True repentance consists not only in abstaining from the first sins, but in doing even more good (Discourse 10 on the Evangelist Matthew).

The prayers of the saints have great power, but only if we have repentance and correct ourselves (Discourse 5 on the Evangelist Matthew).

Whoever repents after his sin is worthy not to weep, but to be considered blessed (Discourse 11 on 1 of the Epistle to the Corinthians).

Discourse on Repentance

Composition of repentance:

I. One must renounce oneself, that is, one's own will and passionate lusts, strive against all sin, and not only do not do it by deed, but also drive it away from thought.

II. Having changed in this way, to begin a new life, to submit one's will to the will of God, to try to follow the holy example of the life of Christ, in a word, to become accustomed to every virtue. And if through weakness it happens to stumble or fall, immediately, acknowledging one's wretchedness, to resort to God's mercy, and ask forgiveness with deep humility.

III. To regret the sins committed before, even to the end of life, that with them he angered the lover of mankind God, did not listen, and fulfilled the evil will of His adversary, the devil, and thereby deserved eternal punishment for himself. This is Godly sorrow, which produces unfailing repentance unto salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10).

IV. The time that has passed, because it has been in vanity, voluptuousness, sins, and therefore lived in evil, is often to ponder and mourn, for from this will follow spiritual poverty, which is very necessary for repentance. Thus, looking around, a person will see his wretchedness, that he has nothing but sin, and thus he is very guilty before the judgment of God; thus he acknowledges his unworthiness together with the prodigal son: "Father, I am no longer worthy to be called thy son" (Luke 15:21), he will humble himself before his brethren, and will consider and mourn not them, but his own vices; he will forgive his neighbor's sins, so that he himself may receive forgiveness from God; he will be reconciled in every possible way with the one whom he has somehow offended.

Hope for the penitent

I. God Himself calls to repentance and commands us to repent (Luke 15:21).

II. God is long-suffering with us, that we may repent; waits for everyone and wants to receive him who kindly repents (Luke 15:21).