The Sacrament of Reconciliation — Returning to God with a Repentant Heart
Confession (ንስሓ — Nsiha) is one of the seven Holy Sacraments of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is the sacred act through which a Christian confesses their sins before God, through the appointed spiritual father (priest), and receives absolution, guidance, and the grace of forgiveness.
In the Orthodox Tewahedo tradition, confession is not merely a formal rite — it is a deep and transformative encounter between the soul and God, mediated by the priest as a shepherd entrusted with the care of souls.
In the Orthodox tradition, each believer is assigned a spiritual father (ኣቦ ንስሓ — Abo Nsiha) — a priest who knows them personally and provides ongoing spiritual guidance. The spiritual father hears confession, assigns penance, and grants absolution in the name of Christ.
Before confession, the faithful are encouraged to examine their conscience carefully — reflecting on their thoughts, words, and actions, and genuinely repenting before God. Fasting and prayer before confession deepens the preparation of the heart.
The believer kneels before the priest and confesses their sins openly and honestly. The priest listens, offers spiritual counsel and guidance, assigns appropriate acts of penance, and pronounces absolution — the forgiveness of sins through the authority given to the apostles by Christ.
After confession, the spiritual father may assign prayers, fasting, acts of charity, or other spiritual exercises to help the believer grow in holiness and avoid the sins confessed. This ongoing relationship with the spiritual father is central to Orthodox Christian life.
The Orthodox faithful are encouraged to confess regularly — especially before receiving Holy Communion, during fasting seasons (particularly the Great Lent), and at other important moments in the spiritual life. Regular confession strengthens the soul and deepens one's relationship with God.
At our church, confession is available by appointment with the priest. Please contact the church office to arrange a time with your spiritual father.
🙏 Available by appointment — contact us to arrange
🕰 Also available during fasting seasons and special feast days
📍 114 Mills St, Altona North VIC 3025
📞 +61 0478 911 703 | 📧 info@stmarystotc.org.au