Confession in Eastern & Orthodox Churches

[mercygate]

What is the etiquette or procedure for sacramental confession in the Eastern Catholic Churches and in the Orthodox Churches? Is it the same in both?

I have a vague idea that the priest is more “in charge” of the content of the confession and asks the penitent questions rather than receiving a confession already prepared by the penitent. Is this correct?

It is also my understanding that one kneels beside the priest in an open place – near the iconostasis??? Is this so?

Is the assignment of a penance part of the drill?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

mercygate:

What is the etiquette or procedure for sacramental confession in the Eastern Catholic Churches and in the Orthodox Churches? Is it the same in both?

I have a vague idea that the priest is more “in charge” of the content of the confession and asks the penitent questions rather than receiving a confession already prepared by the penitent. Is this correct?

It is also my understanding that one kneels beside the priest in an open place – near the iconostasis??? Is this so?

Is the assignment of a penance part of the drill?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

This answer pertains to the Byzantine tradition. The priest is simply “listening in” while one confesses to Christ. Normally, one stands before the icon of Christ (normally the icon to the right of the Holy Doors on the iconostasis) and confesses to him while the priest stands beside you. As in the Latin tradition, the priest may ask questions to help clarify the situation. When he gives absolution you generally kneel (in the Eastern Church kneeling is not a sign of reverence but of penitence) and he will place his epitrachelion (stole) on your head and say the words of absolution. Yes, penance may be given.

Deacon Ed

 

[mercygate]

Thanks Deacon Ed. Very helpful. As a former Anglican, I am familiar with approaching this sacrament as if “confessing to Christ in the presence of the Priest.”

Is a penance assigned by the Priest?

 

[Deacon_Ed]

mercygate:

Thanks Deacon Ed. Very helpful. As a former Anglican, I am familiar with approaching this sacrament as if “confessing to Christ in the presence of the Priest.”

Is a penance assigned by the Priest?

A penance may be given. It depends on the priest and what he feels is going on in your spiritual life. Sometimes there are just suggestions for things to do. Rarely will you get the “say 3 Hail Mary’s and an Our Father” for a penance – it is usually something practical.

Deacon Ed

 

[Edwin1961]

Deacon Ed:

A penance may be given. It depends on the priest and what he feels is going on in your spiritual life. Sometimes there are just suggestions for things to do. Rarely will you get the “say 3 Hail Mary’s and an Our Father” for a penance – it is usually something practical.

Deacon Ed

My pastor likes to have us read and meditate a Psalm which he will give you.
Lately he gave me Psalm 1 and another time Psalm 51. (I would hate to be the person who gets penance to meditate on Psalm 119!

go with God!
Edwin

 

[mercygate]

Edwin1961:

(I would hate to be the person who gets penance to meditate on Psalm 119!
Edwin

Thanks, Edwin. Actually, I know two people who were assigned Psalm 119! The first person (this was years ago), said to the priest:
“The whole thing, Father?” The second, who didn’t know the Psalms very well, found out only when she looked it up that this was going to take a little while! It is really a wonderful penance assignment.