539. Покаяние тогда истинно, когда после него будешь стараться жить как должно. О том, когда бывает милость Божия

I received your letter and prayed for you. In the letter you repent, listing your sins. Repentance is true when, after it, you try with all your might to live as you should. And without this, it is of little value if you repent just to talk about your sins and live as before. Force yourself to be among the first to come to church and to leave among the last, do not abandon your cell rules - then for your zeal and God’s mercy will be towards you. God will forgive, and I forgive and absolve all your described sins. Talk to Matushka about the cell, and perhaps she will not crowd her. Before talking to her, pray for her. Invoking the peace and blessing of God, I remain with sincere goodwill. You might be interested in: