Lesson 15: Repentance

This lesson is about repentance and the sacrament of Confession. Don’t let this create anxiety. It is one of the most loving sacraments, and one when you experience your fist one, may be remembered as the most freeing action of your life.

First comes repentance, a recognition of our sinful nature and a commitment to makes changes in some of our actions. Then comes the Sacrament where we are made clean in the eyes of God. It is like a renewal of baptism.

When the time comes for your Chrismation, receiving the seal of the Holy Spirit, you will be asked to make a full confession. The priest will lovingly guide you at that time. While you will stand in front of the icon of Christ, he will be at you side as a witness. He also has another role as an ordained priest. At the appropriate time, guided by the Holy Spirit, he will read the prayer of absolution, and bless you with God’s absolution. This is a power given priests through their ordination passed down in an unbroken chain from the Apostles through Christ.

At the end of this sacrament the priest will try to help you with suggestions to nurture your soul in its spiritual progress. Keep mind that our God is a loving God, He has infinite mercy. He does not want to punish us, but, as in the parable of the Prodigal Son, He is joyful and throws a banquets when the faithful repent. When you finish you will be joyful and motivated to make some changes in parts of your life. Throwout any thoughts you may have that confessing sins will bring punishment. No, it brings healing and spiritual growth. It is how we come closer to God.

You will have plenty of time to prepare for your fist confession and will be guided by the priest.

I remind you again that God loves the sinner who repents, as do His priests. Everything said in a confession is held with strict confidentiality. No priest would remain in office if he were divulge anything discussed in a confession.

Repentance is fundamental to a Christian way of life. It is an ongoing need as we grow in Christ.

Read the section for the manual on Repentance and Confession

View the Video below.

Optional videos

  View this short video: https://youtu.be/hDrcKX1mpqs

An optional longer video by a recent holy Metropolitan, Anthony Bloom, on repentance. https://youtu.be/vojQCSrjpHE

 After you have viewed the video, answer briefly these questions: