Penance in Clerical Practice

Our focus today is on the often underutilised, yet significant, pastoral tool known as penance. The approach towards penance within the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) varies considerably across different parishes. Some experienced clergy are adept in its application, yet many seldom or never use it. Conversely, there are those who administer penance indiscriminately and without thoughtful deliberation.

This disparity leads to situations where the former group of priests must address the repercussions of the latter's actions. Intriguingly, some parishioners, striving to conquer their passions, even request penance themselves. We encourage those interested to explore various expert views on the relevance and suitability of penances, as shared on website priest.today.

A Historical Perspective

Penance, derived from the Latin 'paenitentia' (meaning repentance), or epitimia, from the Greek ἐπιτίμιον (indicating punishment), traditionally aims to heal the soul's afflictions caused by sin.

In the early Church, penance implied excommunication from Communion and, to varying extents, limited participation in church life. It was synonymous with public repentance and initially imposed solely by a bishop.

From the 4th century, as private confession became prevalent, priests began to administer penance confidentially. Over time, the practice evolved: terms were shortened, and excommunication was either fully or partially substituted by increased fasting, prostrations, almsgiving, and monastic duties, all encompassed within the broader concept of penance.

This practice, however, gradually fell out of widespread use. With the revitalisation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the early 20th century, the subject of penance gained renewed attention. Patriarch Alexy II once articulated the ROC's stance:

"Canonical excommunication from Communion for extended periods for so-called mortal sins is not a punitive or condemnatory act, but rather a corrective and healing measure...

Excommunication is efficacious and thus suitable predominantly for those deeply rooted in ecclesiastical life, a minority among modern confessors.

For most, who are less or insufficiently integrated into church life, alternative penances such as increased church attendance, reading the Holy Scriptures, reciting morning and evening prayers, and engaging in social ministry to the sick, needy, and unfortunate, might serve as more beneficial means for atoning their sins."

"A Remedy, Not a Reprimand"

Metropolitan Theodore of Volgograd offers this insight: "Epitimia, at its core, is a corrective tool, a balm for the troubled soul. The role of a priest, as ordained by God, is not to judge but to shepherd souls into the Kingdom of Heaven."

Bishop Alexis of Solnechnogorsk, Vicar of the Danilov Monastery in Moscow, echoes this sentiment: "Penance is medicinal. As spiritual physicians, our primary obligation is to cause no harm. Consequently, penance should be prescribed with utmost caution, ensuring it benefits the penitent spiritually. For a neophyte in the Church, incorporating a few brief prayers into their daily routine can be edifying. Encouraging someone unfamiliar with the Gospel to read it is a step towards enlightenment. Those who have never fasted might, under guidance, moderately limit their food and leisure. And for a believer seeking Communion post-conflict, reconciliation with the aggrieved party is a prerequisite."

The late Archpriest George Breyev († 2020) had a similar approach: "I've always refrained from imposing severe penances... It should be a measure of last resort... In our time, encouraging deeper engagement in prayer, more frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures, and delving into the Psalms can be more transformative. Many today struggle to find time for spiritual life, so such penances can be enlightening and foster a redemptive, penitential mindset."

Archpriest Feodor Borodin from Moscow, adds: "The essence of penance is to re-ignite the dimmed flame of faith in the penitent, not to smother it with overwhelming demands... We cannot reasonably impose seven-year penances, as suggested by the canons, particularly for those unfamiliar with regular church attendance. Imagine someone coming to church for the first time being told to abstain from Communion for seven years. Their likely reaction would be, 'Well, that was easy. I wasn't inclined to receive it anyway.'"

Penance: A Responsibility of the Confessor

Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyev, Rector of St. Tikhon's Orthodox University of the Humanities, stresses a vital aspect: "Perceiving penance as a therapeutic measure brings an additional responsibility to the priest. Similar to a doctor overseeing a patient's treatment, the pastor must monitor the effects of the prescribed penance.

Canon 102 of the Quinisext Council supports this, stating that imposing demanding penances (like excommunication from Communion or numerous prostrations) is justifiable only if the priest can and intends to subsequently oversee the penitent's progress, evaluating the spiritual benefits and adjusting the duration and severity as needed. If a priest is unable or unwilling to provide such supervision, then the imposed penance is deemed invalid."

Archpriest Dimitry Smirnov († 2020) concurred: "Penance should be assigned only to a believer who is well-known to the confessor and who regularly confesses to him."

Guiding the 'Patient' and Providing an 'Emergency Exit'

Metropolitan Theodore illustrates the importance of careful monitoring: "How does a physician determine the efficacy or harm of a medication? Continuous observation of the patient is crucial. This approach also applies to penance, ensuring it aligns with the individual's capacity.

For instance, one parishioner, following advice from an 'enlightened elder' to perform a hundred earth-low bows daily, expressed to me, 'I physically can't do them – I suffer from arthritis and high blood pressure. What should I do?' Alongside assigning penance, it's essential for the priest to offer a clear action plan for those wrestling with guilt, preventing them from feeling trapped. 'If something impedes your ability to fulfill the penance, come to me. If I'm unavailable, consult another priest.'"

