Are Exorcisms Still Performed in the Orthodox Church in the United States?

Exorcism, a spiritual practice aimed at liberating individuals from demonic possession, continues to be a part of Orthodox Christianity Tradition. With a deep belief in the reality of demonic influence, the Orthodox Church recognizes the power of exorcism to free individuals from the grasp of evil spirits. While the practices of exorcism may vary across different local Orthodox Churches, the United States is no exception to the continued existence of this sacred rite.

The roots of exorcism within the Orthodox Church can be traced back to the New Testament. Christ Himself frequently cast out demons and empowered His apostles to do the same. The early Church Fathers, such as Justin Martyr, emphasized the authority of Christ in defeating demonic powers. Over time, exorcism became an integral part of the Orthodox faith.

In Orthodoxy, all priests are able to perform exorcisms as a mandatory aspect of Orthodox Baptism. These exorcisms are conducted to renounce and drive out evil influences. However, exorcisms beyond baptism are rare and require special permission from the bishop, who evaluates the priest's qualifications, spiritual maturity, and discernment.

Orthodox exorcisms involve prayers and rituals aimed at expelling evil forces. The priest invokes the name of Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified and rose again, as the authority to cast out demons. Prayers of exorcism by revered saints such as Basil the Great and John Chrysostom are included in Orthodox prayer books. Through these prayers, the devil is renounced, and the victim is liberated and redeemed by the power of God from the grip of impure spirits.

Conclusion:

Exorcism practices can vary among differing jurisdiction of Orthodox Churches. While exorcism is rare outside of baptism in the Greek Archdiocese, it remains an important ritual as a mandatory act prior to baptism. The Orthodox Church acknowledges the reality of demonic possession and believes in the power of exorcism as a means to liberate individuals from the influence of evil spirits.