The Orthodox Church recognizes Vaskania, or the “evil eye,” as an influence associated with the devil. The phenomenon of being “affected by the evil eye” is closely linked to envy and jealousy. A person’s negative spiritual and emotional state can often attract and allow free space for evil forces to act. For this reason, the Church provides specific prayers, which, however, are traditionally read only by a priest.
Particular attention is given to the person who, in some way, has drawn this negative influence. It is considered important to identify the source. While personal insecurities, jealousy, and passions are human weaknesses that every Christian is called to struggle with, the ability for someone to feel envy so intensely that it can harm others is something more serious and spiritually dangerous.
This raises important questions: Can any of us cause harm simply by feeling jealousy? What characteristics do those who “cast the evil eye” have and which moral virtues are they lacking? From where do they draw this negative energy that attracts evil?
The Fathers of our Church attribute the evil eye to the schemes of demons. A person who transmits harm through their thoughts is said to hide within their soul a “demon”—that is, a powerful passion that they do not seek to calm, but instead continuously nourish and cultivate. As strange as this may sound, it is a teaching grounded in theological and spiritual understanding.
Those who harm others in this way are often individuals who are distant from the Church and its holy sacraments or people who participate in them hypocritically, without sincerely engaging in a life in Christ. They may be people who do not truly experience the gifts of Confession and Holy Communion.
“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’.”
(Gospel of Matthew 15:7–8)
These words are proven true, as a hypocritical stance toward God creates distance from His divine grace and allows the devil to gain influence over different aspects of a person’s life. Turning away from the path of the Lord and abstaining from the sacraments opens the way for evil to enter.
For this reason, every Christian is called to examine themselves and their conscience, to see whether they truly participate in the life of the Church. One should strive to remain close to God and be protected from evil, always placing the Cross at the beginning and end of their life.
Although a priest is the appropriate person to read the prayer for deliverance from the evil eye and human envy, the Church also offers the following prayer so that believers may strengthen themselves and implore God for their salvation.
Prayers for Deliverance Against Evil Eye
A strong prayer against Vaskania is the one suggested by the fathers of Mount Athos.
“O Lord our God, King of the ages, the almighty and all-powerful, who by your will alone you create and transform all things; who transformed the sevenfold furnace and the flame of Babylon into dew and preserved your Three Holy Youths safe; you who are the physician and healer of our souls; the safekeeping of all those that hope in you; we pray to you and beseech you, banish, expel and cast away every diabolical action, every satanic attack and every plot, every evil curiosity and harm and spell of the evil eye caused by malicious and evil people from your servant [name]; and if this has occurred because of beauty, or bravery, or prosperity, or jealousy and envy, or the evil eye, do you O Master and Lover of mankind, stretch forth your mighty hand and your strong arm from on high and keep watch over this your creature and send down upon him/her an angel of peace, a mighty guardian of soul and body, who will rebuke and banish from him/her every wicked intention, every sorcery and the evil eye of destructive and envious men; so that being guarded by you, your supplicant may sing to you with thanksgiving: “The Lord is my helper, and I shall not be afraid, what can man do unto me?” And again: “I shall fear no evil for you are with me.” For you are God, my strength, the mighty counsellor, the Prince of peace, the Father of the age to come. Yea, O Lord our God, spare your creature and save your servant from every harm and influence brought about by the evil eye, and preserve him/her safe above every evil. Through the intercessions of the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, of the luminous Archangels and of all your saints. Amen.”
Another prayer against Vaskania and evil eye is also given to us by Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian.
“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Holy Strong , Holy and Immortal have mercy on us (thrice).
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for the glory of Your name.
Lord have mercy (thrice)
Our Father Who are in Heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.
O Virgin Mother of God, hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb; for you gave birth to the Saviour of our souls.
O Baptist of Christ, be mindful of us all, that we may be delivered from our iniquities: for unto you is given grace to pray for us.
You strived to live a life trully inspired by God, you became a holy vessel of the Paraclete, bearer of God, Arsenios, and you were given the grace to perform miracles, offering to everyone your quick help, our holy Father, we plead you, pray to Jesus Christ our Lord to grant us His grand mercy.
Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.
Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.
Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God
