Confession

The Catholic sacrament of confession, or reconciliation, involves admitting sins to a priest and receiving penance (a task to complete in order to achieve absolution or forgiveness from God).

The Eastern Orthodox sacrament of confession, or repentance, includes prayer to God and confessing one's sins to God, typically in the presence of an icon of Jesus Christ and also with a priest nearby to bear witness. The priest will typically add his own prayers, may add counsel or assign some form of penance, and will usually announce God's forgiveness of sins. Confession is necessary prior to receiving the Eucharist. Typical forms of penance may include abstaining from the Eucharist for a period of time, or praying certain prayers.