does the orthodox have rite of exorcism?

jef1225 · Oct 17, 2016

Hi all. My questions is as the title reads. I was wondering if the eastern orthodox churches had the rite of exorcism? Does orthodoxy train their priests for such practices or have specialized priests for the rite? Its almost Halloween and thought I'd ask lol.

~Anastasia~ · Oct 17, 2016

That's a question folks could take answers to and run in all kinds of misinformed directions, lol.

Orthodoxy recognizes exorcism. I am not sure if it's proper to call it a "rite" or not. There are exorcisms in every Orthodox baptism.

Our priest discussed more serious cases. He said that first, they make sure this is not a medical or psychological issue. And then yes, they have priests who are called to deal with them. I'm not sure if it varies by jurisdiction, but he said he would not have the blessing of his bishop to do them because he has children - they prefer priests without children at home. It may just be his bishop, and there may be more issues of concern as well. We didn't discuss it in very great detail and I didn't ask many questions.

ArmyMatt · Oct 17, 2016

you get exorcised when you are received into the Faith, and the waters are exorcised for Theophany.

Mary of Bethany · Oct 18, 2016

Don't house blessings also include exorcisms?

~Anastasia~ · Oct 18, 2016

MaryofBethany said:
Don't house blessings also include exorcisms?

Does it? I've still never been able to get my house blessed, and I very much want to. Exorcisms might be good.

(Only half-joking here!)

jef1225 · Oct 18, 2016

wow thanks everybody. I know it was an off the wall question and I appreciate the answers. I know orthodoxy is different than catholocism and of course we have all heard of, seen or read about them in movies and other forms of media, and like I said its almost Halloween lol

Mary of Bethany · Oct 19, 2016

Well . . . maybe not. This prayer is from the blessing of a new dwelling, which is different from the yearly house blessing. It's the only mention of satanic powers:

O Lord, our God, look down now with mercy on the prayer of Thy lowly and unworthy servant, and send down the Grace of Thy Most-holy Spirit on this oil, and sanctify it, that it may be for the sanctification of this place and on this house that has been constructed, and for the expelling of every contrary power and satanic snare: For Thou art He that blesses and sanctifies all things, O Christ, our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

When we had our home blessed for the first time 2 years ago, our (then new) Priest just did the regular yearly blessing. We also had my husband's Anglican Catholic priest come and bless it, which they only do once apparently, and I seem to remember some stronger language, but I can't find it online.

~Anastasia~ · Oct 19, 2016

Hmmmmm. That's something to remember to ask the priest about. Perhaps it can be appropriate to ask for that blessing the first time. He will know ... Thanks for the info!

(I'm still waiting for the opportunity to have it done at all.)

Light of the East · Oct 20, 2016

I have always wondered about the Catholic rites of exorcism. They seem tendentious and unnecessary. Look at the Apostles. Peter was being vexed by a girl with a spirit and he simply turned around and said "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to leave."

None of this 20 hours of prayers, sweat, etc. When compared with the apostolic example we have, something seems amiss.

ArmyMatt · Oct 20, 2016

Light of the East said:
I have always wondered about the Catholic rites of exorcism. They seem tendentious and unnecessary. Look at the Apostles. Peter was being vexed by a girl with a spirit and he simply turned around and said "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to leave."

None of this 20 hours of prayers, sweat, etc. When compared with the apostolic example we have, something seems amiss.

well, it depends on the faith of the priest, the strength of the demon, and most importantly, the Will of God. But I think the fact that Rome is not in the Church anymore plays a role.

buzuxi02 · Oct 20, 2016

There is an exorcism ritual prior to baptism, where the baptismal candidate or the sponsor must spit three times in the direction of the devil.

Virgil the Roman · Oct 20, 2016

Are there Orthodox priests' whose ministries primarily concern exorcism or are the official 'exorcist' of their respective diocese? I am curious, as to what Orthodox clerics do in case of demonic influence or out-right possession??

JM · Oct 20, 2016

I've watched videos on YouTube of orthodox priests performing them.

~Anastasia~ · Oct 20, 2016

Virgil the Roman said:
Are there Orthodox priests' whose ministries primarily concern exorcism or are the official 'exorcist' of their respective diocese? I am curious, as to what Orthodox clerics do in case of demonic influence or out-right possession??

If I understood my priest correctly, there are some very rare priests (maybe one or two in our archdiocese, which covers about 1/2 of the US) who are called on for this. I don't think it is their primary occupation though. And I don't think they are the only ones allowed to do it - just perhaps more experienced.

ArmyMatt · Oct 20, 2016

Virgil the Roman said:
Are there Orthodox priests' whose ministries primarily concern exorcism or are the official 'exorcist' of their respective diocese? I am curious, as to what Orthodox clerics do in case of demonic influence or out-right possession??

generally and officially no. every priest is called to battle the evil one, and pray for those who may be under demonic possession

Mary of Bethany · Oct 21, 2016

http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/aftoday/demons_exorcism_and_the_paranormal

This is the only time I've heard a priest talk about it.

gurneyhalleck1 · Oct 21, 2016

The Orthodox exorcisms I've seen consisted of an Orthodox priest slamming a cross onto the foreheads of the possessed until they fall onto the floor wiggling around frothing. He just keeps slamming that cross.

The materials needed for exorcism:

a) cross
b) strong wrist

ArmyMatt · Oct 21, 2016

gurneyhalleck1 said:
The Orthodox exorcisms I've seen consisted of an Orthodox priest slamming a cross onto the foreheads of the possessed until they fall onto the floor wiggling around frothing. He just keeps slamming that cross.

there are vids out there as well of just taking the possessed before icons or relics and praying over them.

does the orthodox have rite of exorcism?

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