Why Do Demons Operate Through Holy Icons?
Out of love for God, stop reviving the ancient and dead Hellenic deception and integrating it into the holy life of Christians. Sorcery performed over holy icons is not a divine act of grace associated with these icons. Distance yourself from such actions! “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace,” says the Holy Apostle Paul. Avoid these demonic practices, as they often lead to predictions that bring harm to the faithful and, in many cases, even blatant lies are told when sorcery is performed over icons. These occurrences happen for several reasons: because of your lack of faith in Christ and the saints, God allows such events; because of the disrespect shown towards holy icons, which should be carried with reverence by priests during processions, not by laypeople without fear of God or piety; and because of the shamelessness of the devil. The devil is so brazen and audacious that he dares not only to approach holy icons but even to approach and lift the very body of our Lord, which was hypostatically united with divinity, and take it to the temple roof or a high mountain. Being a subtle spirit, the devil has such refined energy that he can intermingle with divine and holy spiritual objects without causing confusion—a concept difficult for people to understand unless explained through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the holy hierarchs should warn those Christians who seek to divine through icons and engage in similar practices with excommunication from the Church and other penances.
As for the priests who engage in magic, offering sacrifices, and other demonic activities, the 36th canon of the Council of Laodicea states:
“Since this is a betrayal of the faith, such a priest should be excommunicated from the Church, for by engaging in such acts, he has become a servant of the devil rather than a servant of the Eternal God.”
What Are the Consequences of the Sin of Sorcery?
Those who practice sorcery and seek out sorcerers commit a grave sin against the Holy Spirit, as they abandon God and seek help from the devil. They renounce Christ’s servants—the holy priests—and instead turn to the servants of Satan. They forsake the living water, the priest, and the grace of salvation in the Church and, out of selfish and worldly interests, seek assistance from Christ’s enemies—sorcerers and diviners. They reject the truth and, in its place, accept lies, for all the words of sorcerers are lies and devilish deceptions.
This great sin against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this world nor in the next (Matthew 12:32), as Christ says, unless they repent during this life. Those who turn to sorcery bring upon themselves various calamities and misfortunes. First, their conscience is troubled because they abandon God and seek help from God’s enemies. They are barred from receiving Holy Communion for many years—ranging from 7 to 15, even up to 20 years. Those who believe in and resort to magic expel the gift of God from their hearts and invite the spirit of the devil into their homes and hearts. Those who practice sorcery and believe in its power deny Christ and unite with the devil. For those who engage in sorcery, it is no longer fitting to be called Christians but apostates. God punishes those guilty of this grave sin with severe and incurable illnesses, suffering in their families, losses, discord, poverty, and a terrible death. If they do not confess to a priest and weep over their sin with tears throughout their lives, they cannot be saved.
Diviners and those who believe in and resort to the devil’s help will be “completely removed from the Church” if they do not repent—separated from Christ and voluntarily delivered into the hands of His enemies. If they die in this sin, they will not be buried by a priest and will remain for eternal condemnation in the torments of hell, just like pagans and apostates from the faith.
These are the terrifying consequences of sorcery.
What Penances Do the Holy Fathers Impose on Diviners and Those Who Resort to Sorcery?
Saint Basil the Great imposes the strictest penalties on diviners. In his 72nd canon, he states: “Those who engage in divination or similar practices will receive a penance as if they were murderers” (Saint Basil the Great, Canon 72; Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Canon 3; Laodicean Council, Canon 36). He places diviners in the same category as murderers and apostates, excommunicating them from the Mysteries for 10 to 20 years. In his 65th canon, Saint Basil the Great says:
“A woman who enchants strangers or her own people will be excommunicated from the Mysteries for 9 years, making 500 prostrations daily.”
The Holy Scriptures also show us how severely God punishes those who turn to diviners. It says: “Do not allow a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:18). It also says: “A man or woman who has a spirit of divination or is a sorcerer must be put to death; they shall be stoned because they are guilty.” And again: “If anyone turns to those who have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go whoring after them, I will set my face against that soul and will cut him off from his people” (Leviticus 20:6). We know that God punished King Manasseh with a painful and harsh captivity in Babylon because he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the valley of Hinnom, practiced divination, sorcery, and witchcraft, and did many evil things in the sight of the Lord to provoke Him to anger (2 Chronicles 33:6). God punished King Saul by stripping him of his kingdom and giving him a shameful death because he forsook God and sought the counsel of a sorceress (1 Samuel 28:7).
The 61st Canon of the Sixth Ecumenical Council excommunicates from Holy Communion for up to six years those who consult fortune-tellers and similar practitioners to learn about the future. “If they persist in this and do not turn away from these destructive and pagan practices, we decree that they be entirely cut off from the Church, as the canons teach us…” Saint John the Faster reduces the penance for diviners and those who practice divination to three years of excommunication from the Mysteries, provided they confess their sin, finally abandon it, observe daily fasting until 3 PM, and make 250 prostrations daily.
Testimonies of Demonic Influences on Humans – St. Paisios of Mount Athos
St. Paisios of Mount Athos, one of the most revered spiritual figures of the 20th century, offers profound insights into the ways demons can influence humans. His teachings emphasize the importance of spiritual vigilance and the power of faith in overcoming such influences.
Recognizing Demonic Influences
St. Paisios teaches that demonic influences often manifest subtly, taking advantage of human weaknesses such as pride, anger, and despair. He explains that demons are cunning and will use any opportunity to lead a person away from God. These influences can appear as negative thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, or even as deceptive visions that seem holy but are meant to mislead.
The Power of Faith and Prayer
One of the key teachings of St. Paisios is the importance of faith and prayer in resisting demonic influences. He emphasizes that demons have no power over a person who is steadfast in their faith and who regularly engages in sincere prayer. The Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”) is particularly powerful in this spiritual warfare.
The Role of Humility
St. Paisios also highlights humility as a crucial defense against demonic attacks. Demons thrive on pride and arrogance, but they are repelled by humility. By acknowledging our own weaknesses and relying on God’s strength, we can protect ourselves from demonic deception.
Spiritual Discernment
Spiritual discernment is another critical aspect of St. Paisios’s teachings. He advises that not all spiritual experiences are from God and that one must discern the source of such experiences carefully. Consulting with a spiritual father or guide is essential in this process, as they can provide wisdom and guidance in distinguishing between divine inspiration and demonic deception.
Examples from the Life of St. Paisios
Throughout his life, St. Paisios encountered many individuals who suffered from demonic influences. He provided them with spiritual guidance, emphasizing the need for repentance, regular confession, and participation in the Holy Mysteries of the Church. His deep understanding of the spiritual realm, combined with his profound compassion, made him a source of comfort and strength for those struggling with demonic oppression.
Conclusion
St. Paisios of Mount Athos offers invaluable teachings on the nature of demonic influences and the means by which they can be overcome. His emphasis on faith, humility, prayer, and spiritual discernment provides a clear path for Christians seeking to protect themselves from the wiles of the devil and to live a life in communion with God.
