Confession: how to prepare

Your first time, or returning after a long absence? Here you will find Confession times at our church, preparation guidance and a clear explanation of what happens.

When to come

Confession is available on Saturdays and the eves of feast days — before, during and after the All-Night Vigil. See the schedule for exact times.

Time before the Liturgy is limited. For a first Confession or after a long absence, it is better to come in the evening; if you need a longer conversation, arrange this in advance.

View the service schedule

What is Confession?

Confession (repentance) is the sacrament in which a Christian sincerely acknowledges their sins before God in the presence of a priest and receives forgiveness from our Lord Jesus Christ.

The purpose of Confession is to cleanse the conscience, be reconciled with God, receive spiritual healing and begin a new life in Christ.

The priest is not a judge, but a witness to your repentance.
The Lord awaits your return with love and mercy.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

How to prepare

  1. Begin with prayerRead the Canon of Repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ from a prayer book. Ask the Most Holy Mother of God for help; you may also read a canon to her. Prayers are not a formality: they help the soul speak with God.
  2. Look at your life honestly and calmlyReflect on your life since your last Confession. If this is your first Confession, begin with childhood or youth. You may write brief notes about your sins so that you do not forget. These notes are for you: do not send them by email or messenger.
  3. Examine your conscienceLook at your own heart and actions, not at others. Do not make excuses. Name the essence of the sin simply and clearly, without unnecessary detail. You may find help in the commandments of God.
  4. Prepare to stand before GodRepentance is more than a list of wrong actions: it is sorrow over separation from God and a desire to change your life. Confession is a personal encounter with Christ. The Lord awaits repentance in order to forgive.

What to speak about in Confession

The topics below, taken from our parish leaflet, can help you examine your conscience. They are a guide for reflection, not a list to read out in full. Speak about your own sins of which you repent. Tap a section to expand it.

Sins against God

Things that separate us from our Creator.

  • Living without prayer or turning to God; not taking part in worship and the sacraments.
  • Neglecting fasting, doubts in faith, grumbling against God and blaming Him for misfortunes.
  • Taking God’s name in vain, blasphemy, being ashamed of your faith before others.
  • Fortune-telling, horoscopes, tarot, turning to occult “healers” or magic.
Sins against other people

Things that violate the commandment to love others.

  • Judging others, speaking ill of them, gossip and slander.
  • Anger, irritability, resentment and revenge.
  • Lies, flattery, hypocrisy and envy.
  • Neglecting family responsibilities and care for others; refusing to help.
  • Cruelty, indifference and humiliating others in word or deed.
Sins against oneself

Things that harm a person’s soul and body.

  • Self-love, pride and seeking to be the centre of attention.
  • Vanity, seeking praise and making a show of piety.
  • Arrogance, contempt for others, insisting that only you are right, refusing to admit mistakes.
  • Dependence on other people’s opinions; wanting to please people rather than God.
  • Laziness, idleness and neglect of salvation; giving in to despondency, despair and self-pity.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and other actions harmful to health.
  • Impure thoughts, words and actions; giving free rein to passions and desires.
  • Seeking pleasure more than God.
Everyday sins and neglect

Frequent departures from spiritual life.

  • Distracted, inattentive prayer.
  • Idleness, empty talk and excessive entertainment.
  • Attachment to phones, television series and the internet.
  • Ingratitude to God and constant complaints about life.
  • Living as though God were not present.

What happens during Confession

  1. Approach the priestIf this is your first time, tell the priest — he will guide you.
  2. Make the sign of the cross before the Gospel and the Cross
  3. Name your sinsSpeak sincerely, without making excuses or blaming others.
  4. Listen to spiritual adviceThe priest will offer guidance if needed.
  5. Bow your headThe priest reads the prayer of absolution.
  6. Kiss the Cross and the Gospel
  7. Receive the priest’s blessing

Confession and Communion

Preparing for Communion: fasting, Confession and prayer

These are distinct sacraments. Discuss preparation for Communion, prayer and fasting with the priest in light of your circumstances. Confession cannot take place by correspondence.

Confession is for baptised Orthodox Christians. If you have not been baptised or belong to another denomination, begin with information about Baptism and a conversation with the priest.

Your first time, or returning after a long absence?

If you need a longer conversation, arrange a time in advance. During Confession you can simply say that you do not know what to do or feel nervous.

Contact the priest