EO Confession

[RC1970]

Do EO Christians participate in confession of sins before a priest, as the Romans do, or do they have a different process?

And, is there a requirement, in EO confession, to do "works of satisfaction" or "acts of penance"?

 

[ArmyMatt]

yes, we go to confession before a priest, and we are given penance. however, unlike Rome, we do not do so legalistically. confession and communion are the medicine, penance is kinda like the rehab.

 

[FenderTL5]

Do EO Christians participate in confession of sins before a priest, as the Romans do, or do they have a different process?

And, is there a requirement, in EO confession, to do "works of satisfaction" or "acts of penance"?

I would answer both yes and no, primarily because there are multiple questions here.
"Do EO Christians participate in confession of sins before a priest.."
We make our confession to Christ in the presence of a Priest/Bishop who then may (or may not) pray the prayer of absolution.
My priest, during catechism, gave an example of a man who came to confession. His confession consisted of all of the things his brother did that made him angry. Afterwhich, the priest prayed the prayer of absolution for the man's brother - since those were the sins confessed but primarily to illustrate a point.
"..as the Romans do.."
I'm not a Roman Catholic nor have I ever been one, but as I understand it the answer is no, there are differences. For example, we stand before an icon of Christ and make our confession to Christ - we do not go into a booth and make our confession to the priest (per say). Our priest (typically) has us come to the front of the church, before the icon of Christ on the iconostasis, to make our confession.
"..is there a requirement, in EO confession, to do "works of satisfaction" or "acts of penance"?
Maybe. It depends on what is being confessed and as I understand it, there is no rule. The priest may or may not suggest that the penitent person do, or not do, something that would benefit them spiritually. As ArmyMatt says, this is the rehab. As a way of mere example for illustrative purpose; if a person were to confess greed, the priest may suggest that the penitent participate with a group helping the homeless - as a way of addressing the greed, and growing, moving on. Again, no set prescription as every person is different.

 

[RC1970]

I would answer both yes and no, primarily because there are multiple questions here.
"Do EO Christians participate in confession of sins before a priest.."
We make our confession to Christ in the presence of a Priest/Bishop who then may (or may not) pray the prayer of absolution.
My priest, during catechism, gave an example of a man who came to confession. His confession consisted of all of the things his brother did that made him angry. Afterwhich, the priest prayed the prayer of absolution for the man's brother - since those were the sins confessed but primarily to illustrate a point.
"..as the Romans do.."
I'm not a Roman Catholic nor have I ever been one, but as I understand it the answer is no, there are differences. For example, we stand before an icon of Christ and make our confession to Christ - we do not go into a booth and make our confession to the priest (per say). Our priest (typically) has us come to the front of the church, before the icon of Christ on the iconostasis, to make our confession.
"..is there a requirement, in EO confession, to do "works of satisfaction" or "acts of penance"?
Maybe. It depends on what is being confessed and as I understand it, there is no rule. The priest may or may not suggest that the penitent person do, or not do, something that would benefit them spiritually. As ArmyMatt says, this is the rehab. As a way of mere example for illustrative purpose; if a person were to confess greed, the priest may suggest that the penitent participate with a group helping the homeless - as a way of addressing the greed, and growing, moving on. Again, no set prescription as every person is different.

So, you would say that any penance that the priest would "suggest" are in no way to be considered "works of satisfaction"?

 

[FenderTL5]

So, you would say that any penance that the priest would "suggest" are in no way to be considered "works of satisfaction"?

Quite honestly, I'd have to familiarize myself with what you mean by "works of satisfaction" to respond confidently.
As I understand it, the things the priest suggests are, as ArmyMatt said, the rehab part of the healing process. It is what we do to help heal from the sickness of the sin. I wish I could answer more clearly, but I'm unfamiliar with the term you gave.
The priest is suggesting ways for us to grow to be more like Christ. If we struggle with a particular sin, especially if it one that is repeated, then he will suggest ways to overcome, heal, and grow. The example I gave is a generic one.

 

[RC1970]

Quite honestly, I'd have to familiarize myself with what you mean by "works of satisfaction" to respond confidently.
As I understand it, the things the priest suggests are, as ArmyMatt said, the rehab part of the healing process. It is what we do to help heal from the sickness of the sin. I wish I could answer more clearly, but I'm unfamiliar with the term you gave.
The priest is suggesting ways for us to grow to be more like Christ. If we struggle with a particular sin, especially if it one that is repeated, then he will suggest ways to overcome, heal, and grow. The example I gave is a generic one.

Sorry, I know this topic is difficult and I don't want you to waste your time studying Roman doctrine.

Thanks for your replies. I am getting closer to understanding.

 

[FenderTL5]

Sorry, I know this topic is difficult and I don't want you to waste your time studying Roman doctrine.

Thanks for your replies. I am getting closer to understanding.

