Can I bring a non orthodox to a church service with me?

[inspectorfletcher]

I've been trying to get a hold of one of the only english speaking priests in my area but have not been able to, so I have decided next time he runs a service I will wait around afterwards, as I know he'll be there, until he appears not so busy then I can approach him.
Firstly - I want to know, how do i start a confession? what do i say when i approach the priest? my family is technically orthodox but we have not been raised to go to church often, and now i am 16 and after surgery have become much more religious. so i am a complete beginner in things like confession, bt i would liek to make it a regular thing
and secondly - can i bring someone non orthodox with me (my friend) because i love talking about what i know about the religion and i might be there for a long time waiting for the priest
what are you guys' thoughts?
thanks

[Alpo]

Of course you can bring your friend with you. As for the confession, I'd suggest arranging some peaceful place and time and not just pulling him out of the sleeve for spontaneous confession. That way the priest and you have no hurry anywhere and it will feel less stressful.

[elephant]

Dear fletcher,

It is a wonderful thing you want to learn how to practice your faith.  I'm sure your friends will all be very welcome in the Church.  Remember they can not receive Holy Communion (or any other sacrament).

I bet if you tell your Priest just what you wrote here: 'my family is technically orthodox..i am a complete beginner in things like confession, bt i would liek to make it a regular thing' , he'll understand and help you right away. 

I will be interested to hear about your experiences.

Love, elephant

[inspectorfletcher]

* please excuse my typing errors in my original post

and thank you very much for your help guys
so i should tell the priest i'm not very experienced, and then ask to arrange an appointment?

[elephant]

Dear fletcher,

Sure!  It's a good idea to ask for some uninterrupted time.  Besides Confession, he can probably offer great advice on how to go about growing into a spiritual life. 

Love, elephant

[genesisone]

Dear fletcher,

It is a wonderful thing you want to learn how to practice your faith.  I'm sure your friends will all be very welcome in the Church.  Remember they can not receive Holy Communion (or any other sacrament).

I bet if you tell your Priest just what you wrote here: 'my family is technically orthodox..i am a complete beginner in things like confession, bt i would liek to make it a regular thing' , he'll understand and help you right away. 

I will be interested to hear about your experiences.

Love, elephant

This is exactly the advice I would give. The fact that you want to begin with confession is admirable. I wish more of us - myself included - would give it that same emphasis.

In my small parish we have a pair of brothers (older than you) who were raised in a home that sounds similar to yours. For reasons of their own, they have returned to the Church and have become very active and are quite an inspiration for me.

Please do keep in touch.

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