 |
     |
    |
 |
Concerning the Mystery of Penance
Our Lord instituted the Sacrament of Holy Penance/Confession when He stated to His disciples:
“Who so ever sins
you remit they are remitted unto them. Who so ever sins you retain, they
are retained.”
(John 20, 23)
His Bishop, as successor
to the Apostles, assigns the Orthodox Priest
to hear the confessions of the faithful entrusted to his spiritual care
in parish life. It is important to note that every Orthodox Christian
should develop a relationship with a Father Confessor
of his or her choosing, with whom he
or she is most comfortable. In the event that the Spiritual Confessor
is not his or her parish Pastor, it is the responsibility of the individual
to inform the Pastor of such so that he is aware that spiritual needs
are being met. Any Pastor will understand that an individual must choose
a Spiritual Confessor with
whom he or she feels most comfortable.
Those preparing for the Mystery of Penance
or Holy Confession must conduct a thorough examination of their life and
conscience prior to Confession. Confession before a Priest, who represents
both God and fellow man must not be taken lightly and must be sincere
and honest. An Orthodox Christian should never fear baring his
or her spiritual soul to a Spiritual Confessor, seeking his guidance through
any difficult time or with
a spiritual problem.
