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The Orthodox Church and the Evil Eye (Vaskania): Teachings from Mount Athos, Prayers and Protection Against Envy
The evil eye, known as vaskania in Greek, is a topic that touches many cultures, including the Orthodox Christian tradition. While many associate it with folk superstition (such as the blue eye amulet), the Orthodox Church approaches it with deep theology: it is the result of envy and the demonic influence that stems from it. This article is based on the wisdom of the Holy Fathers of Mount Athos, the teachings of the Church Fathers, and official prayers to help you understand how to protect yourself spiritually.
What is the Evil Eye According to Orthodoxy?
The Orthodox Church does not treat vaskania (evil eye) as mere magic or superstition, but as a spiritual danger arising from envy (phthonos) — one of the seven deadly sins. Envy opens the door to demonic forces. The monks of Mount Athos emphasize that a person emitting such negative energy is often far from the Church’s sacraments or participates in them hypocritically.
The Holy Fathers teach that the evil eye is not God’s punishment, but the consequence of a sinful human disposition that attracts evil spirits. As Matthew 15:7–8 says: “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’”
Envy destroys both the envier and the envied. In the Athonite tradition, strong negative thoughts can cause physical symptoms: headaches, fatigue, accidents, or obstacles in life — especially if a person is not protected by prayer and the sacraments.
Biblical Foundation and In-Depth Analysis by the Church Fathers
The Bible speaks of envy from the very beginning. Cain killed Abel out of envy (Genesis 4). In the New Testament, Christ warns about the eye as the window of the soul: “If your eye is envious, your whole body will be full of darkness” (Matthew 6:23, paraphrased).
- St. Basil the Great and St. John Chrysostom connect vaskania with demonic attacks that exploit human passions.
- St. Porphyrios Kavsokalyvitis of Mount Athos taught that evil thoughts travel like waves and can cause suffering in others.
- The Athonite Fathers stress that true protection does not come from amulets (which are forbidden as superstition), but from life in Christ — through regular confession, Holy Communion, prayer, and humility.
The Church strictly forbids magical rituals (such as “removing the evil eye” with spitting and incantations by grandmothers), as these constitute occultism. Instead, it offers exorcism prayers read by priests.
Symptoms and How to Recognize Them
Common symptoms when there is no medical cause:
- Sudden fatigue or headache after being praised or admired
- Breaking of objects, accidents, or unexpected obstacles
- Anxiety, insomnia, or mental confusion
- Children, beautiful people, and successful families are especially vulnerable
The solution: Do not fear, but turn to the Church. A priest can read a special prayer against vaskania.
Prayers Against the Evil Eye
1. Powerful Prayer from the Monks of Mount Athos (recommended to be read by a priest):
“Lord our God, King of the ages, Almighty and All-powerful, who alone created and transformed all things by Your will; who changed the seven-fold furnace and the Babylonian fire into dew and kept Your three holy youths unharmed; You, the Physician and Healer of our souls, the Protector of all who hope in You — we beseech You and implore You: remove, drive out, and cast away every demonic act, every satanic attack and plot, every evil curiosity and harm, and every evil eye coming from wicked and envious people against Your servant [name]; and whether it happened because of beauty, strength, prosperity, envy, or the evil eye — You, Master and Lover of Mankind, stretch out Your mighty hand and strong arm from on high and guard Your creature, and send him a peaceful angel, a powerful protector of soul and body, who will rebuke and expel every evil intention, every spell, and the destructive evil eye from envious and malicious people; so that under Your protection Your suppliant may thankfully sing: ‘The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man can do to me.’ And again: ‘I will fear no evil, for You are with me.’ For You are God, my strength, mighty Counselor, Prince of Peace, Father of the age to come. Yes, Lord our God, save Your creature and deliver Your servant from every harm and influence of the evil eye, and keep him safe from all evil. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, the bright Archangels, and all the Saints. Amen.”
2. Prayer of St. Arsenios of Cappadocia (short version):
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (three times). All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us… Our Father, who art in heaven…”
Recommendation: Read daily the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”), the Theotokos prayer, and protection prayers. Wear a cross and use holy water.
Practical Protection According to Athonite Tradition
- Sacramental Life: Regular confession and Holy Communion are the best protection.
- Humility: Do not boast excessively about your blessings — give glory to God.
- Prayer and Fasting: Athonite monks fast and pray constantly to maintain a spiritual shield.
- Avoid Superstition: Blue eyes, amulets, and spells are forbidden. Trust only in God.
True Protection is in Christ
The Orthodox Church does not deny the phenomenon of the evil eye, but directs us to Jesus Christ. The Fathers of Mount Athos show the example: a life of prayer and repentance protects better than any magical object.
If you feel affected, turn to your priest — he can read the official prayer. God is stronger than any envy.
This article is based on the tradition of Mount Athos, the Church’s Euchologion, and the teachings of the Holy Fathers. Always consult your spiritual father for personal matters.
Martinus Vaicarius’s mission is to:
- Provide spiritual support and guidance to people seeking peace and hope
- Create prayer texts that bring God’s peace to hearts suffering under fear and anxiety
- Promote deep understanding of the power of the
- God of Sabaoth and the protection of the heavenly hosts
- Help people enter the spiritual sphere where God’s peace reigns over all
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