The Orthodox Church does not entertain superstitions. But it does accept the spiritual reality of the evil eye, when it refers to a demonic energy fueled by envy, hatred, or a cursed intention.
In this article, we will explore what the Orthodox Church truly teaches about the evil eye, how it differs from common misconceptions, and what the proper spiritual response is for all faithful Christians.
We will also explain why wearing beads, blue eyes, and using “folk prayers” for removing the evil eye is not only wrong but spiritually dangerous.
Lastly, we will look at the power of true Christian prayer, the protection of the Holy Cross, and the saints who are invoked against demonic harm, especially Saint Cyprian, Saint Marina, and Saint Xenia.
What Is The Evil Eye In Orthodox Christianity?
The evil eye (baskania in Greek) is not a superstitious myth for the Orthodox Church. It is a real spiritual phenomenon in which a person, through envy or hatred, becomes a tool for demonic energy that harms another human being.
It is not magical power. It is not a “gift.” It is sin and spiritual darkness.
Saint Paisios of Mount Athos said clearly:
“Jealousy, when filled with malice, can cause harm. That is baskania. It is a demonic action.”
He emphasized that not everyone can cause it. Those who do are spiritually far from God. They may not confess, do not take Holy Communion, and live outside the Mysteries of the Church.
When someone harbors dark envy or wishes someone else misfortune—even silently—the devil may act through that person’s passion.
According to the Orthodox Church, baskania is caused by a demonic spirit, not by psychological suggestion. That is why it requires true spiritual protection—not folk rituals.
How Does the Evil Eye Work Spiritually?
The evil eye is not always intentional. As the saints teach, the one who causes the evil may not realize it.
For example, a person may see a child and think: “Why not my child? Why should she be happy and not me?” This hidden envy can allow the devil to harm the innocent child, not by magic, but by divine allowance due to sin.
Saint Paisios gives many examples, even saying that a child can suffer because of the arrogant or uncharitable thoughts of its mother.
The root of the evil eye is pride and lack of love. As the Gospel says:
“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8).
Those who live far from the Church and have no sincere spiritual life become vessels of unclean spirits, sometimes unknowingly.
Does the Church Allow Unbaptized People or Grandmothers to Perform Prayers for the Evil Eye?
Absolutely not. The Orthodox Church strictly forbids anyone except a canonical Orthodox priest from reading the prayer against the evil eye.
This prayer is a formal exorcism, written by great saints like Saint Basil the Great and Saint Cyprian. Any so-called “folk” version or grandparent’s whispering ritual is spiritually dangerous.
Looking for meaningful Orthodox gifts? Your search ends here. Get 10% off our collection now. 🎁✨!
The devil may seem to leave, only to return stronger. As Christ warns:
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person… he returns and finds the house empty… and the last state of that person is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24–26).
What appears to be “healing” from a superstitious method is often demonic deception. The devil removes one small problem to enslave the soul through false confidence in magic.
Therefore, going to an unblessed person for “unbinding” is not only ineffective but invites real demonic harm.
The Proper Orthodox Response to the Evil Eye
When the presence of baskania (the evil eye) is suspected—whether due to unexplained suffering, persistent spiritual unrest, or illness that resists natural treatment, the Orthodox Church provides a clear, sacred, and non-negotiable spiritual response.
This response is rooted entirely in the sacramental life of the Church, and it excludes all folk practices, unauthorized prayers, or lay interventions.
Genuine Confession to an Orthodox Priest
The first and most critical step in confronting any demonic influence, including the evil eye, is sincere and regular confession.
The Holy Fathers affirm that sin opens the door to demonic energy, and until a soul repents, healing cannot truly begin. Through confession, the soul is washed and protected by grace, and the devil’s legal claim is broken.
As Scripture says:
“Cleanse me from my hidden faults” (Psalm 18:13 LXX)
Worthy Participation in Holy Communion
The most powerful weapon against the demons is not a prayer or object, it is Christ Himself.