I did a quick google search, which put me on a catholic dictionary website.
As a basic, quick read/study I would say the difference is profound. The Catholic teaching seems to be one of a legal standing, where we understand it more from a sense of spiritual/personal healing. If my understanding is correct, it is not the same.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

In my 5 years as a Chrismated Orthodox Christian, in all my many confessions, I've never been given any penance by Father. I suppose that varies from place to place.

 

[All4Christ]

@RC1970 - perhaps the prayer of the priest after the confession may help give you a framework of what we believe and practice in confession:

Optional Prayer of the priest:

O Lord God, the salvation of Your servants, merciful, compassionate, and long-suffering; Who forgives our evil deeds, not desiring the death of a sinner, but that he turn from his way and live: Show mercy, now, on Your servant, [NAME], and grant to him (her) an image of repentance, forgiveness of sins and deliverance, pardoning all his (her) sins, whether voluntary or involuntary. Reconcile him (her) and unite him (her) to Your Holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom, with You, are due all dominion and majesty, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Greek form of priest's concluding prayer - the older form - which they also use in the Orthodox Church of America:

May God Who pardoned David through Nathan the Prophet when he confessed his sins, Who pardoned Peter who wept bitterly for his denial, the Harlot who wept at His feet, the Publican and the Prodigal, forgive you all things, through me a sinner, both in this world and in the world to come, and set you uncondemned before His terrible Judgment Seat. Now, having no further care for the sins which you have confessed, depart in peace.

Honestly, I find that prayer, especially the second one, to be one of the most beautiful prayers of repentance. We confess to God in the presence of the priest, not to the priest himself.

The Church is a hospital for sinners. Every discipline and sacrament we participate in is a way for God to work in us and to heal us. That said, confession is not a work of satisfaction - it is a way to help us heal.

 

[rusmeister]

In general, Catholic understandings come across to us as REALLY legal-sounding.

 

[FenderTL5]

In general, Catholic understandings come across to us as REALLY legal-sounding.

Agree.
When I read the info on the site (mentioned earlier) I thought the difference sounded somewhat like the difference between; taking a driving course in order to have one's license reinstated vs. taking a driving course for the purpose of becoming a better driver.

 

[Bessie]

No we do not perform penance as works of satisfaction like the Catholics, who see the penance as a required punishment for sin that will either be paid on earth or in purgatory. When there is penance it is because the priest perceives that we need some somewhat bitter medicine to heal ourselves.

 

[All4Christ]

In general, Catholic understandings come across to us as REALLY legal-sounding.

Particularly Roman Catholic Anhelyna's tradition would be very similar to ours.

 

[Anhelyna]

It has to be admitted A4C that it does vary .

My own priest refuses to use the wooden Confessional that is in the back of our Church - though his predecessor did

I have always confessed at the Iconostasis , even though one day Fr looked at me as I slowly walked in and said - "Stop - I'm going for 2 chairs - you are not standing today"

I really can't remember when I was last given a penance.

 

[All4Christ]

It has to be admitted A4C that it does vary .

My own priest refuses to use the wooden Confessional that is in the back of our Church - though his predecessor did

I have always confessed at the Iconostasis , even though one day Fr looked at me as I slowly walked in and said - "Stop - I'm going for 2 chairs - you are not standing today"

I really can't remember when I was last given a penance.

Is the concept (stressing healing over legalistic language) similar?

 

[ArmyMatt]

So, you would say that any penance that the priest would "suggest" are in no way to be considered "works of satisfaction"?

I would say no, simply because we don't believe that God needs to be satisfied. if we are given a penance to do, it is to help us heal and be open to God's mercy.

 

[Anhelyna]

Is the concept (stressing healing over legalistic language) similar?

Absolutely ! None of the priests who have confessed me have ever done anything but stressing healing - I've been reminded about the Father rushing to welcome home the Prodigal Son and the words used then.

 

[Jesus4Madrid]

In my 5 years as a Chrismated Orthodox Christian, in all my many confessions, I've never been given any penance by Father. I suppose that varies from place to place.

No penance? Could that be due to the fact that you are 6'5", 250lbs and carry a well-oiled handgun?

 

[RC1970]

I would say no, simply because we don't believe that God needs to be satisfied. if we are given a penance to do, it is to help us heal and be open to God's mercy.

Would it be fair to say then that God the Father was fully satisfied with Christ's work on the cross, which was done on our behalf (for all who believe)? This being the "works of satisfaction".

Would you all agree?

 

[ArmyMatt]

Would it be fair to say then that God the Father was fully satisfied with Christ's work on the cross, which was done on our behalf (for all who believe)? This being the "works of satisfaction".

Would you all agree?

I don't think we would say that, since God did not need to be satisfied. He has no needs or compulsion, so there was no satisfaction on the Cross.