I attend a Byzantine Parish periodically. And I noticed that before reception of the Blessed Sacrament. The entire congregation prays "I believe O Lord, and confess that You are indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the World to save sinners, of whom I am the first."

Now I know that I'm not perfect and I can't judge another’s soul so I in no way can say that I am not the first among sinners. However I sort of find it strange that the whole congregation says that at once. Only one of them can be correct. Any thoughts?

The prayer you're referring to is said before Communion...the whole congregation may say it together, however each one is saying it for himself. And, before a holy and righteous God, each one of us IS "the first of sinners". Otherwise, we are like the "proud speaking Pharisee" as the Liturgy puts it...."Oh God, I thank You that I am not as bad as THAT sinner..." See what I mean?

So, when I say to Our Lord before communion that I believe and confess that He is the Christ the Son of God who came into the world to save sinners, that is the "answer" to my "problem". And what problem is that? That I am a sinner...and not just "a" sinner, but "the foremost of sinners", as EACH of us is ...WITHOUT CHRIST. Get my point now?

They are repeating St Paul's words, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief .“—I Tim. 1:15

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