What dangers might a person face during the catechumenate period or immediately after baptism? Sometimes, especially during the process of becoming churched, a person sees or experiences “scary things” from demons. How can this be explained, and how can one protect themselves from such attacks?

What dangers might a person face during the catechumenate period or immediately after baptism? Sometimes, especially during the process of becoming churched, a person sees or experiences “scary things” from demons. How can this be explained, and how can one protect themselves from such attacks? #

The venerable Abba Dorotheus, in his book Spiritual Instructions, writes that any good deed is either preceded or followed by temptation from the devil. The enemy tries to prevent a person from carrying out a good intention, and if he cannot succeed, he retaliates against the Christian in various ways after the good deed is done.

Indeed, in practice, this happens quite often, including with those who are in a prolonged period of catechesis but do not receive weekly prayers from a priest as prescribed by the rules and the Order of Catechesis. However, the devil’s attacks can be particularly strong against newly baptized adult Christians. If they live according to the commandments, regularly attend church services, and pray at home, the devil is usually unable to influence them directly. In such cases, he tries to cause trouble for the Christian through other people, especially unbaptized individuals: parents, relatives, old friends, coworkers, supervisors, neighbors, or even complete strangers.

These people, as if in unison, may suddenly begin dissuading the newly baptized from attending church, keeping fasts, praying at home, or living a Christian life in general. They may start unnecessary arguments, threaten job termination or other troubles, and commit petty acts of malice. These individuals often do not realize that they are acting under the influence of an evil spirit. Therefore, one should not harbor resentment toward them or respond to evil with evil. Instead, avoid conflicts and pray for oneself and for these people. Experience shows that such temptations usually subside within one to two months.

Occasionally, there are other forms of diabolical attempts to influence a person who has entered the Church. These may involve unusual, “supernatural,” or “mystical” phenomena by which the devil tries to frighten the person: voices, visions, sudden feelings of fear, and so on. This can happen to people who, as it was said in earlier times, have a particularly “sensitive mental constitution,” meaning a highly sensitive nervous system.

To overcome such temptations, one should not fear these phenomena, for the devil cannot cause physical harm to a person without God’s special permission. One should steadfastly continue praying in church and at home, follow the advice of their spiritual father, and observe the established fasts. If these phenomena do not subside within a month or two, or if they are excessively intense and distressing, it may indicate a nervous disorder. In such cases, I would recommend promptly seeking advice and assistance from a physician specializing in such conditions—namely, a psychiatrist—to rule out or confirm a medical issue. If a condition is diagnosed, it is important to improve and maintain one’s health through appropriate treatment. At the same time, it is essential to continue praying, fasting, attending church services, and participating in the sacraments, as these are inherently healing.

If you are persistently troubled by such “frights,” you may contact me for a more specific consultation, as I previously worked as a psychiatrist and addiction specialist, making me familiar with these types of medical problems.

— Archpriest Vadim Korovin