www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Confession

I actually prefer the Roman confessional to the "out in the open" Byzantine way of confessing. If there is a church full of people I get pretty anxious about whether they can hear me, and I too sometimes talk loudly. I think someone did overhear me once, because the next time I approached him at coffee hour, he literally fled to the other side of the room!

As far as having to specify sins to the point of being graphic, the Church Fathers say not to do this.

In my whole life I've only been to Roman Catholic confession..3 times... is that not strange?

I intend to keep it that way.

You know theres not a lot that I really dislike about the Roman Catholic Church, but this is one area I can genuinely say I feel is inferior to the Eastern way.

How in the world did they evolve to be so different from each other? (or am I not noticing enough of the simularities hmmm fellow ecumenists :p I stick my tongue out at you)

When I go into a little box..actually I only did once..

I grew up going to a Roman Catholic Church that was very eastern i suppose..confession was face to face ..bread was leavened or at least tasted like it (no "wafer")

hmm come to think of it, if i stayed at that Church Id go back to confession at it. but still..things were missing a bit too much.

The Latin version is so cold and detached in my miniscule experience. The Eastern version feels so much deeper. It's like he's my real Father..not..the Judge in court.


Look..nothing can ever compare in the west to looking into the eyes of the not made by human hands mandyleion icon....If all the west could experience this...the world would be a VERY different place. To Look into the eyes of Christ and be surrounded in the open..confessing to the whole Church people not just hiding in a box all alone keeping your secrets only between you and God...But getting it off my chest..in semi-public..

The two traditions are utter opposites.. in my..probably unqualified experiences....

I'm sorry if i offended anyone..but thats how i feel deep inside my heart.

I just cant handle Roman Catholic confession..

Although I would for a monk. Monks are different, the West needs more monks...thats what made everything go topsy turvy..when their influence left.

And if I'm here..and what I say is wrong tell me.

But I see no reason why Roman Catholic priests can not follow the Eastern Confession. I will never stop asking them to try it. If this the wrong thing to do, perhaps I shouldnt even be on this forum.

I have often thought that if the priest is hearing confessions, a cantor should be in the back of the church chanting the Psalms, especially Psalm 51. (Or some Canon of Repentance) If no cantor can be present, perhaps the priest can improvise and have a CD player playing chant in the back of the Church? (I know that will rile the feathers of some, but IMHO it is far better to do all one can to protect the seal of the pentient's confession. Some may not be willing to open their heart to their confessor if they feel that others may overhear.

Blessings,

Gordo