ON SPIRITUAL WARFARE ACCORDING TO THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

ON SPIRITUAL WARFARE ACCORDING TO THE
HOLY FATHERS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH.

The Holy Apostle Paul writes:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh
and blood, but against PRINCIPALITIES,
AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE
RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS
AGE, AGAINST SPIRITUAL HOSTS OF
WICKEDNESS IN THE HEAVENLY
PLACES” (Ephesians 6:12)

It is prudent that all who stand for good must WAGE A CONSTANT BATTLE WITH THE FORCES OF EVIL. For the demons still have power in the world (v. 12) until our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes again in victory. This is clearly acknowledged in the prayers at the conclusion of Orthodox baptism. Christians fight back with God’s arms, that is, His Uncreated Divine energy, given to us (1:19-23; 3:16-21) and actively used by us. The Christians has “put on” (4:24) at baptism all of the qualities listed as armor in vv. 14-17. These qualities must be exercised in the conflict of growth: no struggle, no theosis.

Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Theophan the Recluse and Saint Silouan of Mount Athos, teach that spiritual warfare is a constant, unseen battle within the heart and mind against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Key strategies involve prayer, fasting, and acts of mercy to defeat intrusive, deceptive thoughts or passions. The primary goal is surrender to God’s strength, recognizing one’s weakness and relying on our Savior’s as the Divine Commander to deliver victory.

Demons use intrusive thoughts (logismoi) and feelings to attack the soul, aiming to deceive and separate it from Almighty God. They also exploit worldly desires, passion (πάθη), and attachments (materialism), which can provide “clothing” for the soul that demons use to overcome it. However, to gain eternal joy and treasures in God’s Eternal Kingdom by rejecting the temporary pleasures of the world and allowing our Merciful God to fight for us.

Prayer and fasting are our indispensable spiritual tools and weapons. When the disciples “came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out? So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, THIS KIND DOES NOT GO OUT EXCEPT BY PRAYER AND FASTING” (Matthew 17:19-21).

To drive demons out (exorcisms) require sincere “faith” (v. 20) combined with “prayer and fasting” (v. 21). Faith is a gift of God, either (1) an assent to the Truth, which profits the soul (John 3:18; 5:24) or (2) a special gift bestowed by Our God Christ which effects things beyond our power (Mark 11:23; 1 Corinthians 12:8-9). But it is always both A BELIEFS and A TRUST. We must not fear demons because although enemies and cunning and constant, they are ultimately under God’s command. The believers must possess the gift of discernment so that they may distinguish what is of God and what is of the evil one. To also realize that feelings and thoughts brought by the enemy are not your own, even if they feel natural. The faithful Christians must always stay focused on God and His will to maintain spiritual strength, remembering He is the Divine Creator and Commander. Also, the entire hierarchy of Angels and Saints accompanies and assists those engaged in this spiritual warfare.

Along with prayer and fasting the Christian ought to cultivate virtues like humility and agape (love), and discard worldly attachments, are crucial for resisting the enemy. All believers are called to stand firm in faith by relying on our Most Loving and Compassionate Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, not on their own strength. Our ultimate goal is not personal greatness by surrendering to God and allowing our Savior to lead the battle on our behalf. It is imperative to understand that while many worldly events are beyond our control, the condition of one’s soul and one’s actions of agape and humility are within our power.

According to Saint Silouan and our entire Orthodox Christian Holy Tradition, spiritual life ENTAILS SPIRITUAL WARFARE. This is the primary point that we have to fully acknowledge and accept as we try to live our lives in Christ. For the majority of believers, this spiritual warfare refers PRIMARILY TO THE ENCOUNTER WITH EVIL THOUGHTS (LOGISMOI). Saint Philotheos of Mt. Sinai taught: “It is by means of thoughts that the spirits of evil wage a secret war against the soul, these malicious powers naturally attack it invisibly.” And St. Sophrony continues, “This spirit of wickedness in high places rushes to attack the contrite heart and mind now stayed on God. Brazenly, it invades us, creating the impression that the thoughts and the feelings brought by the enemy (satan) are our own. Indeed, after the fall (he says) there is something in us that does not respond to demonic suggestions.”

“Logismos” is a term usually found in the plurgal, logismoi and used with negative connotations in Patristic literature. This is a technical term, not so much in modern Greek but a Patristic (Holy Fathers), theological term. The word is often accompanied by an adjective such as “evil” or “passionate,” or “sinful logismoi.” Saint Silouan refers to “logismoi” that tempts us and incite us to sin. He also refers to them as “another mind” in conflict with our own.

Saint John Chrysostom states, “But in the case of the evil one it is not possible ever to lay aside one’s armor, it is not possible even to take sleep, for one who would remain always unscathed. For one of two things must be: either to fall and perish unarmed, or to stand equipped and ever watchful. For he ever stands with his own battle array, watching for our indolence for our destruction, than we for our salvation… How shall I be able to help, how to profit thee under so great a burden of office (ministry)? But since this is pleasant to thee, take courage, dear soul, for at any time at which it is possible for thee to have leisure amid thine own cares, I will come and will comfort thee, and nothing shall be wanting of what is in my power.” (St. John Chrysostom, “Concerning the Christian Priesthood).

The Divine Mysteries (Sacraments) of our Holy Orthodox Church are indispensable and crucial to the spiritual battle. They fortify us with God’s grace, making us more resilient to the attacks of the enemy. The forgotten Mystery of Confession/Repentance is a most powerful weapon against sin and the devils snares. Through this Mystery, we free ourselves of the weight of sin and receive forgiveness from our Lord Christ, enabling us to begin anew. The Philokalia teaches, “Repentance is the beginning of spiritual warfare.” Also, through the Divine Liturgy and the Mystery of the Divine Eucharist give us strength and nourishment. As we partake of the Holy Body and Precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are UNITED WITH Him in a way that fortifies our souls for battle.

The Holy Apostle Paul writes on spiritual warfare, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all power and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).

____________
“Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!”
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George