How do Orthodox Christians do confession?
Orthodox understand that the confession is not made to the priest, but to Christ. The priest stands only as witness and guide. Before confessing, the penitent venerates the Gospel Book and blessing cross and places the thumb and first two fingers of his right hand on the feet of Christ as depicted on the cross.
Is confession mandatory in Orthodox Church?
Did you know that Holy Confession is one of the Holy Sacraments in the Orthodox Christian Church? Most Christians understand that in order for God to truly forgive us from our sins, we need to repent. In the Orthodox Christian Church, the Holy Sacrament of Confession is an integral part of the process of repentance.
How often should Orthodox Christians go to confession?
It depends on the spiritual condition of the faithful, their needs and their sins during the war against the visible and invisible enemies. More specifically, the Christian should go to confession, whenever there is a reason, just as they go to the doctor when they feel ill.
Can a priest tell the police a confession?
Under Roman Catholic law, it is forbidden for a priest to disclose information — under any circumstances — obtained in the form of religious confession. If a priest breaks what’s called “the sacred seal of confession,” he will be subject to excommunication from the church.
Can you take communion without confession Orthodox?
916: A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition which includes …
Is Greek Orthodox Eucharist valid?
Their sacraments are fully valid, but most Orthodox priests will not permit Catholics to partake of them. Aside from these caveats, Catholics are welcome to attend Orthodox liturgies. Yes but not in lieu of going to a Catholic Church.
What do you say during confession?
When you reach your conclusion of confession, you will say the following: “I am sorry for these and all my sins. I ask pardon of God, penance, and absolution of you, Father.”, all of your confessed and forgotten sins will be absolved (forgiven).