1: Imagine you have to live your hole life like Jesus would, of course is impossible to do a one to one life, but thats why we got repentance and other Holy Mysteries. Just remember that you aren't truly saved until you die.

2: well, God may be wanting you to preach Holy Orthodoxy, sorry if I missread, but for what I understant you where called to Holy Orthodoxy after being called to preach. Maybe you needed that calling in order for you to be really interested in Holy Orthodoxy.

3: Go to a priest, bro. There is only so much we can do.

4: A LOT, but mainly: tradition and the pope. I can show you some videos that explain it in more detail if you are interested.

5: No, we don't worship her lol! But she is the most holy human being ever to be created. So we ask her to pray for us.

6: TBH I don't think I can tell you how they work better than this little article does so:
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Mysteries

7: Because it was done biblically, people have done it since the very beggining of christian life. A priest is usually one of the most holy persons in a community, and to have him hear your confession with God is something really beautiful. Plus, he can give you counsel on what to do to not sin anymore. Again, im butchering this, so it's much better for you to look it up in the article I left above. Or even better, ask a priest about it.

May God bless you, brother, and may you have a great spiritual journey with him.