Indeed, the root cause behind why Christians today have fallen into all manner of evil deeds, especially various forms of sorcery—such as consulting sorcerers, fortune-tellers, clairvoyants, astrologers, offering sacrifices, and all other similar practices—lies in the fact that they have neglected to study the promises they made to Christ at their baptism. They have forgotten and erased these promises from their hearts. Consequently, they fulfill the frightening words spoken by the Lord: “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Matthew 12:43-45). Saint Gregory the Theologian interprets these words in his discourse on baptism, stating that they refer to baptized Christians who, through holy baptism and the promises they made, drive the demon out of their hearts. However, if they leave the house of their heart empty and unfulfilled—without the grace of Christ and without keeping and remembering the promises they made—the demon they cast out re-enters, but with much greater and stronger determination than before, making their last state worse than the first.
Furthermore, the weakening of faith and the fear of God among Christians has led to this. Today’s Christians do not pray enough, instead turning to divination to fulfill their needs, rather than prayer. They neglect to read the Holy Scriptures to understand the condemnation that awaits those who practice divination, and they do not attend church regularly, nor do they confess at least during the four fasts, or seek advice and prayer from their priest when needed. Some Christians still resort to divination because they forget the promises they made to Christ at holy baptism when they declared: “I renounce Satan and all his works, and all his servants.” Christians also turn to the devil for help when their requests are not fulfilled within the Church, or because they forget about death and the day of Christ’s Judgment.
Guidance from the Holy Fathers
For these reasons, the Holy Fathers direct us to seek help only from God, only from the Church and its priests, and not from the devils and their servants. Saint John Chrysostom advises us, saying: “I beseech you, be pure from this deception… And when you cross the threshold of your house, first say these words: ‘I renounce you, Satan, and all your worship, and all your service, and I unite myself with You, Christ!’ Without this thought, never leave your home. Let this be your staff, let this be your weapon, let this be your fortress, and along with these words, make the sign of the cross on your forehead. For if you arm yourself in this way constantly, not only will no man, but even the devil himself, be able to harm you” (“Christ’s Words,” pp. 316-317).
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.
