Topic: Examination of conscience

[Dismus]

Do the Orthodox use a format for a proper examination of conscience?

I really would like to go over a good list if one exists.

I think I left a few things out at my last confession and it is bothering me.

Usually I just ask the Priest when in doubt, but I have gotten different responses that are confusing.
One even mocked me for "buying into pergatory" since I asked him for a list of proper prayers to say to shorten my time there.
So, I can't rely on the Priests to tell me the facts.
I have a good list somewhere for the RCC, but for comparison purposes I would like a list if one exists in the Orthodox Church.....
Anyone know if there is such a thing?

[FrChris]

Here's a brief guide from the GOA, incorporating self-examination as well as preparatory prayers:

http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8476.asp

Here is also some helpful infomration from St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite:

http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/exo_counsel.aspx

(Due to the length of the articles I will not copy them into this message)

Hope this helps!

[zebu]

There are many.  Often people use the 10 commandments with more in-depth explanations of each commandment and how you could break it.  There is one in the Orthodox Study Bible.  Then beyond that there are many that are more probing and are good for when you are afraid you might miss things, but strangely often exclude things that are BIG sins, like fornicating or killing someone, because I think they assume you would just know that's a sin.  I like these ones:  http://orthodox.net/confess/confession-20-torments.html, http://orthodox.net/confess/prephelp.html, http://orthodox.net/confess/confmed.html, http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/selfexam.aspx.

[Dismus]

Yes, thank God I did know about the fornicating and killing ones as "biggies"

LOLOL

Thanks to you both for the links!!
I may be suffering from scupulosity? But - none the less I want to go more often to keep up with all the sins. If the end comes tomorrow, I want the least amount of sin as possible.

[FrChris]

But - none the less I want to go more often to keep up with all the sins. If the end comes tomorrow, I want the least amount of sin as possible.

As far as 'scrupulousness' goes, IMO I agree with you---it is better to say everything, and wait for your spiritual father's help and advice so he can know all that you are struggling with.

So, my opinion is to keep doing what you're doing, and let your priest decide if you're going into excessive detail.

[Dismus]

God Bless you Chris!

Thank you so much.

I agree, but doubt myself all the time.

No need I guess... If I get blessed to have a Priest that knows the rules and regs.....

Ahh, how wonderful it is to live in doubt and grey areas.....