When we receive the Most Pure Body and Precious Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ worthily, we are united to the Source of Life and Truth. Holy Communion burns away demonic influence and guards the soul with divine fire.
As Saint John Chrysostom writes,
“The Eucharist is fire, and when it is received with faith, it burns away the thorns of sin.”
The Holy Cross: Your Constant Shield
Wearing a blessed Cross, especially one received from a monastery or properly blessed by a priest, is essential.
The Cross is not a mere symbol; it is a mystical weapon against evil.
However, under no circumstances should a Christian wear jewelry or amulets that include blue beads, “evil eyes,” pagan symbols, or items sold as protection charms. These items do not bless—they curse.
They reflect a fusion of Orthodoxy and pagan superstition, which is spiritually harmful and condemned by the Church.
Saint Paul reminds us:
“What fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Persistent Personal Prayer and Psalms
The Orthodox faithful are called to invoke the name of Jesus Christ constantly, through the Jesus Prayer, psalmody, and spiritual hymns. Specific Psalms of spiritual power include:
- “The Lord is my helper; I shall not fear what man shall do to me” (Psalm 117:6 LXX)
- “He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence” (Psalm 90:3 LXX)
- “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many rise up against me… but Thou, O Lord, art my helper” (Psalm 3:1–3 LXX)
Prayer purifies the heart, humbles the mind, and draws down divine assistance in times of invisible war.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (the Jesus Prayer)
Holy Oil and Exorcism Prayers—Only by Orthodox Priests
It is absolutely vital to stress: The prayers of exorcism, including those against baskania, are strictly reserved for ordained Orthodox priests.
No grandmother, no layperson, no “reader” of prayers has any right or authority to perform these sacred rites.
The exorcism prayers written by Saints such as Basil the Great and Cyprian the Martyr were composed for liturgical use by clergy alone. To read these as a layperson is a violation of Church order and a spiritual risk for both the reader and the afflicted.
The Church does not recognize any “folk exorcisms” or whispered rituals passed down in families.
What appears to be temporary relief from such acts is often a deception of the devil, a false peace to draw the soul further away from God and toward spiritual confusion and bondage.
As Saint Paisios stated bluntly:
“The devil removes one suffering to give you ten more later.”
The prayers of Saint Cyprian, especially his exorcistic service read on his feast day (October 2), are among the most effective against demonic influence. But again, they must be read by a priest in good canonical standing. If needed, ask your parish priest or a monastic spiritual father to read them for you.
Holy Water and Vigil Lamp Oil from the Church
The Church offers tangible sanctified materials as weapons against evil, including:
- Holy Water: To be drunk reverently or sprinkled in the home.
- Holy Oil: Taken specifically from the vigil lamp of a church or monastery during exorcism services or divine liturgies. The faithful may anoint themselves (forehead, chest, hands) with the sign of the Cross, always invoking the Name of the Holy Trinity.
It is advisable to keep such oil in your home prayer corner, and use it when praying the Psalms or asking for divine protection. Still, it should be used with reverence and spiritual understanding—not as a magic potion.
Only the Church Heals Baskania
The Orthodox Church, through her Mysteries and canonical clergy, provides all that is necessary for protection, healing, and restoration. No shortcuts, no folk customs, no “good luck charms” are permitted. In fact, they open the soul to deeper harm.
True healing comes when the soul returns to Christ, repents sincerely, and places its full hope in the protection of God, the intercession of the saints, and the grace of the Church. Anything else is delusion.
As the Lord said:
“He who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold but climbs in another way is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1).
Do Not Wear Beads, Blue Eyes, or Other Pagan Symbols
The Church strongly condemns the use of blue beads (commonly called “evil eye charms”), garlic, onion necklaces, or tied wedding crowns. These practices come from folk magic and not from Christ.
They are spiritually dangerous because they blend Christian symbols (like the cross) with occult ones.
Saint Paisios explicitly warned mothers:
“Don’t put ‘eyes’ on your children. Put a cross!”
