spiritual path.

Orthodox confession is not just a one-time act, but an ongoing spiritual process. Every Christian is called to regularly purify his soul and deepen his relationship with God. Especially in the Serbian Orthodox tradition, confession is considered an essential part of spiritual life. Orthodox Christians who confess their sins open their hearts to God's grace and renew their spiritual purity.

Orthodox Confession and Online Resources

Many Orthodox Christians seek information about confession in the Orthodox Church. Online resources about the meaning of confession, how to prepare for it, and Orthodox confession times can be a valuable resource. Those who wish to prepare for the sacrament can search online for confession prayers, Orthodox confession guides, and guides to examining conscience. Orthodox priests often offer pastoral support to help believers find their way to conversion.