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Confession

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › The Sacraments › Confession

The question

I have been to confession twice. I was told it is okay to go every 3-4 weeks. I previously was going every two, I feel like three weeks is too long and I am afraid that I am a bother to my father of confession by going every two weeks. I do not want to offend him by telling him it feels too long in between confession visits, but I also am broken up in despair about the issue. I do not know what I should do.

The answer

In general, forty days is a reasonable amount of time that should not be exceeded without confession. It is unlikely that your confession father will feel burdened by taking your confessions sooner. When you meet with him next time, set up a schedule that works for both of you. It is important to be candid and honest with your spiritual father. Tell him your needs. If he prefers longer periods in between visits, follow his instructions as he is responsible for your spiritual maturity and for absolving your sins.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2548 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.