Spiritual Warfare in the Orthodox Christian Life

Introduction

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.

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)

The Nature of Spiritual Warfare

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 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, His Uncreated Divine energy, given to us and actively used by us.

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 as the Divine Commander to deliver victory.

How Demons Attack the Soul

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 such as materialism, which can provide "clothing" for the soul that demons use to overcome it.

"Logismos" is a term usually found in the plural, logismoi, and used with negative connotations in Patristic literature. Saint Silouan refers to logismoi that tempt us and incite us to sin. He also refers to them as "another mind" in conflict with our own.

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."

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 are our own."

Prayer and Fasting as Spiritual Weapons

Prayer and fasting are our indispensable spiritual tools and weapons. When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast out a demon, He replied:

"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)

Faith is a gift of God, both a belief and a trust. We must not fear demons because although they are cunning and constant enemies, they are ultimately under God's command. 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. 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.

Saint John Chrysostom on Spiritual Warfare

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."

- St. John Chrysostom, Concerning the Christian Priesthood

The Holy Mysteries in Spiritual Battle

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 Mystery of Confession and Repentance is a most powerful weapon against sin and the devil's 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."

Through the Divine Liturgy and the Mystery of the Divine Eucharist we receive strength and nourishment. As we partake of the Holy Body and Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are united with Him in a way that fortifies our souls for battle.

The Full Armor of God

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 prayer 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 Chrysostom