Why Should I Confess My Sins To A Priest

by Fr. John Dresko

A priest of the Orthodox Church in America, Fr. John first published this excellent little article in March 1995.

Great Lent is now upon us. It is a time for what Fr. Alexander Schmemann (of blessed memory) called “bright sadness.”

It is a time, above all, for reflection and movement back to God.

Sin, in literal translation, means “missing the mark.” Not being where we should be. Where we should be, but are not, is in communion with God. So, for practical purposes, sin is separation from God. And, by definition, separation from God is death–because life can only exist where God is present. Read more