Spiritual Guidance

Spiritual Guidance

A father confessor is the priest who primarily hears one's confessions and grants absolution; this role focuses on the sacrament of repentance and can change based on availability or needs.

A spiritual father provides permanent, comprehensive guidance: ongoing counsel on prayer, fasting, life decisions, and the soul's progress toward theosis. This deeper relationship is often lifelong, requires mutual trust, and is discerned through prayer.

The roles sometimes overlap; one person can serve as both, but they are distinct, and not every father confessor becomes a spiritual father.

Finding a spiritual father typically develops gradually through regular church life, confession, and prayer for divine revelation; some, such as converts, receive one immediately through their priest. It should not be rushed.

The godparent acts as an initial mentor, vowing at baptism to teach the faith and support the godchild's spiritual life, often providing early guidance distinct from a formal spiritual father. This role can be fulfilled by a deacon or even a seasoned Orthodox layperson.