[Dominick]

It makes sense since the Bishop legally gives the Priests the right to hear confessions. It is one of the things one loses if they are not incardinated.

I have to worry about lay confessions though, the seal of confession is pretty important to a jerk like me! (thats a joke...) I imagine the same rules apply about the seal to a lay confessor.

[Kolokotronis]

" I have to worry about lay confessions though, the seal of confession is pretty important to a jerk like me! (thats a joke...)"

No joke for me! :)

The seal of course applies to lay confessors too. I should add, by the way, that when confession is over, we don't get a "penance" to do as such, but rater instruction in how to avoid sin again and perhaps directions to make things right if we have wronged another person. Traditionally, before we go to communion, we are supposed to approach anyone to whom we have given offnse wrongly and ask for forgivness. That can be a hard one. No three Hail Marys and two Our Fathers! Orthodoxy isn't for wussies! :)