“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
Confession
Holy Confession is an important sacrament for the faithful. Confession is one of the holy mysteries (or sacraments) in the Orthodox Church. Through it, the person confesses his sin and receives the divine forgiveness of Christ. Confession is typically given to a Spiritual Father who can also provide spiritual guidance and support for the repenting person.
It needs not necessarily precede the reception of the Body and Blood of our Savior, although it is greatly encouraged. Confession may be made any time a communicant feels the need for spiritual cleansing — especially when the communicant has fallen into serious sin. The recommended practice is that the faithful go to Confession at least twice a year.
Please call Father Vasileios at 704-334-4771 x101 to schedule your confession.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
James 5:14
Holy Unction
The Sacrament of Holy Unction (Healing Service), the mystery of the anointing with holy oil blessed by the Holy Spirit, is most commonly celebrated on Holy Wednesday of Holy Week. Orthodox Christians may be anointed with the holy oil for the healing of spiritual and bodily ills. Holy Unction is served on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm and can also be provided in private services as well.
As a directive from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, you will no longer be permitted to take Holy Unction home. However, the priest may anoint those unable to attend the service of Holy Unction on another day. For those who are sick, homebound, shut-in or infirm, please contact the Church office to make arrangements for a visit from one of the priests for an offering of healing prayers and the Holy Sacraments.