The blue-eye charms come from ancient paganism and Eastern magic. These objects do not protect but provoke demonic presence.
No one should wear these objects on their bodies, in their homes, cars, or near their children. As the early Christians used to say: “With Christ and with the devil—it does not work.” You must choose.
Who Are the Saints We Should Pray To Against the Evil Eye?
The Orthodox Church has many saints who are known for their intercessions against spiritual attacks, magic, and the evil eye.
Saint Cyprian the Former Sorcerer
Before his conversion, Saint Cyprian was a powerful pagan magician. After witnessing the unwavering faith of Saint Justina, he repented and destroyed all his magical books.
He became a bishop and a great defender of the Christian faith.
His prayers are used today to combat all forms of dark energy: the evil eye, gossip, slander, and magic. One of the strongest prayers starts:
“Lord our God, King of the ages… cast away every demonic energy, every satanic assault, every wicked gaze of envious eyes…”
Saint Cyprian’s feast day is October 2. Begin every prayer for protection with his apolytikion.
Apolytikion of Saint Cyprian:
“By the radiance of divine faith, you dispelled the darkness of impiety, and became a luminary of truth. For having adorned your life with pastoral splendor, O Cyprian, you were glorified through your spiritual contest. O Venerable Father, entreat the Creator to be gracious unto us, together with Justina, the God-minded.”
The apolytikion in Orthodoxy is a primary hymn that beautifully encapsulates the essence of a feast day or the virtuous life of a saint being commemorated. It acts as a concise, poetic, and theologically rich summary, often sung at key moments in church services, serving as a spiritual “seal” for the day’s celebration.
Someone might chant this specific hymn before praying to a beloved saint, using it as an invocation or an expression of praise to help focus their mind and heart on the saint’s intercession and the divine truth they embody.
Saint Marina the Great Martyr
Saint Marina was tortured by a pagan governor who wanted her as his wife. She refused to deny Christ and was imprisoned.
In jail, the devil appeared as a dragon to frighten her, but she beat him with a hammer, symbolizing her triumph over Satan. She was finally beheaded, becoming a holy martyr.
She is invoked especially for children and protection from fear and demonic appearances.
Apolytikion of Saint Marina:
“Having obtained bravery and wisdom, O venerable one, you bravely trampled the primeval serpent, all-praised Marina. You put to shame the bitter torments of Olympios, and gladdened the choirs of the Bodiless Powers as you contended, wherefore continually intercede with Christ, for us to be saved.”
Saint Xenia the Wonderworker
Saint Xenia of Kalamata (Greece) was known for her purity and ascetic life. She helped the poor and widows and rejected the advances of a pagan governor.
After being tortured and martyred, she performed many miracles, especially freeing people from demonic possession and sorcery.
Apolytikion of Saint Xenia:
“With the dyes of your blood, you brightly colored a radiant robe for yourself, O Xenia, standing by Christ as an all-spotless bride. You have received the grace to loose enchantments, to cast out demons, and to heal illnesses; wherefore, fervently intercede for our souls.”
Other Saints Known for Protection from Magic and the Evil Eye
Saint Arsenios of Cappadocia
Saint Arsenios of Cappadocia (1840–1924) is one of the most beloved saints of the modern Orthodox Church and a powerful intercessor against demonic forces.
He was born in the village of Farasa in Cappadocia, in Asia Minor, and served as a hieromonk and spiritual father to his people under Ottoman occupation. A man of strict asceticism and unceasing prayer, Saint Arsenios was renowned for his prophetic insight, miraculous healings, and deliverance of people from demons and spiritual affliction.
Saint Arsenios was deeply aware of the dangers of folk magic and sorcery that plagued the simple villagers. He fought against these with the authority of Christ and was known to read prayers for those under demonic oppression and the evil eye.
He would often use Holy Water and the Exorcism prayers of Saint Basil and Saint Cyprian, which he alone—being a canonical priest—had the right to perform.
