Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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I am 17 years old and I do not have a Father of Confession. I used to believe that I do not need a Father of Confession, and that I could just "confess" to God. But now I realize that is not enough. We do not have a full-time priest and I cannot think of any specific priest I am comfortable with. Is it alright to have a Father of Confession so far away because I know I will not see him as often as I would like. Do you have any advice for me?

It is very important to find a confessor father with whom you feel very comfortable. You need to be able to open your heart, be able to talk to him frankly; uncovering your sinful thoughts, deeds and weaknesses before him. You also need to trust him and be willing to listen to his advice and obey them. When one sits in private with his confessor father, to confess all his sins, one should be subjected to a feeling of humility and submission as if one is standing before our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the just judge, asking for forgiveness. Therefore it is better to confess face to face than on the phone. However, if this is not feasible, you can confess over the phone but also make it a point to meet with your confessor father every few months.
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