Lesson 13: Repentance: A Journey Back to God

This lesson is about repentance and the sacrament of Confession. Don’t let this create anxiety. It is one of the most loving sacraments, and one that, when you experience your first one, may be remembered as the most freeing action of your life.

First comes repentance: a recognition of our sinful nature and a commitment to change some of our actions. Then comes the Sacrament where we are made clean in the eyes of God. It is like a renewal of baptism.

When the time comes for your Chrismation, receiving the seal of the Holy Spirit, you will be asked to make a full confession. The priest will lovingly guide you at that time. While you will stand in front of the icon of Christ, he will be at your side as a witness. He also has another role as an ordained priest. At the appropriate time, guided by the Holy Spirit, he will read the prayer of absolution and bless you with God’s absolution. This is a power given to priests through their ordination, passed down in an unbroken chain from the Apostles through Christ.

At the end of this sacrament, the priest will try to help you with suggestions to nurture your soul in its spiritual progress. Keep in mind that our God is a loving God; He has infinite mercy. He does not want to punish us, but, as in the parable of the Prodigal Son, He is joyful and throws a banquet when the faithful repent. When you finish, you will be joyful and motivated to make some changes in parts of your life. Throw out any thoughts you may have that confessing sins will bring punishment. No, it brings healing and spiritual growth. It is how we come closer to God.

You will have plenty of time to prepare for your first confession and will be guided by the priest.

I remind you again that God loves the sinner who repents, as do His priests. Everything said in a confession is kept strictly confidential. No priest would remain in office if he were to divulge anything discussed in a confession.

Repentance is fundamental to a Christian way of life. It is an ongoing need as we grow in Christ.

Read chapter 12 in Orthodox Way: A Catechism for Seekers

View the Video below.

Optional videos:

  View this short video: https://youtu.be/hDrcKX1mpqs

An optional longer video by the late Holy Metropolitan Anthony Bloom on repentance. https://youtu.be/vojQCSrjpHE

Questions for preparing for Confession:

From the Ten Commandments.

From the Beatitudes.

 After you have viewed the video, answer briefly these questions: