The Russian Orthodox Church has presented a draft document titled Russian Orthodox Church’s Views on Modern Practices of Exorcism. The document serves to regulate and summarise all practices on how to cast demons out of people. The document was published on the website of the Moscow Patriarchate.
The draft describes the “historical basis for exorcism”, “history of exorcism rites”, “modern exorcism practices in Local Orthodox Churches”, and the problems connected to the practices.
“In some cases, the ill are subjected to humiliation and psychological violence during exorcisms, which is unacceptable. The mass ‘exorcisms’ conducted with the participation of ‘viewers’ and creating photo and video evidence that’s later shared publicly are considered to be the aforementioned malpractices,” the draft document reads.
Another malpractice is an “incorrect, magical understanding” of exorcisms, “when the correction of one’s personal spiritual life is substituted with an ‘exorcism’”. Some other problems with exorcisms, according to the Russian Orthodox Church, are “fake madness” and “hysterics”.
It is noted in the document that all these malpractices are not “considered consequences of an overall defectiveness or archaism when it comes to exorcisms” and “are not a reason for them to be abolished”. According to the Russian Orthodox Church, if a “possessed person” is left without spiritual help, it can lead to their “desperation or even suicide”.
The only representatives of clergy allowed to perform exorcisms are bishops and priests that received a ruling archbishop’s blessing. It is noted that exorcisms should not be performed on people with mental disorders and illnesses.
“In case of being diagnosed with a mental illness, a believer can and should seek treatment from professionals. Thus, the clergy are recommended to learn the basics of psychiatry so they can send a parishioner in need of help to a psychiatrist if necessary,” the draft reads.
Anyone can leave feedback on the draft document until 30 October.
Earlier, the Don Theological Seminary leadership discussed opening a Master’s Programme on training military clergy. The education programme will include new courses such as general military training, basics of geopolitics, military medicine and psychology, international humanitarian and military law.
