Repentance: a journey to be reborn

This article by Father André Borrély offers an in-depth theological meditation on *metanoia*, the Greek term for repentance, understood as a process of spiritual rebirth. The author begins with an etymological analysis contrasting *metanoia* and *paranoia* to show that authentic repentance constitutes a radical overturning of the ego, to be carefully distinguished from remorse and regret. The central idea is that *metanoia* goes beyond the individual moral dimension: it is simultaneously an act of human freedom and an undemandable divine gift, the condition for an ontological change in the person. The article then develops the indispensable role of humility, the ecclesial and sacramental dimension of confession, the necessity of the epiclesis, and the universal scope of repentance as intercession for others. The theological contribution lies in the articulation between patristic anthropology, Orthodox ecclesiology and concrete spiritual experience, drawing on the Fathers John Climacus, Isaac the Syrian and John of Damascus.