Video summary

English Faith Study - Confession & Spiritual Healing | Part 2

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas / lessons conveyed

  • Confession is meant to be a “return” to God, not a courtroom experience.

    • The speaker emphasizes that coming back to God should feel like a celebration—similar to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where repentance leads to joy, not condemnation.
    • No need for shame when repenting: shame applies to sin, but not to repentance.

  • Sin is treated primarily as an illness (spiritual healing), not only as legal guilt.

    • Christ is portrayed as the Great Physician.
    • The church is described as a hospital—for the wounded, not the “healthy.”

  • The priest functions as an assistant physician, not a judge.

    • Key metaphor: “The priest is a PA for Christ” (Physician’s Assistant).
    • In confession:
      • The priest hears what the person confesses.
      • The priest brings it to God in prayer for forgiveness.
      • The “medicine” given is spiritual guidance/therapy, not punitive judgment.
    • Repentance is described as powerful medicine that transforms the sinner toward righteousness.

  • Confession should be approached with humility and honesty—not “perfect wording.”

    • The goal is not rehearsing “the right lines,” avoiding “A/B/C/D” mental overthinking, or blaming others.
    • Core requirements stressed:
      • Be honest
      • Have a humble heart
      • Be specific
      • No excuses
      • Take personal responsibility
      • Focus on how you failed to love God and neighbor, and where pride is ruling your heart.

  • Healing from shame is a major theme.

    • People may avoid confession due to shame, fear of judgment, feeling unworthy, or believing they should be “better first.”
    • The speaker cites the idea: “the church is a hospital yet how many refuse the cure” (St. Augustine).
    • Shame grows in secrecy, but confession brings light and therefore breaks shame’s power.

  • Theosis is the ultimate goal (becoming like God), not just getting forgiveness.

    • Confession is part of a broader spiritual journey, helping to:
      • restore peace
      • lift the burden
      • clear conscience
      • renew communion with God
      • weaken pride
      • soften a hardened heart into humility
    • Confession is framed as lifelong healing, not a “one-time fix.”

  • Do not delay confession until you “feel holy enough.”

    • Don’t wait for special seasons/events (e.g., Lent retreat, family conference).
    • Don’t postpone because sin feels “small” or “not big enough.”
    • Confession should be practiced regularly.

  • Confession is not only for “perfect people.”

    • It’s for those who are trying, falling, getting back up, and trying again.
    • Like learning to walk, repeated failures are part of growth; God expects ongoing effort, not instant perfection.

  • Use preparation resources and follow Orthodox practices.

    • Preparation guidance includes:
      • reading the Kurbana (Malam) book sections on confession (pages 380–386)
      • reading preparatory Bible readings
      • using the seven penitential psalms: Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143
    • Confession is treated as a sacrament requiring preparation, similar to communion preparation beginning ahead of time.

  • Time window between confession and Holy Qurbana

    • After confession, you generally participate in the next Holy Qurbana:
      • If confession is on Sunday → you have until the following Sunday to receive it through Qurbana.
      • If a weekday Qurbana exists → attend the weekday Qurbana; if you can’t, attend the Sunday Qurbana.
    • Emphasis: ask/talk to your spiritual father (priest), especially if traveling or needing scheduling guidance.

Practical method / instruction points (detailed)

How to approach and prepare for confession

  • Do not treat confession as counseling or casual conversation.

    • It is a sacrament, so it follows sacramental guidelines and preparation.

  • Practical mindset before confession

    • Let go of overthinking your wording (“mental gymnastics”).
    • Enter with:
      • honesty
      • humility
      • specificity
      • no excuses
      • personal responsibility (don’t blame others)

  • Questions to reflect on (to help structure confession)

    • When have I resisted God?
    • What fear keeps me from deeper repentance?
    • Where have I failed to love God?
    • Where have I failed to love my neighbor?
    • Where has pride ruled my heart?
    • How is pride working in my heart?

  • Use the confession section of the Kurbana book

    • Recommended: read pages 380–386 (English “malam”), described as containing:
      • guidelines for confession
      • a description of confession
      • detailed questions to ask yourself
      • prayers before confession
      • related preparatory elements

  • Do preparatory Bible readings

    • Specifically mentioned: seven penitential psalms
      • Psalm 6
      • Psalm 32
      • Psalm 38
      • Psalm 51
      • Psalm 102
      • Psalm 130
      • Psalm 143
    • Also mentioned: other Bible chapters can help.

What to do during confession if you forget sins

  • The speaker notes that you may forget sins due to nerves or preparation limitations.
  • The priest prays for:
    • the sins you confessed, and
    • sins you may not have confessed/repented fully (as described in the sacramental prayers).

How often to confess

  • Regular confession is required.
    • Confession is compared to seeing a doctor regularly.
    • It is described as lifelong—not a single event.

After confession: how to complete it

  • Confession is completed through attending the next Holy Qurbana:
    • typically the next available Qurbana (weekday if possible; otherwise Sunday)
  • If unsure due to travel or scheduling:
    • consult your spiritual father/priest

Speakers / sources featured (identified)

Speakers (people)

  • Reverend Father Jittan Zachariah (announced as the class instructor; primary teacher)
  • Priya Zachariah (host/introducer; leads opening and hands over to others)
  • Achin (leads the prayer portion initially and later participates in Q&A)
  • Sachin (a participant who asks at least one question; acknowledged: “Thanks Sachin. I was the one who asked that question.”)
  • Ajin (asks what “theosis” means; answered by Achin)

Sources (religious texts / figures / works)

  • Bible
    • St. Mark 2:17: “Those who are well have no need of a physician…”
  • Parable of the Prodigal Son
  • St. John Chrysostom
    • Be ashamed when you sin, but not when you repent (quoted/attributed theme)
  • St. Augustine of Hippo
    • “The church is a hospital yet how many refuse the cure” (theme/quote)
  • St. John of Kronstadt / St. John of Kronshtadt
    • Repentance described as powerful medicine (mentioned)
  • Father Giorgi Suchin
    • Mentioned in connection with an icon/quote about tears of repentance
  • Syrian (St. Ephrem / or a “Syrian” attribution mentioned in prayer)
    • Includes: “grant me to see my own sins and not judge my brother”
  • Seven penitential psalms
    • Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143
  • Kurbana book / Malam in English
    • Pages 380–386 referenced as confession preparation material
  • Holy Qurbana and Holy Absolution rites/prayers
    • Described as part of Orthodox practice

Other

  • Godfather Part 3 clip
    • Referenced as an example related to confession/tearfulness and repentance imagery

Original video