On Thu, 11 Oct 2001 23:32:29 +1000, A ‘Net friend wrote:

>Pardon my ignorance please… Do Orthodox believe that sins must be

pardoned by >a priest? Is confession by a believer to God through prayer not sufficient?

Orthodox uphold -all- four Biblical and traditional confessions.

1. Confession before a priest of God admonishing oneself.

2. Confession to a brother/sister whom you have offended.

3. Confession to oneself of ones own culpability.

4. Confession to God through private prayerful repentance.

All are quite appropriate and all are quite Biblical. Some faith communities remove one or more of the above and replace them with ‘counselling’ sessions or ‘altar calls’ (where no altar exists). Either way the Spirit of God testify’s to God’s people the necessity of repentance and confession through these varied and grace giving actions.

I have no sought to -prove- these statements by Biblical and historical means to save space. But am quite able to if required.

Peace and grace.