Question on Orthodox Confessions

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Victoria33

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First, excuse me if I get any of this terminology wrong; I hope my basic premise is understandable.

I have read and I can cite it if need be, that per an Orthodox Confession or sacrament of Reconciliation, that the priest or “confessor” may welcome the sinner warmly, even possibly putting an arm around the shoulder of the confessee, understanding how difficult sinning is and as an act of consoling someone I would say. I even found an illustration of this but did not find much on the web itself.

Would this be so?

Thank you in advance for any responses.
 
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the tradition for confession is for the priest to stand next to the penitent, who stands in the Church, before the icon of Christ. It would not be unusual for many priests to place his arm on the shoulder of the penitent.
 
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I was Orthodox for over 16 years.

At the end of the confession, you get on your knees and the priest lays part of his habit on your head with his hand on top of it while he prays to God for your forgiveness.

It’s not uncommon to hug or shake hands as you’re leaving because the priest is like family.
 
Are you Catholic? If so, why wouldn’t you go to a Catholic priest for confession?
 
Yes, of course.

Get this. This is why I asked. I read it in a book and maybe I can find the exact quote later.

The book addresses Mercy and Reconciliation/Confession somewhat in depth.

The book is titled ‘The Name of God is Mercy’… it’ s by Pope Francis. It made me wonder.
 
To the best of my knowledge, the only way a Catholic could go to an Orthodox priest for confession is in danger of death when there is no Catholic priest around. Otherwise, one should find a Catholic priest who is a good confessor.
 
Like I said, a Pope mentioned it in a book. I had to ask about it.
 
This is the traditional practice in the Byzantine and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Churches as well.
 
Hey, I’m Orthodox. At my parish, we have a kneeler in front of the iconostasis (specifically in front of an icon of Christ). So, we kneel and the priest stands next to us. At the end, the priest places his epitrachelion (stole) over our head when we are absolved. Can’t say I’ve ever been hugged by a priest during confession.
 
Thanks! I’ve been a long-time lurker around here before deciding to just go ahead and sign up. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about Catholicism that I didn’t know!
 
Vitayemo! I’m Ukrainian Greek Catholic. Which Orthodox jurisdiction do you belong to?

Also, I didn’t know that one knelt before the icon of Christ. I always thought one was supposed to stand with the priest before the icon of Christ. Does the practice of standing or kneeling depend on what Orthodox jurisdiction you belong to?
 
Nice to meet you! I’m Antiochian. I’m pretty sure this may be a jurisdictional difference- as I’m pretty sure they stand during confession in MP parishes. In Antiochian parishes- we also tend to kneel on Sundays during the consecration- even though we’re technically not supposed to do so.
 
We usually kneel for the Consecration but stand during Paschaltide. The congregation in the Antiochian Orthodox parish near me usually stands for the whole liturgy.

I’m in southeastern PA. Where are you?
 
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