I cannot recall exactly what I pledged. What should I do?translated

Reader's Question:

Good evening! I pledged to a close friend that I would not drink alcohol until a certain date, but I might have also said that it would be allowed on holidays and during business trips, but I am not sure about this. Now I do not know what to do.

Alexey

Father's Response:

Father Victor NIKISHOV

May God bless you!

I agree, your situation is complicated but not hopeless. Even if you do not remember the details (whether you mentioned holidays and business trips), the fact of the promise remains.

In my opinion, to avoid the sin of breaking a vow, adhere to the strictest interpretation. It is better to endure and not drink than to break the promise due to a supposed exception. The Gospel warns us not to take oaths: "Above all, my brothers, do not swear—either by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation" (James 5:12). But if you have already made a vow, it is better to keep it rather than seek ways to break it.

I broke a vow made to God. What will happen to me now? I wanted to go to a monastery and asked God to help me get there. My mother was against it, and I gave her my word not to go, but I was thinking…

If you are afraid that…