Ortho Lounge

[san26]

I have heard of this, but it’s very rare and I think I remember hearing from a Bishop that it is not canonical and shouldn’t be done. I cannot find a source or video for this (it may have been in person, I cannot recall), so I could be mistaken.

People talk about how St John of Kronstadt would do something similar, due to the multitude of people flocking to him, but they would cry out their sins with tears of repentance before all, he didn’t just read prayers of absolution. This is also what happened in the very early church, but it stopped after the legalisation of Christianity when it became unfeasible.

But you shouldn’t be troubled by it, it’s not anything bad, but it doesn’t replace private confession. I think the concern is that there is a slippery slope toward the removal of private confession.

I need to discuss it with him, it is a very small parish, so not sure why he does it this way..

 

[Lawrence87]

I need to discuss it with him, it is a very small parish, so not sure why he does it this way..

It does sound unusual but there might be a legitimate reason why the priest was given a blessing to confess people in such a manner.

You are right to raise it peaceably with him in person. You can just say you find it unusual and ask if there is a reason why it is done this way, and say that you'd prefer one-to-one confession.

If the priest has a very negative reaction to being questioned about it, I'd consider talking to the bishop. But you shouldn't talk to the bishop without going to the priest with your concerns first.