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The Absolute Need for Lifetime Confession Before Baptism

Confessing their sins, they were baptised by him in the Jordan. - Matt. 3:6

Archimandrite John Krestiankin, Russia (†2006)

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“Those falls that you had before your Baptism should have been confessed before the Sacrament of Baptism, but if this did not happen, then you need anyway to confess these mortal sins, and bear punishment—a penance that the priest will give—and receive Unction after its completion.”

Source: May God Grant You Wisdom (pg. 402)

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Saint John of Damascus (†749)

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“Therefore, the forgiveness of sins is given through Baptism to all equally, and the grace of the Spirit according to the measure of faith and pre-cleansing.”

Source: An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith

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Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem (†386)

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“The present [catechesis] is the season of confession: confess what you have done in word or in deed, by night or by day;  … the communion of the Holy Spirit is bestowed in proportion to each man’s faith. If you have laboured little, you receive little; but if you have laboured much, the reward is great.”