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LESSONS FROM THE FATHERS - On Confession of
One's Sins
Repentance consists in no longer doing the same thing henceforth, while he who takes up
his former (bad) deeds, according to the proverb, cards wool over a fire and draws water
with a sieve.
Hierarch John Chrysostom
Whoever has escaped from a prison will not wish to see it another time. Whoever has
been delivered from captivity prays that he will never fall into captivity (that is,
repentance consists in not returning to one's former sins).
Venerable Ephraim the Syrian
Whoever offers repentance ought not only to wash his sin with tears, but ought to cover
his former transgressions with better deeds, lest the sin be imputed to him.
Hierarch Ambrose of Milan
If the inclination for them (sins) has also been extirpated from our hearts, this serves as
proof that they are forgiven us.
Venerable John Cassian
Reveal not thy thoughts to everyone, but only to them that can save thy soul.
Venerable Anthony the Great
Reveal not thy conscience to him to whom thy heart is not well disposed.
Venerable Pimen the Great
Thou art ashamed and blushest when it is necessary to tell thy sins (to a priest at
confession). It is better to be ashamed to sin than to confess. Consider: If confession is
not offered here, then everything will be confessed there before the whole world. Where
is there more torment? Where is there more shame? In doing the deed, we are bold and
shameless, but when we ought to confess, then we are ashamed and slow.
Venerable Ephraim the Syrian
If thou wantest God to grant thee tears of contrition and dispassion, unceasingly bring to
mind thy grave.
Venerable Ephraim the Syrian