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At confession, if we inadvertently forget to confess a sin to our spiritual father, are we still forgiven for that sin through the absolution given by the priest?

Our beloved Coptic Church has always encouraged its faithful to confess all sins. If you know you have committed a sin, any specific sin, do not hide it but confess it before coming to the Holy Eucharist. St Paul wrote, "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Corinthians 11:28) and "If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged" (1 Corinthians 11:31).

Furthermore, God, in His mercy, has provided the Sacrament of Repentance to deliver us from sin and from what is commonly called denial. It is far more effective to confess everything aloud to God before a priest, and benefit from his guidance and assistance.

Confession should also be contemplated upon before entered into. This is a Sacrament not to be taken lightly; but if we forget any sin inadvertently, this sin will be forgiven and if remembered later on, should be confessed.

When we tell God absolutely everything, naming all our sins and failures, we resolve more fervently to "go and sin no more" (John 8:11).