An examination of conscience is the crucial first step on the path to sincere and fruitful repentance. The Sacrament of Confession must not be a mere formality or a mechanical list of sins. To ensure your confession is conscious and brings spiritual relief and Divine forgiveness, every Christian must diligently examine their conscience based on the Ten Commandments and the teachings of the Church.
1. Examination of Conscience by the Ten Commandments
First Commandment: I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
Sins: lack of faith, doubts, practicing occultism (consulting fortune-tellers, astrologers, reading horoscopes). Wearing pagan amulets instead of the Orthodox cross.
Second Commandment: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…
Sins: vanity, pride, making career, money, or celebrities idols. Loving earthly things more than God.
Third Commandment: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Sins: using God’s name in casual talk or jokes, false oaths, grumbling against His divine will in trials.
Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…
Sins: neglecting daily morning and evening prayers, missing Sunday liturgies without a major reason, working on major feasts instead of praying.
Fifth Commandment: Honor thy father and thy mother…
Sins: disrespect to parents, harsh words, refusing to help them, disobedience to teachers and mentors.
Sixth Commandment: Thou shalt not kill.
Sins: abortion (or aiding in one), anger, hatred, wishing harm to others, physical fights. Self-harming habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs).
Seventh Commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Sins: marital infidelity, premarital relations, impure thoughts, viewing indecent materials.
Eighth Commandment: Thou shalt not steal.
Sins: taking others’ property, failing to pay debts, cheating at work, bribery, wasting paid working hours.
Ninth Commandment: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Sins: lying, slandering, gossiping, revealing others’ secrets, condemnation.
Tenth Commandment: Thou shalt not covet…
Sins: envying others’ success, property, beauty, or happiness, ungratefulness to God for your life.
2. Practical Advice Before Confession
- Be completely reconciled with everyone: Sincere confession requires full forgiveness of others. Ask pardon from those you have offended.
- Be specific: Do not tell long stories or justify yourself. State the sin clearly and frankly.
- Hide nothing: Consciously hiding a sin due to shame invalidates the confession. Remember that the priest is merely a witness to your repentance before God, Who already knows all secrets.
3. Download the Examination Guide for Free
References (Canonical Links and Literature)
1. The Orthodox Prayer Book of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) — Rules of preparation. Available online: pomisna.info.
2. Guide for Confession — Parish of Saint Archangel Michael (OCU, Kyiv). Available online: parafia.org.ua.