Process of the Sacrament of Confession
- For the ceremony, we take a place in the queue, if there is one; while we wait, we remember the mistakes, write them down on paper for a more accurate presentation.
- We do not pay attention to various extraneous thoughts and words, we do not listen to other people’s stories in order to avoid trying on other people’s mistakes.
- We name the offense to the Lord, and not to the priest, who is only a conductor of communication with God.
- At the end, we ask for forgiveness, bowing our heads.
- For the priest to read the permission petition, we kiss the cross.
If you are confessing for the first time, be sure to tell about it so that the priest can help and suggest actions.
It happens that offenses are written on a piece of paper and given away for further burning. A similar ceremony is practiced in some temples.
Remember: the main thing is repentance and a firm desire not to repeat the listed mistakes.
^ Prayer 10, St. John of Damascus
I stand before the doors of Your temple, and I do not retreat from evil thoughts; but You, Christ God, justified the publican, and had mercy on the Canaanites, and opened the doors of paradise to the thief,
Open to me the wombs of Your love for mankind and receive me who comes and touches You, like a harlot and one who has a problem with blood: for when I touch the hem of Your robe, let me receive healing, O But Thy most pure ones restrained their noses and suffered the remission of sins.
And I, the accursed one, dare to perceive Your entire Body, so that I will not be scorched; but accept me as they do, and enlighten my spiritual feelings, burning away my sinful guilt, with the prayers of the seedless One who gave birth to You, and the Heavenly powers; For blessed art thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.
I stand before the gates of Your temple and do not abandon evil thoughts. But You, Christ God, have justified the publican, and had mercy on the Canaanite woman, and opened the gates of paradise to the thief,
Open to me Your humane heart and accept me, who comes and touches You, as a harlot and a bleeding woman: after all, having touched the hem of Your garment, I was easily healed; the other, having embraced Your most pure feet, acquired forgiveness of sins.
But I, unfortunate one, deciding to accept Your entire Body, may I not be burned, but accept me as you accepted those women, and enlighten the feelings of my soul, burning away my sinful offenses, - at the intercessions of the One who gave birth to You and the heavenly Powers without seed, - for You blessed forever and ever. Amen.
Rules and recommendations
Before accepting the secret priesthood, the parishioner reads a prayer, calls the name given at baptism, and goes to the place where the healing drink is located. Further actions: reading the texts of gratitude and staying in the temple until the end of the service.
How to prepare your soul and body for Communion
This is a very important event for a Christian, not an everyday event, so you should prepare carefully.
The priest will help prepare the soul: he will bless you for Communion, set the time for purification the day before, and tell you what to do next.
Usually, after the conversation, a Christian goes to the evening service, where he reads special texts. The day before an important event, it is forbidden to eat and drink, with the exception of people who cannot fast for medical reasons. You should confess in advance or immediately before the Eucharist.
Clothes are allowed to be modest, clean, and neat. There should be restraint in manners, but it is worth remembering that this is still a holiday.
Behavior and mood
The state of the communicant should be peaceful, balanced: without unnecessary emotions and fuss.
A special day is full of temptations: the evil one leads you astray from your chosen path - you need to resist him. It is unacceptable to indulge in passions; television and other means of mass communication are prohibited. You can be inspired by such examples of true service to God as: the Valaam monks and the servants of the Optina Pustyn monastery.
While in church, you cannot even mentally condemn outsiders. The best thing for this day is to be meek, use common sense, and remember that becoming a Partaker of Christ is taking place.
How a person prays is of great importance: whether he understands the words, whether he is restrained, whether he is modest in relation to others present.
Behavior near the Bowl is also important! Before approaching, you must bow correctly, approach, cross your arms over your chest (right over left) and accept the divine moisture. You should not fuss, cross yourself, or bow near the shrine.
Advice for those who are unable to endure a health ritual
It happens that an individual cannot maintain a strict food ban due to poor health, so there may be relaxations. In this case, you need to tell your priest about your problems - he will give his blessing for a possible weakening of the prohibitions. It is important to take care of your health, and also not to be lazy in cooking, because there are many delicious meatless dishes.
Recommendations for children
The child is given communion after the feast of baptism has passed.
Church custom is important for good health, religious development, and the baby’s connection with his Heavenly Patron.
There were cases when, after the ceremony, serious illnesses disappeared, the baby became more cheerful and calm. Growing up is also easier to navigate through conversations with a mentor. A child's soul, not defiled by temptations, is purer than an adult, and therefore is able to understand and accept more.
- Until the age of three, children have no food restrictions - after that, look at the child’s interest in Christian life.
- Until the age of seven, confession is not necessary.
The first visit to the sanctuary is like a holiday for a child. He can choose an interesting book, an icon he likes in the church shop, and light a candle. There is a chance to meet the same children and make friends with them. After the visit, you can go to your favorite cafe or park.
Explaining the meaning of Orthodoxy to a child is useful in the form of a game. As children grow up, they are brought to religious schools.
^ Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
I believe, Lord, and I confess that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, from whom I am the first. I also believe that this is Your most pure Body, and this is Your most honest Blood.
I pray to You: have mercy on me, and forgive me my sins, voluntary and involuntary, in word, in deed, in knowledge and ignorance, and grant me uncondemned communion of the Lord. Your steadfast Sacraments, for the remission of sins, and for eternal life. Amen.
I believe, Lord, and confess that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is Your most pure Body, and this is Your most precious Blood.
I pray to You: have mercy on me and forgive me my sins, voluntary and involuntary, committed in word, deed, consciously and out of ignorance, and grant me, without condemnation, to partake of Your most pure Sacraments, for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Amen.
