Repentance
This article forms part of the series Orthodox Spirituality | |
Holy Mysteries | |
Baptism - Chrismation Confession - Eucharist Marriage - Ordination Holy Unction | |
Three Stages | |
Catharsis/Purification Theoria/Illumination Theosis/Divinization | |
Hesychasm | |
Nepsis - Metanoia Hesychia - Phronema Mysticism - Nous | |
Asceticism | |
Chastity - Obedience Stability - Fasting Poverty - Monasticism | |
Virtues | |
Humility - Generosity Chastity - Meekness Temperance - Contentment Diligence | |
Prayer | |
Worship - Veneration Prayer Rule - Jesus Prayer Relics - Sign of the Cross | |
Church Fathers | |
Apostolic Fathers Desert Fathers Cappadocians The Philokalia The Ladder of Divine Ascent | |
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Repentance is the feeling and act in which one recognizes and tries to right a wrong, or gain forgiveness from someone whom he wronged. In religious contexts it usually refers to repenting for a sin against God. It always includes an admission of guilt, and also includes at least one of the following:
- a solemn promise or resolve not to repeat the offense;
- an attempt to make restitution for the wrong,
- or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible.
In Biblical Hebrew, the idea of repentance is represented by two verbs: שוב shuv (to return) and נח