Confessions. Post confessions here?

[Umut]

Hi, everyone.

Do you all think it's a good idea to confess your sins here?

If it is, somebody start us off, or just let me know and I shall start us off.

It is no doubt that I am a disgusting sinner.

My energy is spread out all over the place right now.

I plan to get icons, more books, candles and make my own little Church (metaphorically speaking) in my room. Then I will be able to concentrate easily and avoid temptation even better.

Who wants to confess? I know I do...

Let me know. Thanks!

Christ be with you all...

 

[LuxPerpetua]

Do you have to be Orthodox to confess? I don't consider myself a part of any denomination of faith but I do not attend an Orthodox church. If this is open confession, I'd be very interested (although I will be offline for most of this week).

 

[MariaRegina]

This is my personal opinion:

Outside of the sacrament of confession, and the need to apologize to someone for a sin or failure on our part, we should not be making public confessions as things can be exaggerated, while misunderstandings and gossip may occur.

Even in parish life, a parish priest is often called upon to help mediate communication problems, especially at parish council meetings. Several people in my parish have written public apologies when they have lost their cool. Other than that, public confessions are not done.

During Great Lent, sometimes we will have opening prayers together for the Holy Sacrament of Confession which will take place immediately following Great Vespers of Saturday (commonly called All-night Vigil). In these preparatory prayers, there is a general confession prayer with most sins listed. Sometimes we all read this confession together, but at other times the priest will read it slowly while we ponder our sinfulness.

I think Oblio did print this out -- and I think this meditation is posted in the Orthodox Daily Prayer thread.

Hope this helps.

Elizabeth

P. S. We do have a public confession of sorts during Forgiveness Vespers. Many people will greet one another and specify the failings for which they seek forgiveness, but this occurs on a one-to-one basis.

 

[Orthodox Andrew]

Umut, when do you plan on getting Icons?

 

[Umut]

Okay, I won't confess here.

I plan on getting icons when my mom gets out of the country for three weeks. I shall pray for three weeks without interruption and hide the icons afterwards.

Thanks.