Spiritual Warfare: A Path to Victory

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Missoula, Montana

In the life of an Orthodox Christian, spiritual warfare is not a distant, abstract concept; it is a daily reality. As we seek to grow in holiness and draw nearer to Christ, we are engaged in an ongoing battle against forces that seek to pull us away from God. This battle is not fought with swords or shields, but with prayer, fasting, watchfulness, and the sacraments.

What is Spiritual Warfare?

Spiritual warfare, in the Orthodox Christian tradition, refers to the struggle against the powers of evil—whether internal (such as passions, temptations, and sinful thoughts) or external (demonic forces and the forces of darkness). It is the struggle to live a life that is pleasing to God in a world that often tempts and distracts us from our ultimate goal: union with Christ.

Saint Paul describes this battle in his epistle to the Ephesians:

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

This verse highlights an essential truth: the battle is spiritual, not physical. The forces we are fighting against cannot be seen with the eyes but are felt in our hearts and minds, through our passions, thoughts, and desires.

The Weapons of Spiritual Warfare

The Orthodox Christian Church provides a rich array of tools to engage in this battle and protect ourselves from the snares of the enemy. These are not mere religious rituals or symbols; they are spiritual weapons that empower us to live victoriously in Christ.

1. Prayer

At the heart of spiritual warfare lies prayer. Orthodox Christians are called to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), offering prayers of thanksgiving, repentance, and petition to God.

One of the most powerful prayers in the Orthodox tradition is the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This simple but profound prayer can be repeated throughout the day, particularly in times of trial or temptation, to center our thoughts on Christ and invoke His help.

In times of intense struggle, the Akathist Hymn and other prayers of deliverance, like the prayers for protection from evil, are used to call upon God’s grace and the intercession of the saints.

2. Fasting

Fasting is another essential weapon in spiritual warfare. In the Orthodox Church, fasting is not only a physical act of abstinence but also a way to purify the soul and strengthen the spirit. By denying ourselves physical comforts, we train ourselves to resist temptations and focus our attention on the things of God.

Fasting helps to diminish the power of the passions and brings us closer to God, enabling us to see more clearly the workings of the enemy. As St. John Chrysostom once said, “Fasting is the armor of the soul.”

3. The Sacraments

The sacraments of the Orthodox Church are crucial to the spiritual battle. They fortify us with God’s grace, making us more resilient to the attacks of the enemy.

Confession: The sacrament of confession is perhaps the most powerful weapon against sin and the devil’s schemes. Through confession, we unburden ourselves of the weight of sin and receive forgiveness, enabling us to begin anew. As the Philokalia teaches, “Repentance is the beginning of spiritual warfare.”

Eucharist: The Divine Liturgy and the sacrament of the Eucharist give us strength and nourishment. As we partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, we are united with Him in a way that fortifies our souls for battle.

4. Watchfulness (Nepsis)

A key element of spiritual warfare in the Orthodox tradition is nepsis, or watchfulness. It involves vigilance over our thoughts, actions, and words. This is critical because sin often begins in the mind, with thoughts that grow unchecked into passions, desires, and sinful actions.

The Desert Fathers, in particular, emphasize the importance of guarding the mind against distractions and temptations. Abba John the Dwarf said, “When the enemy sees that we are vigilant, he tries to make us forget that we are in the middle of a battle.” Watchfulness helps us to remain alert, spiritually attuned to God, and aware of the enemy's subtle attempts to lead us astray.

5. The Name of Jesus

The Name of Jesus is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. The Orthodox Christian tradition teaches that demons tremble at the name of Christ. We invoke His Name in our prayers, at times of distress, and whenever we face temptation. The mere utterance of “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me” sends forth a shield of grace to protect and defend us.

The Role of the Saints and Angels

In our battle, we are not alone. The Orthodox Church teaches that we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1), including the saints and angels, who offer their intercessions and prayers on our behalf.

The Virgin Mary, Theotokos (God-bearer), is especially honored in Orthodox spirituality as a powerful intercessor. The prayers of the saints, especially those of the great warrior saints like St. George, St. Demetrius, and St. Michael the Archangel, are invoked to help us fight against the forces of evil.

The Importance of Humility and Patience

In Orthodox spiritual warfare, humility and patience are key virtues. The enemy seeks to provoke pride and despair in the heart of the believer. When we face defeat or struggle, the devil whispers, “You’re not good enough; you’ll never win.” The path to victory is not in self-reliance or self-exaltation, but in humble submission to God’s will.

As St. Theophan the Recluse writes, "The more we acknowledge our weaknesses, the more we make room for God's strength to work in us." In the Orthodox view, spiritual warfare is not about achieving personal greatness but about surrendering to God and allowing Him to fight on our behalf.

Victory through Christ

Ultimately, the victory in spiritual warfare belongs to Christ. The enemy has already been defeated on the Cross, and the resurrection of Christ assures us that, though we face battles, the war has already been won. Our role is to remain faithful and steadfast, relying on the grace of God to carry us through every temptation and trial.

St. Paul encourages us in the same Ephesians passage:

"Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:13)

In the Orthodox Christian life, this “armor of God” is worn daily through prayer, fasting, watchfulness, and the sacraments. By these means, we engage in spiritual warfare and grow closer to God, with the assurance that, in Christ, we are more than conquerors.

Spiritual warfare in the Orthodox Church is not a call to battle in isolation but a call to engage in the battle with the full armor of God. It is a battle for our souls, and the weapons we wield are not of this world. Prayer, fasting, the sacraments, watchfulness, and the intercession of the saints are our means of defense and victory. Though the struggle is intense, it is also transformative, leading us to a deeper union with Christ and the ultimate triumph of His love.