Orthodox confession is rooted in repentance: the honest turning of the whole person back toward God. The purpose is not humiliation, but healing, reconciliation, and a truthful beginning again.
How to prepare
Preparation may include quiet self-examination, prayer, reading the Gospel, and asking where love for God and neighbor has grown cold. A short, honest confession is better than a theatrical list.
What to confess
Confession is normally focused on one's own sins, not on explaining other people's faults. It is often helpful to name patterns clearly: anger, pride, resentment, lust, neglect of prayer, dishonesty, lack of mercy, or other concrete sins.
Pastoral guidance
Different Orthodox parishes have different rhythms for confession, especially in relation to receiving Holy Communion. The local priest's guidance matters because confession is pastoral, not mechanical.
This page is only a general introduction. It cannot replace confession itself or the guidance of a priest.