157. Please tell us more extensively, about the sorcery that is being practiced with the use of sacred books; or - as it is referred to nowadays, the 'opening the Book of Psalms' - which happens to be common among our believers?

Magic practices which use the deeds and words taken from sacred books, is the fourth kind of sorcery and it is referred to as 'Charms'.

These kinds of sorcerers combine their magic with prayers, with psalms and other sacred words that are addressed to the Theotokos and to the Saints, in order to enable them to more easily deceive those who are weak in faith.

This kind of sorcery is especially common among relentless women, old women, and gypsies, intended to seduce foolish individuals.

Look what St. John Chrysostom says about them:

"You say that this old woman is a Christian and that man is a Christian, and when practicing charms they gift you with amulets, without mentioning or writing down any other names, only the name of Christ, the Theotokos and the saints. So, what harm are they doing?  In reply to this question, I will tell you that this is precisely why you should hate that old hag and that evil charmer, because they utilize the name of God with hubris and dishonesty. And albeit claiming to be Christians, they are actually living like idolaters. Even the demons that can mention the name of God, still remain demons!  Then there are some who desire to reassure you that a certain woman who does those things is really a Christian, and that she makes mention of nothing else except the name of God, etc... Well, that's why I hate her even more and abhor her: because she abuses God's name by vilifying it. While declaring that she is a Christian, her act reveals that she is implementing idolatrous means”...... (Ref. ‘Christoethia’ by Saint Nicodemus, Discourse IX, p. 209).

Enchanters who use of the Book of Psalms and other sacred books are subject to their Confessor’s corrective spiritual rule to repent, which may be imposed to be obeyed for up to 7 years, because the Book of Psalms is a sacred book containing many prophecies and is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and respected as a suitable medium for Christian prayer, but NOT to be used for sorcery and the intended acquisition of money, which can harm the soul.”

158. Why are Christians drawn to sorcery?

It is because faith and the fear of God are missing from them; given that nowadays they hardly pray at all - so that their requests might be fulfilled with praying, and not by resorting to sorcerers.  Such people don’t read the Bible nowadays, otherwise they would see what punishments await those who preoccupy themselves with these things.

They do not go to church regularly, they do not go to confession - not even during the four major Fasts, they do not seek the advice and the blessing of the Priest for their needs.

Moreover, many hasten to seek sorceries because they have forgotten the promises they made to Christ, during the Sacrament of Baptism, where they said: “I renounce Satan and all his works and all his procession...”. Others go to sorcerers because their petitions in the Church of Christ were not fulfilled, or because they have forgotten about death and  Christ's imminent Day of Judgment.

This is why the Holy Fathers counsel us to hasten only towards God, only to the Church and Her Priests and not to the devil and his servants.

Saint John the Chrysostom counsels us, saying: “I beg you to be clean of these deceptions... and should they (sorcerers) seek to cross the threshold of your house, first  utter these words: 'I renounce you, Satan, with all your honor and entourage, and I unite with You, my Christ!'. Without this decision, do not ever come out of your house.

Let this faith of yours become a supporting rod for you; let it become a weapon, let it be guard and protector - as you simultaneously make the sign of the cross on your forehead.  Because, if you arm yourself this way from every side, not only people but also the devil will not come near you or be able to harm you in anything' (see above).

159. How can Christians be freed from sorcerers and every other kind of sorcery that originates from the devil?

The one who unshakingly believes in God, prays incessantly, and goes to Church regularly, will never seek the help of the devil and his instruments, who are hostile towards God.

Consequently, those who have a strong faith in God should always seek His help; whereas those of little faith who had sought help from sorcerers, should they sincerely want to be saved, must first go to confess this sin of theirs and willingly accept the confessor's appropriate rule (spiritual chastisement), and should no longer invoke Satan to help them – in whatever need they may find themselves - but only God.  They should pray as often as they possibly can, with heartfelt tears, and thus, with patience and faith, they will be set free from the works of sorcery.

(Fr Tychon)

Translation : A.N.