Holy Confession and Repentance

Sin and the Need for Healing

Baptism washes away original sin and all personal sins committed before that moment. But human beings continue to sin after Baptism — we are weak, subject to passions, influenced by the fallen world and the enemy of souls. What provision has God made for sin committed after Baptism? The answer is the sacrament of Holy Confession — sometimes called the second baptism, or the sacrament of repentance.

Confession in Orthodoxy is not understood primarily as a legal proceeding in which guilt is formally removed. It is a healing encounter. The priest stands not as a judge but as a physician and a witness. The sinner comes to Christ — the true Physician — and the priest stands beside the penitent as a witness to the grace of God. The words of absolution the priest pronounces are not his own authority — he is the instrument through which Christ Himself forgives: "I do not forgive you, but Christ Himself, who gave the commandment, forgives and absolves you of all your sins."

Repentance: More Than an Apology

The Greek word for repentance is metanoia — a change of mind, a turning around, a reorientation of the whole person toward God. True repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin (that is contrition) but actually turning away from it and toward God. The prodigal son did not merely feel bad in the pig pen — he arose and went to his father (Luke 15:20). The movement is essential.

In preparing for Confession, the Orthodox Christian examines their conscience carefully — not to catalogue offenses for a legal accounting but to see themselves clearly in the light of God's love, to understand what is broken and needs healing. The best guide for this examination is the Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the works of mercy.

How Often Should One Confess?

Orthodox Christians are generally expected to confess regularly — at minimum during each of the four major fasting periods (Great Lent, Apostles' Fast, Dormition Fast, Nativity Fast), and more frequently if their conscience requires it. Before receiving Holy Communion in a weakened spiritual state, Confession is essential. The goal is not to confess as rarely as required but as often as the soul needs — which, for most of us, is often.