Confession

[Clark]

Hi, I have a question. Well you see I find myself in a sort of limbo. Just last week I was the "Archpapist" so to speak who would have probably defended papism to the death, but this week I have learned the truth (or so I think its the truth) that the Papacy in the first century was vastly different then the modern papacy and that not only have Popes professed heresy in the past (occassionally) one was even condemned at one of the first seven councils and that John VIII condemned the Filioque as heretical. So either he was a heretic and not a valid Pope (by the Roman view) or the Council of Florence is heresy that contradicts previous teaching. Anyways, my question is that I am in need of a confession, but being that I don't see the Roman church as the true one any more I could not go there for confession , and I am not really an Orthodox Catholic yet so I am at a loss as what to do or what to claim myself as even : ( so any advice would be appreciated . (Sorry if this is not the right place to ask, I just assumed since this delt with confession , that it would be under repentance...).

[Andrew]

Talk to an Orthodox priest and pray.

[Herman Blaydoe]

What sin, exactly, do you feel the need to confess? Believing the Pope is not infallible is NOT a sin according to Orthodox teaching, therefore no "confession" would be necessary.

Or are you looking for a true CONFESSION of Faith? If you no longer feel that the Roman Church offers such, then your choice is either reconcile yourself to Catholic teaching, or seek out the nearest Orthodox Church.

[Clark]

No I am seeking a confession for a sin, not for being a romanist. I don't really want to delve into as it is a little personal. Would an Orthodox priest hear my confession or should I not bother asking for one until I formally join the Church?

[Sophia]

Hi Clark,

I would like to second Andrew's advice. Prayer and consulting a priest will give you the opportunity to talk through your circumstances in a private setting. I would suggest that you start by calling the nearest Orthodox Church to you. Let us know if you need help locating one.

[Clark]

ignore this *

[Clark]

I found one that I plan on attending tonight for a "Nymphios Service" , the only thing is I don't really know what that is haha but I suppose I will find out when I get there.

[Father David Moser]

I found one that I plan on attending tonight for a "Nymphios Service" , the only thing is I don't really know what that is haha but I suppose I will find out when I get there.

That is more often translated into English as the "Bridegroom" service (after our Divine Bridegroom, Jesus Christ). It is a matins (morning) service which is anticipated by a half a day (and thus happens in the evening). The four Bridegroom matins service (Sunday - Wed evenings during holy week) remember the interval between the Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday) and the Last Supper (which will be remembered Thurs morning at Liturgy - again anticipating by a half day). During this interval our Lord taught daily in the temple. In these services, there are extended Gospel readings focusing on the teaching of Christ. I hope that this can give you a bit of a head start on finding out about the service.

Fr David Moser

[Xenia Rose]

No I am seeking a confession for a sin, not for being a romanist. I don't really want to delve into as it is a little personal. Would an Orthodox priest hear my confession or should I not bother asking for one until I formally join the Church?

I hope you have had a chance to talk with a local Priest.

It is my understanding that confession is a sacrement of the Orthodox Church and that you can not officially have confession and absolution until you enter the church. However, all of the Priests I know would take the time to talk with you about your concerns even if the talk was more informal then you might initially wish.

[Kusanagi]

you shouldnt jump into something like the council of florence as it is historically bias towards the catholics.

The catholics took it that when the Patriarch of Constantinople accepted catholicism they thought they won but the story continues when they got home that patriarch was disposed of and another patriarch was elected that didnt accept catholicism.

I found from new advent web site that the catholics version of the council was bias it stopped at when the Orthodox accepted catholicism and thats it.

you should read the book of Elder Cleopa called the Truth of Our Faith volumes 1 and 2 and they will help you a lot to show you which is the correct faith and then you can find a priest to confess you providing you are determined to be in the right church because i think if you confess and then go he might think it is a casual thing you are doing and not taking the faith seriously.