Confessing Sins

[Hamartolos]

What is the appropriate way to confess our sins to God?  As a catechumen, I cannot receive the Mystery of Repentance which I understand is only expected to be received a couple times a year.  Please understand, as a former Catholic we just went to the priest every time we had sins and there was no confessing directly to God (overall). 

[Heorhij]

Hi Mctaviix,

There is no set frequency of the Holy Confession in the Orthodox Church, as far as I understand. It depends on local tradition. In Slavic cultures, you cannot receive the Eucharist if you do not go to confession immediately before the Divine Liturgy. On the other hand, in GOA this rule does not seem to be enforced. Actually, if you come to an Orthodox priest even daily and ask him to be the witness of your confession, the priest cannot refuse.

And yes, as a catechumen, I believe, you cannot partake in the Holy Mystery of Confession. I wanted to confess my sins when I was a catechumen (in winter 2007), but my priest said, wait until you are chrismated, because right now the confession will not have any sacramental value anyway. When you are chrismated, you are a member of the Body of Christ, and then you can (and should) partake in the Holy Mystery of Penance (or Confession).

Best wishes,

George

[Hamartolos]

Thanks, Heorhij.  In regards to confessing and repenting directly to God, are there set prayers that are to be said or is it up to the penitent? 

[PeterTheAleut]

And yes, as a catechumen, I believe, you cannot partake in the Holy Mystery of Confession. I wanted to confess my sins when I was a catechumen (in winter 2007), but my priest said, wait until you are chrismated, because right now the confession will not have any sacramental value anyway. When you are chrismated, you are a member of the Body of Christ, and then you can (and should) partake in the Holy Mystery of Penance (or Confession).

Just curious...  I am aware that some traditions require a lifelong confession of sins prior to one's baptism/chrismation, so I'm not sure how accurate your statement is.

[Hamartolos]

Very intriguing! 

[tweety234]

What is the appropriate way to confess our sins to God?  As a catechumen, I cannot receive the Mystery of Repentance which I understand is only expected to be received a couple times a year.  Please understand, as a former Catholic we just went to the priest every time we had sins and there was no confessing directly to God (overall). 

You don't receive repentance. It is a conscious decision that you make whether you repent or not. Since To repent=to change your mind, or have your mind open enough to receive God's Grace, and or his will for your life at any moment.

[Carl Kraeff (Second Chance)]

What is the appropriate way to confess our sins to God?  As a catechumen, I cannot receive the Mystery of Repentance which I understand is only expected to be received a couple times a year.  Please understand, as a former Catholic we just went to the priest every time we had sins and there was no confessing directly to God (overall). 

You don't receive repentance. It is a conscious decision that you make whether you repent or not. Since To repent=to change your mind, or have your mind open enough to receive God's Grace, and or his will for your life at any moment.

The correct term for this particular sacrament is the Holy Mystery of Penance, although it has also been called Reconciliation, Confession and Repentance. So, Tweety234, you seem to be resurrecting quite a few old threads that have to do with the Church and salvation. Do you want to start a thread that will address your concerns?

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