Prayer, Repentance, and Spiritual Life · Lecture 058
On Repentance and Confession
A lecture by Dimitrios Panagopoulos · Δείτε στα Ελληνικά
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Summary
Continuing on repentance, Dimitrios Panagopoulos insists that inward remorse alone does not bring absolution: sin must be confessed aloud. From David before Nathan to the commissioning of the Apostles, Scripture presents forgiveness as ministered through persons appointed by God, and Christ entrusted the priesthood with authority to bind and loose with heavenly confirmation (Matthew 16:19; 18:18; John 20:22-23). He distinguishes the confessor, who grants sacramental absolution, from an experienced guide who gives counsel against future temptation. Believers are to accuse themselves honestly rather than wait to be questioned, since shame and self-deception drive concealment. The priest acts as the instrument of Christ despite his own weakness, for angels neither celebrate the Mysteries nor absolve; he is bound to absolute confidentiality and will answer for the souls entrusted to him.
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The Greek original audio is preserved unchanged. It is the authoritative recording for this lecture.
Transcript coming soon.