The article makes an in-depth investigation of two penitential prayers taken from the Patriarchal Euchologion ("prayer-book") of Constantinople of the 8th and the 11th centuries, in order to deduce aspects about the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. The penitential prayers are addressed to God who pardons two Judaean kings, David and Manasses. The analysis of the prayers reveals several references to the text of Sacred Scripture: all these features exhort the sinner to sincere conversion. The article also focuses upon the relationship of the penitent with the three Persons of the Trinity, as well as upon the concept of divine philanthropy.peer-reviewe
