Confession of St John

I, a sinful soul, confess to our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, all of my evil acts which I have done, said or thought from baptism even unto this present day. I have not kept the vows of my baptism, but have turned my back on the face of God.

I turn my back by lack of faith and by doubts concerning the Orthodox Faith and the Holy Church; by ungratefulness for all of God's great and unceasing gifts; His long-suffering and His providence for me, a sinner; by lack of love for the Lord, as well as fear, through not fulfilling the Holy Commandments of God and the canons and rules of the Church.

I have not preserved a love for God and for my neighbor nor have I made enough efforts, because of laziness and lack of care, to learn the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Holy Fathers.  I turn away from God by not praying in the morning and in the evening and in the course of the day; by not attending the services or by coming to Church only half-heartedly, lazily and carelessly; by conversing during the services, by not paying attention, letting my mind wander and by departure from the Church before the dismissal and blessing.

I miss the mark by judging members of the clergy.

I have missed the mark by not respecting the Feasts, breaking the Fasts, and by immoderation in food and drink.

I have missed the mark by self -importance, disobedience, willfulness, self-righteousness, and the seeking of approval and praise.

I have missed the mark by unbelief, lack of faith, doubts, despair, despondency, abusive thoughts, blasphemy and swearing.

I have missed the mark by pride, a high opinion of myself, narcissism, vanity, conceit, envy, love of praise, love of honors, and by putting on airs.

I have: missed the mark  by judging, malicious gossip, anger, remembering of offenses done to me, hatred and returning evil for evil; by slander, reproaches, lies, slyness, deception and hypocrisy; by prejudices, arguments, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to give way to my neighbor; by gloating, spitefulness, taunting, insults and mocking; by gossip, by speaking too much and by empty speech.

I have missed the mark by unnecessary and excessive laughter, by reliving and dwelling upon my previous sins, by arrogant behavior, insolence and lack of respect.

I have missed the mark by not keeping my physical and spiritual passions in check, by my enjoyment of impure thoughts, licentiousness and unchastity in thoughts, words and deeds.

I have missed the mark by lack of endurance towards my illnesses and sorrows, a devotion to the comforts of life and by being too attached to my parents, children, relatives and friends.

I have missed the mark by hardening my heart, having a weak will and by not forcing myself to do good. I have missed the mark by miserliness, a love of money, the acquisition of unnecessary things and immoderate attachment to things. I have missed the mark by self-justification, a disregard for the admonitions of my conscience and failing to confess my sins through negligence or false pride. I have missed the mark many times by my Confession: belittling, justifying and keeping silent about sins.  I have sinned against the Most-holy and Life-creating Mysteries of the Body and Blood of our Lord by coming to Holy Communion without humility or the fear of God.

I have missed the mark in deed, word and thought, knowingly and unknowingly, willingly and unwillingly, thoughtfully and thoughtlessly, and it is impossible to enumerate all of my sins because of their multitude. But I truly repent of these and all others not mentioned by me because of my forgetfulness and I ask that they be forgiven through the abundance of the Mercy of God.