Determining the Appropriateness and Scale of Penance

Priest Andrei Titushkin, a clergyman of the Tikhvin Church at Alekseyevsky Cemetery, advises: "Penance ought to be reserved for serious sins, particularly when a parishioner repeatedly confesses a grave sin without making sincere efforts to overcome it."

Archpriest Pavel Khondzinsky emphasizes a proportional approach: "The principle is straightforward: the severity of penance should correspond with the individual's depth of involvement in church life. However, even the most devout Christian should not be barred from Communion for more than a year, regardless of the gravity of their sin."

Addressing First-Time Confessions

Priest Andrew Titushkin notes the importance of discernment: "For first-time confessors, it's crucial not to assign penance, but rather to witness their repentance. There are two possible outcomes: either the individual acknowledges their sin and expresses a genuine desire to amend their ways – this is true repentance. Or, if the person fails to recognise their wrongdoing and intends to persist in their actions, then repentance is absent, and the prayer of absolution should not be read."

Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyev advises caution with newcomers: "Haste is ill-advised if a stranger seeks to overturn penance imposed by another priest. It's essential to first explain the significance of regular confession with a single confessor."

Archpriest George Breyev († 2020) reflected on dealing with newcomers to the faith: "Occasionally, those new to the Church or still acquainting themselves with church life, out of piety or a desire for God's attention in their repentance, request penance from their confessor. In such instances, it's appropriate to assign a moderate penance, tailored to the individual's nascent spiritual journey."

"Impose Only What You Can Bear Yourself"

Archimandrite Seraphim (Krechetov) underscores a key principle for experienced clerics: "An excellent example is Metropolitan Nestor (Anisimov), the renowned Kamchatka missionary. He would prescribe penance, say five or ten bows, and then record and perform these himself, believing he must be accountable before God. Such a practice ensures penances are not dispensed thoughtlessly, as some young priests might do. This approach invites one to consider whether they could personally fulfill the penance they impose."

Metropolitan Theodore of Volgograd shares a similar sentiment: "I know priests who undertake the prescribed penances alongside their parishioners, sharing the burden. For instance, if a priest assigns 200 bows and then reflects on the parishioner's ability to complete them, he might choose to perform these bows on their behalf.

This way, should both appear at the Final Judgement, the priest can testify to having borne the penance. Such actions are not just about fulfilling duties; they embody the pastor's love and empathy for their spiritual children. It’s akin to sharing in a diabetic family member's dietary restrictions to support them."

Excommunication from Communion: A Measure for Exceptional Cases

Archpriest Theodore Borodin emphasizes moderation: "In certain grave situations, excommunication from Communion may be necessary. Each time, it’s crucial to clearly explain the reasons and specify when the Sacrament will be accessible again. The duration of penance should be bearable, yet long enough for the penitent to understand the gravity of their sin and its impact on their spiritual communion."

Archpriest George Dobrolyubov reflects: "I have imposed temporary excommunication for sins like adultery and infanticide, always with a thorough explanation. I encourage additional prayers and acts of contrition to aid the healing process from sin."

Hieromonk Nicholas (Letunovsky) shares his approach: "I have never formally excommunicated anyone, but have occasionally withheld Communion in blatant cases. In confession, I see myself not as a judge but as a witness to repentance."

Priest Sergius Buryakov notes a modern challenge: "Today, many Orthodox believers effectively self-exclude from Communion, so imposing such penance on those less engaged with the Church can be counterproductive."

Archpriest Demetrius Pashkov adds: "Withholding Communion is not so much a penance as a pause, necessary for the parishioner to recognize their sin and move towards repentance. True repentance begins when the sin ceases, and it's from this moment that the penance truly starts. Its purpose is to ensure that repentance is not a fleeting impulse, but a deep and genuine need of the soul."

Empathy and Compassion in Pastoral Care

The expression of pastoral love is critical in the selection of penance, the manner in which its necessity is communicated to the penitent, and the confessor's ongoing support during the penitent's journey to overcome sin.

Archpriest Theodore Borodin emphasizes the importance of reassurance: "It's essential for the priest to convey to the penitent that, despite their fall into sin, they are not scorned or rejected. They remain loved, close, and respected by their confessor. The focus of the confessor is not to combat the individual but to address the sin, with the aim of helping the person eradicate it through their efforts."

Archpriest Demetrius Smirnov reflects on the role of the priest: "The priest's mission is to encourage a deep, lasting commitment to the Church, and overzealous severity seldom aids this goal. A priest is not a judge, but rather a leader of the flock. Thus, we should treat our congregation as our brothers and sisters."

Metropolitan Theodore of Volgograd adds: "While a priest cannot ignore sin, immediate imposition of penance is not always necessary. We are all prone to err. Echoing the words of Metropolitan Simon (Novikov), when in doubt, it's preferable to err on the side of mercy."

We hope this discussion proves valuable in your pastoral endeavours. Thank you for your engagement, and may you receive abundant blessings from the Lord!