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Exorcism

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Exorcism

The question

According to our church doctrine, is exorcism a spiritual gift or have all been granted this power?

The answer

Our Lord Jesus Christ had given His apostles and disciples the power to cast out demons in His name while He Himself was still on earth (Matthew 10:1,8; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1; 10:17). This power was given not only to the Apostles, but also to believers "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons" (Mark 16:17) However, the effectiveness of this given power was conditional. The apostles themselves were not always successful in their practice of exorcism (Matthew 17:15-21; Mark 9:27-28; Luke 9:40). In other words the practice of exorcism successfully by Christians, in Christ's name, depends on the efficacy of prayer, the work of grace and other virtues granted to every Christian for the purpose of performing this task.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 178 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.