Preparation for a Good Confession

Although the Sacrament of Penance is called Confession, the mere self-accusation of sins does not constitute the entirety of the Sacrament.  Before Confession, there are some very important steps of preparation which constitute the first part of the Sacrament and which are the private and personal factors in the Sacrament.

Before approaching the priest for Confession, the penitent should:

1)  Examine his conscience by trying to recall to mind all of the sins he committed since the time he made his last good Confession;
2)  Feel that interior sorrow and contrition of soul for the sins that have been committed;
3)  Firmly resolve to keep away from all things, persons, places, or other temptations which more easily lead us into sin;
4)  Beg Almighty God to give us Grace to keep away from all sin in the future;
5)  Have faith in the saving power of Christ, His Mercy and readiness to forgive our sins if we are truly repentant;
6)  Be reconciled with our neighbor against whom we have sinned.

These conditions are absolutely necessary for the remission of sins.  The Greek Orthodox theologian Androutsos says: “Both interior penitence and confession are indispensable conditions and terms for the forgiveness of sins bestowed through a priest.”  A man who considers himself above sin or feels no sorrow and has not resolved to correct his life, cannot expect the operation of God’s Grace even if he goes through the external act of Confession.  The preparation for Confession must flow from faith, love, and sorrow that we have violated God’s laws, and this must result in our determination not to sin again.

It is important to keep in mind that, according to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, the forgiveness of sins proceeds from faith and love, and not from fear.  One should confess his sins not because he is afraid of punishment alone, but primarily because of love of God and a desire to be in His Grace.  “The grace of God never coerces man but operates where there is no opposition.”  And there is no opposition where there is love and faith.

* from Holy Sacraments for Orthodox Christians (Orthodox Christian Library No. 10, Instructional Series)
by Bishop Valerian D. Trifa, published by The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America