The Sacrament of Repentance and Confession: Biblical, Spiritual, and Dogmatic

This book, "The Sacrament of Repentance and Confession," prepared by His Grace Anba Abraam, Bishop of Fayoum and Abbot of the Monastery of Archangel Gabriel at Naqlun, offers a comprehensive Coptic Orthodox perspective on this holy mystery. It explores the biblical, spiritual, and dogmatic dimensions of the sacrament, defining it as "Metanoia"—a profound change of mind and heart—and as a "Second Baptism" for reconciling man with God after falling into sin. The text details the elements of true confession, starting with self-examination and sincere contrition, followed by oral confession before the Father of Confession to receive absolution through the priestly authority granted by Christ. It also outlines the qualifications of a confessor and the goals of the sacrament in achieving psychological peace, spiritual growth, and victory over demonic warfare. The study includes extensive evidence from the Old and New Testaments and sayings of early Church Fathers like St. John Chrysostom, St