Do Orthodox do confessions?
The confession often takes place before an icon of Jesus Christ. Orthodox understand that the confession is not made to the priest, but to Christ. The priest stands only as witness and guide.
Can a priest disclose confessions?
Under Roman Catholic law, it is forbidden for a priest to disclose information — under any circumstances — obtained in the form of religious confession. If a priest breaks what’s called “the sacred seal of confession,” he will be subject to excommunication from the church.
What happens if a priest violates the seal of confession?
Punishment for breaking the seal of the confessional is conferred by the severity of the violation: “a person who violate directly violates the seal of the confessional (that is: explicitly connects a sin to a penitent) incurs a latae sententiae excommunication.” One who breaks the seal “indirectly” (that is: through …
What is the role of confession in Orthodoxy?
As Orthodox Christians, we must always examine ourselves. We should partake in the Life of the Church as frequently as possible, as it is our way of communing with God in this fallen world. When Orthodox faithful confess our sins, we receive forgiveness from God Himself through the Mystery of Confession.
What happens if a priest breaks the seal of confession?
A person who falsely accuses a priest of breaking the seal of the confession incurs a mortal sin and perhaps other canonical penalties, including excommunication. Clearly, the Church regards the seal of confession as sacred. Every person whether priest or laity must take the obligation to preserve the secrecy of confession absolutely seriously.
Can an Orthodox priest give a penance during confession?
An Orthodox priest may certainly give a penance during a Confession, but there is no requirement that he do so. Confession & any assigned penances are both a spiritual & pastoral matter between the person & the bishop via his delegate the priest.
What is the seal of the confessional?
The priest must maintain absolute secrecy about anything that a person confesses. For this reason, confessionals were developed with screens to protect the anonymity of the penitent. This secrecy is called “the sacramental seal,” “the seal of the confessional,” or “the seal of confession.”