From: Confession and Communion
by Fr. Michael Buben
Word Magazine, February 1959
The Great Lenten season prepares us for a renewal of our spiritual life. We learn that self-denial is not a purpose in itself, but only a means for positive and determined action. In preparation for, and during the season itself, we learn many things that enable us to fight all evil and return to the contrite Christian life.
From the parable of the Publican and Pharisee we learn the power of humble prayer. From the Prodigal Son we learn that for a repentful soul, spiritual happiness is never too late to be found; that the church always welcomes those who sincerely repent evil ways and seek to walk the path of righteousness again.
During the Lenten season it is our Christian duty to partake of the two important sacraments of the Lenten season—Confession and Communion. Let us seek to find why these sacraments were instituted.
Throughout the year we have voluntarily or involuntarily offended others because of prideful boasts; whereby we should have been humble. We have been angry with others; whereby we should be meek and love even our enemies. We have indulged to excess; whereby we should be temperate. We have envied the good fortune of others; whereby we should live and let live.
Our Lord instituted the Sacraments of Confession to enable us to empty our souls of the evil and sin which trouble our hearts. He told his Apostles—”Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” (St. Matt. 18). “Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them: and whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” (St. John 20. 23).
This power to remit sins has passed down to your present day priests through an unbroken line of Apostolic Succession.
Learn to talk sincerely and repentfully of all your sins during confession. Remember that the priest is a sort of telephone between you and the Lord. The Lord will remit your sins and transgressions through the priest only if you sincerely are repentful of them. The priest who is under a sacred oath cannot through human weakness tell your sins to others. To do so would mean his unfrocking.
Before confession make a list of your past mistakes, resolve to improve your future life, have faith in God and his mercy and above all seek His advice and you shall receive it. A good prayer would be the one written by St. Ephrem the Syrian centuries ago:
“O Lord and Master of my life! The spirit of vanity, of idleness, of domination, of idle speech, give me not. But the spirit of chastity, of humility, of patience, of love, do Thou grant unto me Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me that I may perceive my transgressions and not condemn my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
After confession, and only then, are we prepared for the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. It is this Sacrament which forms the central pillar of the church’s foundation. It is this Sacrament that is performed during every liturgy, and it is only through partaking of this Sacrament that we can expect to obtain salvation and eternal life. […]
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Holy Fathers Slain In St. Sabbas Monastery, March 20
Troparion Tone 4
As holy and chosen lambs of the Saviour, from many lands you were gathered in wise Sabbas' flock. You were put to death by the cruelty of the barbarians and you departed joyfully for the heavenly fold. And now as righteous Athletes you are praying for our souls.
Kontakion Tone 2
You dyed your monastic habits with your own martyrs' blood, O blessed and holy fathers. Thus adorned you now stand with twofold crowns of glory before Christ's throne in the heavenly abodes.
