LatinTrad wrote:
WHAT??
How can this be? The Priest in Confession is supposed to be a judge--how can a different priest offer absolution, not having judged the sins in question?
LatinTrad
Actually that is not true. The priest is NOT a judge in confession. In confession the priest is a witness to you confessing your sins, as well of course one who offers advise and guides you spiritually. In Orthodoxy God is the ONLY judge. As for absolution itself, it is not the power of the priest himself giving you absolution. He is just the one invoking the power of God to cleanse you of your sins. Not sure if I explained that very well. Hope it helps..