One of his miracles involved a possessed woman whom no one could approach, yet Saint Arsenios calmly prayed and anointed her, and the demon fled instantly.
He reposed in 1924 shortly after accompanying his flock during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
His relics were later uncovered and continue to be a source of healing and exorcism. His spiritual son, Saint Paisios the Athonite, wrote extensively about him, calling him a true “bearer of the grace of God” and a protector against demonic deceit.
Saint Justina the Virgin Martyr
Saint Justina of Antioch is among the earliest and most powerful Orthodox figures in the fight against the evil eye, magic, and demons.
She lived during the 3rd century in Antioch and was raised in the Christian faith. Her life became a battlefield of spiritual warfare when a pagan magician named Cyprian attempted to bewitch her through sorcery. Despite all his incantations and diabolical efforts, the power of the Cross and her firm faith in Christ rendered all his spells useless.
Justina would make the sign of the Cross and immediately all demonic attacks would cease.
Her purity, faith, and spiritual discernment defeated wave after wave of demonic temptations, until finally Cyprian himself realized the futility of his magic. Overcome by her spiritual power, he renounced his demonic arts, destroyed his books, and was later baptized—eventually becoming the great Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr of the Church.
Justina’s unwavering trust in Christ exposed the powerlessness of magic when confronted by true holiness.
Their joint martyrdom came during the Diocletian persecutions, around the year 304 AD. They were tortured and finally beheaded for refusing to renounce Christ.
Saint Justina is commemorated as a protector of women and children and a defender against demonic attacks, especially for those suffering spiritual confusion caused by sorcery or occultism.
Saint Benedict of Nursia
Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547), although Western and pre-schism, is honored in the Orthodox Church as a great ascetic and wonderworker.
He is widely known for his battle against demons and his resistance to satanic attacks throughout his monastic life.
Born in Italy, he abandoned the worldly life at a young age and withdrew to a cave in Subiaco for a life of prayer and solitude. Over time, many disciples gathered around him, and he became the spiritual father of a large monastic community.
Saint Benedict was targeted by sorcerers and evil men numerous times. On one occasion, a jealous priest tried to poison him, but when Benedict blessed the poisoned cup, it shattered instantly.
In another account, when the devil caused a monk to go mad with anger and destroy monastery property, Saint Benedict calmed the storm with prayer. He composed the famous “Benedictine Cross Prayer” which includes the phrase “Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux – Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux” (May the Holy Cross be my light – let not the dragon be my guide), a phrase reflecting deep theological truth: that no evil can stand before the power of the Cross.
Orthodox Christians invoke Saint Benedict particularly when struggling with curses, charms, and persistent spiritual attack.
Though not as well-known in the East as in the West, he remains a powerful witness to the victory of prayer and ascetic life over the snares of the devil.
Saint Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions
Saint Anastasia the Roman, called the “Deliverer from Potions”, lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries and was martyred during the persecutions of Diocletian.
Born to a noble Roman family, she became a disciple of the holy elder Chrysogonus, through whom she received deep spiritual formation. Widowed early in life, she used her fortune to care for imprisoned Christians, heal the sick, and visit those suffering under demonic torment.
Her title “Deliverer from Potions” reflects her role in healing people who had been poisoned—either physically or spiritually—through magical charms, sorcery, or toxic spells.
Many of the people she helped had unknowingly consumed potions made by magicians or enchanters, and through her prayers, they were healed. Her reputation became so well-known that even pagans began to fear her power in Christ.
She suffered imprisonment, torture, and eventually martyrdom by fire around 304 AD. Her intercessions are sought particularly by those affected by witchcraft, demonic possession, or spiritual poisoning.
In Orthodox liturgical life, prayers to her are often read alongside those of Saint Cyprian, especially for those under the influence of spells, seductions, or unseen spiritual harm.
Saint Niketas the Confessor
Saint Niketas the Confessor (c. 761–829) was a hieromonk and Bishop of Chalcedon during the turbulent time of the Iconoclastic controversy. He was a defender of Orthodox doctrine and an ascetic of great holiness.
