The Sacrament of Holy Confession - Returning Home Through the Tears of the Heart

In spiritual life, every person falls, weakens, and is stained by sin, but also has the possibility to rise again. The path ordained by God for the forgiveness of sins and the healing of the soul is the Sacrament of Holy Confession, which the Holy Fathers also call the “second Baptism,” “self-judgment,” or the “bath of tears.”

What is Confession?

Confession is the Sacrament through which, by sincerely confessing our sins before the spiritual father, we receive forgiveness from God through the grace of the Holy Spirit. The priest is a witness, a father, a guide, and a servant of Christ’s forgiveness, who said:

“If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:23)

Saint John Chrysostom writes:

“Confession is an open wound before God, so that He may heal the soul. Say the sin, and God will erase it.”

Saint Isaac the Syrian adds:

“There is no sin that can overcome God’s mercy, if man returns with a broken heart.”

How Do We Confess?

Confession is not just a “report of sins,” but a living, sincere, and humble act of repentance. We must prepare with prayer, fasting (if possible), reading Scripture, and careful self-examination.

Here are some essential steps:

1. Awareness of sins – with sincerity, without minimizing or justifying them.

2. Deep repentance – truly feeling sorrow for having wronged God and others.

3. Clear and complete confession – without shame, evasion, or blaming others.

4. Resolution to change – a real desire to not repeat the sins.

5. Obedience to the spiritual father's advice – with trust and humility.

Saint Basil the Great said:

“Those who have confessed their sins and renounced them draw near to God.”

When and How Often Should We Confess?

The Church does not impose a fixed rule for everyone, but the patristic and liturgical tradition recommends regular confession, especially:

• Before receiving Communion (especially for those who do not partake frequently)

• During the major fasting periods (Great Lent, the Nativity Fast, etc.)

• After serious sins or spiritual falls

• At crossroads in life, during major decisions or sufferings

Saint John Climacus writes in The Ladder of Divine Ascent:

“Do not leave the wound unbandaged. Confess quickly, so it doesn’t deepen.”

Ideally, one should confess at least four times a year, and some spiritual fathers recommend once a month, to keep the soul clean.

Is It Right to Confess During Holy Services?

This is a common question. The Holy Fathers and Orthodox liturgical tradition teach that the time of the Divine Liturgy is not appropriate for confession. Why?

1. The Liturgy is a communal act of worship, and everyone should be fully attentive and spiritually present.

2. Confession requires time, peace, attention, and discretion – it should not be rushed or done between litanies.

3. The priest is called to serve the entire Liturgy with his whole being; repeated interruptions for confessions can cause confusion and spiritual distraction.

Saint Symeon of Thessalonica states:

“Confession should take place before the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, so that all who are purified may participate worthily.”

Therefore, the ideal time for confession is in the days prior to the Divine Liturgy (Saturday evening, during Vespers, or other appropriate times), so that the peace of the service is not disturbed and confession can be deep and meaningful.

Conclusion: Confession – The Path to Resurrection

The Sacrament of Confession is the gate of forgiveness, the mirror of the conscience, and the ladder of return to God. It should not be approached with fear, shame, or formality, but as the return of the prodigal son to the arms of the Heavenly Father.

Let us confess often, sincerely, and with broken hearts. And let us not forget:

“God does not delight in the death of a sinner, but in his return.” (Ezekiel 33:11)