It is better to show everyone complete love, condescension, sympathy, not to scare anyone away with strictness.

Even if they do not conduct confession correctly (they are vain, enumerate their virtues, tell in detail their life circumstances) – do not be harsh, do not stop – many unfortunate people come to cry about their hard life.

Clearly read the prayer to the confessor before confession:

"... Touch his heart, open his heart's eyes, grant him, O Lord, to see his sins, send sorrow for his sins, a spirit of contrition of heart and repentance, that he may be cleansed, sanctified... " etc. Often, after prayer, a feeling of repentance awakens in those who are indifferent,

The main thing is to achieve sincere repentance, if possible, tears, which do not need details, but for the appearance of which a detailed and specific story is often needed.

Give epitimia to everyone. Epitimia is a memo, a lesson, an exercise; it accustoms one to spiritual achievement, gives birth to a taste for it; it is necessary to limit it to a precise date, for example, to read 40 akathists, etc. (story X, how he did not want to give up the daily reading of the akathist when the deadline had passed). Possible types of epitimia are prostrations, the Jesus Prayer, rising for the midnight office, reading, fasting, almsgiving – whichever is more needed.

Normal order of confession: Prayer and brief advice on how to confess. Let him speak out without interrupting, only helping if he is silent. Prayer for the sending of heartfelt contrition to the penitent and the forgiveness of his sins;

Tips. Permission.

It is impossible to heal other people's souls ("to help people") without curing oneself, to put in order someone else's spiritual economy with chaos in one's own soul, to bring peace to others without having it in oneself.

Our help to people often consists not in a system of deliberate actions on their souls, but in the invisible and unknown to us action of our spiritual gifts on them. When Anthony the Great asked his silent visitor, "Why don't you ask me anything?" he said, "It is enough for me to look at you, holy father."

How much a suit means. Clothing and uniform are associated with a whole complex of feelings, concepts, and spiritual movements. In particular, a priest should not, I feel, wear civilian clothes. By taking off his clothes, he inevitably acquires a "non-priestly" feeling, to some extent betrays his priesthood.

Every Christian person, and especially a priest, must always be ready to give up everything for God when God requires it.

We must hesitate to visit the most dubious families in the ecclesiastical sense. I know from experience that they will be happy, they accept everywhere with great joy, they do not let go, they thank me.

Advice of Fr. I. Kronstadtsky. One is no stranger to serving, even the services – always with reverence. Carefully prepare for the Liturgy (you can divide it for the whole day). Do not raise your eyes during the service.