Q&A Home > S > Sin > Venial Sins

As Orthodox Christians, do we accept venial sins (sins that are insignificant)?

In Orthodox Christianity, there is no such a thing as venial or insignificant sins. There are sins that we may have committed unwillingly and unknowingly, and we ask God in prayer to forgive us because of this unintentional ignorance. However, some people intentionally choose to live in ignorance, and have no excuse. Any wild flower or shrub is easy to pluck out before it takes root and destroys good ground. When we were born, we inherited a corrupt nature, and thus, we were born in darkness. By the power of the Holy Spirit in the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation, we put on Christ and denounce Satan. We wear white garments as the symbolic color of purity. Sin is a stain on this pure white garment. Anyone wearing white apparel would feel ashamed if his/her garments had any kind of stain on it. After all, a stain is still a stain and an embarrassment to the person, whether anyone is aware of it or not. Since our human nature is still inclined to sin, God lovingly provided other Holy Mysteries to continue to purify us every time we stumble and sin. If anyone is wearing brilliant white apparel and falls, the marks of the fall can ruin this beautiful garment. Through the Holy Mystery of Confession, we are absolved of our repented sins, which are forgiven as if they never occurred. The Holy Mystery of the Eucharist is a Thanksgiving for God's grace in allowing us to partake of the holy body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. We must live a life of vigilant repentance. Therefore, confess to your Father Confessor frequently without exceeding forty days in between confessions and partake of the Holy Eucharist as often as possible.