Confession in Western Churches

I am a Lutheran who is giving prayerful thought to converting to Orthodoxy. I am wondering: is a convert from Western traditions in which sacramental Confession and Absolution is practiced (Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic) obliged to make a summary confession of all my sins throughout my life at the time of my first confession in the Orthodox Church? Or is my previous confession of them in the Lutheran Church considered sufficient in a sort of "good faith" kind of way?

Answer: 

Very Rev. Ihor Kutash kutash@unicorne.org 

In my opinion every confession, every expression of penitence you have made or shall make in your walk with the Lord is good and valid and grace-giving.  However when you, should you in fact decide to do so, make the step of uniting yourself with the Orthodox, you will do so with the guidance of a Pastor, who has been chosen by God and God's people, blessed and commissioned by a Bishop.  You should discuss with him and be guided by him as to the extent of confession that would be best in your situation.  There are no formulas.  And confession is not a legal contract with God by which if we say enough, with as much sincerity as we can muster, we shall be "all right" with Him.  It is rather an expression of a relationship with Him and His people by which we seek to humbly do His will, obey His perfect commandments, and, because we continually fall short in these, we ask for forgiveness - and also forgive!  One living being, together with other living beings - communing with the Source of all life and being!  A great blessing and joy rather than a legal requirement for receiving an expected reward.

Ukrainian Orthodoxy