He suffered exile, torture, and imprisonment for refusing to reject the veneration of holy icons, at a time when the imperial court sought to impose a heretical version of Christianity.
While not directly connected to folk magic, Saint Niketas is invoked against demonic deception and spiritual blindness, especially in matters of false piety and heresy.
Demonic forces often disguise themselves in religious clothing, and Saint Niketas’ uncompromising stance against theological error makes him a guardian against the more “respectable” forms of spiritual danger—like syncretism or superstition masked as faith.
His icon is often placed in homes as a prayerful safeguard against heretical teachings and spiritual confusion—both of which are forms of baskania when seen spiritually.
As a confessor, he bore witness to the truth under suffering and did not yield even when promised comfort or restoration.
Archangel Michael
Archangel Michael is the chief commander of the heavenly hosts and the most powerful spiritual warrior in the angelic world.
In Scripture, he is depicted as the defender of the faithful and the one who cast down Satan and his rebellious angels from Heaven (Revelation 12:7–9).
In Orthodox tradition, Archangel Michael is invoked in every exorcism prayer and is always present in spiritual combat.
He appeared in various locations throughout Church history—at Chonae in Phrygia, for example, where he miraculously saved a church from destruction by causing a river to divert away from the sanctuary.
Orthodox faithful invoke him as the “Protector of Christians” and the “Terror of Demons.” His very name means “Who is like God?”—a rhetorical rebuke to Lucifer’s pride.
In times of demonic attack, dreams, sleep paralysis, or overwhelming fear, calling upon Archangel Michael is not only appropriate but encouraged by the Church.
His icon, especially the traditional Byzantine image with sword and shield, is a strong presence in many Orthodox homes and churches. It is not superstition to ask his help—it is faith in the God-ordained order of spiritual warfare.
The Theotokos
Above all saints and angels, the most powerful protector against demonic attack and baskania is the Theotokos, the Mother of God.
The Orthodox Church constantly refers to her as “the terror of demons,” and her intercessory power is unmatched by any other created being.
The devil fears her humility, her purity, and her role as the vessel through whom the Word of God took flesh.
Through the Paraklesis services (Small and Great Supplicatory Canons), Orthodox Christians turn to her especially when afflicted by sudden sickness, family turmoil, unexplained fear, or spiritual darkness.
In these prayers, she is repeatedly asked to “deliver us from every affliction, soul and body.”
Her help is not automatic or magical—it comes to those who approach her with repentance, faith, and a desire to live according to her Son’s commandments.
Countless miracles throughout Church history testify to her protection against magic, the evil eye, and every demonic scheme.
Her icons, especially the “Comforter”, “Quick to Hear,” and “Unfading Rose,” are venerated for protection and grace.
As the hymn says, “Through thee, O Full of Grace, every adversary is defeated.”
The benefits of reading the Salutations to the Theotokos daily are incalculable.
Common Mistakes That People Make Today
Many today are spiritually uneducated and confuse Orthodoxy with folk religion or Eastern superstitions. Here are dangerous habits to avoid:
- Going to “mediums,” tarot readers, or fortune tellers
- Mixing horoscopes with Christianity
- Wearing bracelets or necklaces with blue beads or “evil eyes”
- Using unsanctified prayers from unknown sources
- Blaming all problems on others instead of repenting
The Church teaches us to return to Christ, not to blame demons for every suffering, but to cleanse ourselves first. As Saint Paisios said:
“The root is always spiritual pride.”
How Should Orthodox Christians Teach Their Children About This?
Young children should be told the truth with simplicity: “There is no such thing as luck or magical power. But when someone is jealous or angry, and we live far from God, bad things can happen. That is why we wear our Cross, go to church, and pray. Jesus protects us. And we ask holy saints like Saint Marina and Saint Cyprian to help us when we are afraid or sick.”
Children should learn to make the sign of the Cross, call upon the name of Christ, and never wear things that don’t come from the Church.