Is there a fixed age when Orthodox Christians first offer their Holy Confession similar to that found in Catholicism?
In the RCC, children normally cannot receive Holy Confession before they turn seven. Even if they have turned seven in June or July, they must wait until April or May of the following year when the parish schedules their First Communion, so First Confession is tied in with First Communion. This practice is so legalistic.
Since Orthodox Christians normally receive the Three Holy Mysteries of Initiation (Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, and Holy Communion) as infants one sacrament following the other on the same day, Holy Confession is received later on.
I have heard of parishes in World Orthodoxy who were formerly Greek Catholics (ACROD or OCA) who wait until the age of seven when the child is assumed to have reached the AGE OF REASON. Increasing numbers of Orthodox parishes belonging to the Ukrainians and Greek Orthodox are now offering to second graders (those who are seven or who are going to be seven) the opportunity to confess their sins for the first time. Children who obviously have no clue, are asked to wait until they are ten or even twelve. On the other hand, I know of some OCA and Greek Orthodox Priests who will even admit toddlers (ages three and four) to confession.
In parishes belonging to True Orthodoxy, are children under the age of seven, but who admit that they have sinned, and who want to avail themselves of the Holy Mystery of Confession, allowed to partake of the Holy Mystery of Confession after talking with and receiving permission from their parents, godparents, and their Priest?
