On Exorcism in Our Lands

When someone mentions exorcism, many of us immediately think of Hollywood movies where possessed individuals speak in Latin and recoil from the cross. However, few realize that exorcism is not merely a cinematic spectacle but a real and dangerous phenomenon that is dealt with by ordained clergy.

To uncover the truth about demonic possession, we sought answers at the “St. John Bigorski” Monastery, where Archimandrite Parthenios, the abbot of the Holy Monastery, shared his insights based on his experience. He explained that exorcism has existed since ancient times and is performed only by priests who lead a strong prayerful and spiritual life. He clarified that those possessed by demons may appear completely normal, but during demonic attacks, they can become dangerous to those around them.

The Existence of Exorcism in Orthodoxy

Motika: Does exorcism exist in Orthodoxy, and how is it defined?

Archimandrite Parthenios: The phenomenon of demonic possession, and thus exorcism, has been known in Orthodoxy since ancient times, dating back to the early Church. The term “exorcism,” from the Greek word ἐξορκισμός, meaning the casting out of evil spirits (demons) in the name of Christ, refers to specific prayers meant to expel evil spirits. Initially, exorcists were individuals who had the gift of the Holy Spirit to cast out demons, even if they were not part of the clergy. However, over time, this role passed to priests—specifically, those distinguished by a strong prayerful and spiritual life.

Identifying Demonic Possession

Motika: What are the symptoms of a demon-possessed person? How can a priest be sure that it is demonic possession and not a mental illness?

Archimandrite Parthenios: From what I have read and from my personal experience, I can say that some individuals in the final stages of demonic possession are constantly in this dreadful state, continuously tormented by demons, and are perpetually abnormal. Since they can be dangerous to others, they should be institutionalized. On the other hand, some demon-possessed individuals often appear completely normal, but from time to time, they experience terrifying demonic attacks, which manifest in unarticulated screams, speaking in unknown languages, and—what is particularly characteristic—displaying supernatural strength. This leads to situations where people who are normally gentle and weak become extremely aggressive and strong during these attacks, to the point that several people are needed to restrain them.

Besides this aggressive form of demonic possession, there is another type—concealed demonic possession—where the possessed person pretends to be a holy individual, knows details about the past of those they interact with, and in some cases, even predicts the future. Although these individuals may not exhibit aggressive outbursts visible to others, they are no less tormented by demons. Through such people, demons succeed in deceiving those who come to the possessed for guidance, fall under their influence, and believe in them. The Gospels provide examples of both types of demonic possession. An example of concealed demonic possession is the fortune-telling woman in Philippi, who brought her masters much profit through her divination until Apostle Paul expelled the demon from her (Acts 16:16–18). The Gadarene demoniacs, on the other hand, are examples of the aggressive form of possession. The Gospel describes how they were bound with chains, which they broke, and roamed the tombs, exhibiting immense strength because they harbored a legion of demons (Matthew 8:28).

Understanding Demons and Protecting Oneself

Motika. What are demons, and how can a person protect themselves from them?

Archimandrite Parthenios: Demons, or evil spirits, are the fallen angels who sided with Lucifer when he rebelled against God, causing a revolt in the heavenly hierarchy. Together with him, they fell, lost their sense of good, and became entirely entrenched in evil. They usually dwell in the lower heavens and are numerous. Due to human sins and by God’s allowance, they sometimes gain power over people. However, it is important to emphasize that demons have no authority over a person who adheres to God’s law, participates in the Holy Mysteries of the Church—especially the most important and holy one, Holy Communion, which requires significant spiritual preparation.

Believers preparing for Holy Communion fast, repent, confess, and pray to receive Communion properly and gain true spiritual benefit from it. The Savior Himself testified about demons, stating: “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Therefore, demons cannot harm or have power over someone who genuinely lives within the Church and frequently receives Holy Communion. Christ, by enduring crucifixion for us, redeemed us from the power of the devil with His holy blood, and through His Resurrection, He destroyed the power of evil, death, and hell. The only thing left for demons to do is act as spiritual beings and tempt the faithful by whispering negative suggestions, but they cannot force someone to commit evil unless the person agrees to it. Consequently, demons gain power and strength only in cases of extreme apostasy and grave mortal sins, through which the evil spirits may even take residence in such a person.

The Role of the Priest in Exorcism

Motika: How does a priest handle a demon-possessed person?

Archimandrite Parthenios: As I mentioned earlier, the rite of exorcism in the Orthodox Church involves specific prayers written by the great Church Father and liturgist, St. Basil the Great, which are read over the demon-possessed person. However, not every priest has the authority to read these prayers. It is usually a spiritual father, who, besides having received the priestly grace of the Holy Spirit—which is the most important and is granted to all priests at their ordination—is also distinguished by a particularly spiritual life within the Church. Due to his great spiritual experience and prayerfulness, he is given the authority to help and spiritually guide others. These experienced spiritual fathers have the necessary strength to, in the name of Jesus Christ, command the demon to leave the possessed individuals seeking help.

In certain Orthodox Churches, exorcists can only be specific priests, whether from the secular or monastic clergy, who have received a blessing from the bishop and even undergone a special rite, a prayer for their ordination, to be elevated to the rank of spiritual fathers. These are the ones who should and have the authority to read the exorcism prayers. Unlike exorcism prayers, prayers for those suffering from mental illnesses have a different content and do not possess the commanding nature of exorcism.

Personal Experiences with Demonic Possession

Motika: What has been your experience with demon-possessed individuals?

Archimandrite Parthenios: In our monastery, we have had various experiences and encounters with demon-possessed individuals, both Orthodox and those of other faiths, who have come here seeking help. Due to the grace of the holy relics, the miraculous icon of the Forerunner, and the daily order of services crowned with the Divine Liturgy, many were freed from the grip of demons after reading the prayers of St. Basil. These experiences are meticulously recorded in the monastery’s archives and preserved as testimonies. However, in the interest of the individuals involved, I would not want to disclose any specific information or incidents without their consent.

The Aftermath of Exorcism

Motika: What are the long-term effects on a person who has undergone exorcism?

Archimandrite Parthenios: Typically, demon-possessed individuals have no memory and are not even aware of what happens to them while under the influence of the demon. They are usually not themselves, as if possessed by another, and during demonic attacks, someone else acts through them. That is why, when the demon leaves them after the exorcism prayers, they return to being normal people with no memory of what occurred before. This allows them to continue their lives without any trauma, and if they live genuinely within the Church afterward, they will be protected from such experiences in the future.

Motika: Have there been cases where a demon could not be expelled from a possessed person?

Archimandrite Parthenios: Have there been cases where a demon could not be expelled from a possessed person?

I. Jarić