EXORCISM PRAYERS BEFORE BAPTISM

The catechumen’s journey · Prayer · Preparation

Tomorrow morning, I will gather with the other catechumens at my parish to receive exorcism prayers. We receive these prayers every month as we prepare for baptism, and I look forward to this time together.

AN ANCIENT PRACTICE

Exorcism prayers have been part of Christian preparation for baptism since the early centuries of the Church. Through them, the priest asks for our deliverance from evil as we prepare to renounce Satan and unite ourselves to Christ. They are part of the Church’s care for those entering the faith.

Photographed by me at my parish, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKinney, Texas.

Learning about this ancient practice gives me a deeper appreciation for what we are receiving. Our preparation includes both learning the faith and being prayed for along the way.

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING

After the prayers, we will attend Divine Liturgy, gather for trapeza, the shared parish meal, and then return to catechesis with Father Seraphim.

I look forward to all of it: the prayers, the worship, the meal together, and another opportunity to learn.

We will continue receiving these prayers until baptism.

My learning, however, will continue for a lifetime.

DOM VECHERA · THE JOURNAL

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