As a rule, priests hear confessions in enclosed areas within the church, at the entrances to which the faithful line up. For example, in the Intercession Church at Rogozhskoye, confession takes place in the side-chapels behind the main iconostasis. Some churches have special confessionals. While waiting for their turn to approach the priest, one should…
By Priest Evgeny Chunin Many today have their own idea of what repentance is. And indeed, in our lives, the human feeling of repentance is expressed in many different forms and manners. It can be a simple “forgive me” spoken to a loved one, or “excuse me, please” to others, or even a casual “pardon,”…
Throughout our lives, we all commit transgressions. Sometimes our conscience immediately convicts us of wrongdoing; other times, we come to realize only later that our actions were incompatible with the Christian way of life. These transgressions are called sins. Sins burden the soul in this life and, in the life to come, can hinder it…
“Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Our earthly life—its purpose and meaning—is a preparation for Eternal Life. What awaits us beyond depends entirely on how we live here: either we shall become co-heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, or we shall perish, cast into the outer darkness prepared for…
Epitimia is a spiritual directive intended to help a person overcome sinful attachments and serve as a means of atoning for sins committed. Epitimia may consist of specific prayer assignments (for example, making a certain number of bows each day with a prayer to a particular saint, or reading a set number of kathismas), of…
Sin and Repentance The feeling of repentance is, to some degree, familiar to everyone. In human life, it manifests in a wide variety of forms and expressions. It may be a simple “forgive me” addressed to a loved one, or a polite “excuse me, please” for others, or even a lighthearted “pardon,” as well as…