SIMPLE GUIDE FOR ORTHODOX CONFESSION by — † Fr. George Popovich. “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” (Matthew 9:12) Confession is not something to fear. It is something to run toward. In the Orthodox Church, confession is not about shame or punishment—it is about healing, restoration, and coming home to God.  What Is Orthodox Confession? Orthodox Confession is a holy encounter with Christ Himself. The priest stands before you not as a judge, but as a witness and physician of the soul. Christ stands invisibly present, receiving your confession and granting forgiveness.

Confession is: • Not therapy, • Not a courtroom, • Not a formality, it is the place where truth meets mercy. We do not confess because God does not know our sins. We confess so that our hearts may be opened and healed by grace.

Why Do We Confess? We confess because sin is not merely a mistake- it is a wound. Sin: • Clouds the heart, • Weakens the will, • Breaks communion with God and others, Confession restores what was broken. It renews baptismal grace. It prepares us to receive Holy Communion with peace, not fear. Christ gave this gift to the Church because He knows that we fall, and He desires that we rise again.

When Is the Right Time to Confess? Confession should never be rushed or treated as a last-minute obligation. It should not normally be done hastily right before the Divine Liturgy, when there is no time for reflection, stillness, or spiritual guidance. The Traditional Time: Saturday Evening In the Orthodox tradition, one of the most fitting and natural times for confession is Saturday evening, after Vespers or the Vigil service, according to each parish’s schedule. Why Saturday evening? • You have lived the full week • You have struggled, prayed, and examined your heart • You approach Sunday already reconciled with God This allows the faithful to receive Holy Communion peacefully and reverently, without anxiety or haste.

How Often Should We Confess? There is no strict numerical rule in the Orthodox Church. Confession is not governed by legalism, but by spiritual need.  The Basic Orthodox Principle You should confess whenever you feel the need to confess - when your conscience is burdened, when sin disturbs your peace, or when you feel distant from God. The Minimum: Four Times Per Year Traditionally, the minimum expectation for an Orthodox Christian is four confessions and four communions per year, connected to the major fasting seasons and feasts of the Church: • Nativity (Christmas) Fast • Great Lent and Pascha • Apostles’ Fast • Dormition (Theotokos) Fast These four moments correspond to the liturgical and Eucharistic rhythm of the year, reminding us that repentance and communion are woven into the Church’s life.

The Ideal: Monthly Confession for Christians who are actively living the Orthodox life, a monthly confession is highly beneficial and often ideal. Monthly confession: • Keeps the conscience sensitive • Prevents sins from becoming habits • Allows steady spiritual growth • Strengthens preparation for frequent Communion As a pastoral recommendation: Once per month is a healthy and balanced rhythm for serious Christian life.

The Importance of the Spiritual Father Confession is inseparable from spiritual fatherhood. A spiritual father: • Knows your soul over time • Discerns patterns, not just individual sins • Applies the Church’s canons with mercy and wisdom • Helps heal without crushing the spirit Spiritual obedience is not control it is medicine. Growth comes through trust, stability, and humility. How Do We Confess? Confession is simple and honest. You do not need beautiful words. You do not need explanations. You do not need to blame anyone. You simply say: "I have sinned…” Confess clearly. Speak plainly. Take responsibility.

 Desire repentance. Truth spoken humbly opens the door to grace. Preparing the Heart for Confession Before confession: • Pray quietly • Ask God to show you your sins • Examine your conscience honestly Do not try to remember everything. Confess what weighs most heavily on your heart. A Gentle Reminder of Sins Sins Against God: • Neglect of prayer • Forgetting God in daily life • Doubt, fear, or lack of trust • Complaining against God • Taking God’s mercy for granted Sins Against Faith and the Church: • Irregular church attendance • Neglect of fasting • Disrespect toward holy things • Judgment of the Church • Receiving Holy Communion unworthily Sins of Pride: • Pride and self-righteousness • Judging others • Vanity • Refusal to admit fault •

Spiritual arrogance Sins of Thoughts and the Heart: • Impure thoughts • Hatred and resentment • Envy and jealousy • Fantasies of revenge •

Despair and hopelessness Sins of Words: • Lying • Gossip • Slander • Harsh or cruel speech • Cursing Sins in Relationships: • Lack of forgiveness • Anger toward family members • Neglect of spouse or children • Disrespect toward parents • Indifference to others’ suffering Sins of the Body: • Sexual impurity • Lack of self-control • Addiction or excess • Laziness Sins Against Love and Mercy; • Indifference to the poor • Hardness of heart • Selfishness • Refusal to reconcile What Confession Is - and What It Is Not -Confession is not about perfection. -It is about honesty. -Confession is not about humiliation. -It is about freedom. -Confession is not the end. It is the beginning of healing. Come Without Fear Do not fear confession. Fear remaining wounded. Christ does not wait to accuse you. He waits to heal you. One sincere tear, one honest word, one humble confession is enough to open heaven. Fr. Ivan is available for confessions on Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM We kindly ask that you schedule an appointment with the Church office so that Fr. Ivan can be available for you.