Concerning Exorcism

An Excerpt From The Book of Occasional Services 2022 Edition pg. 233

The practice of expelling evil spirits by means of prayer and ritual

derives its authority from Christ Jesus, who understood power over

these forces as a sign of Messianic identity. The Church in succeeding

centuries recognized this power of Christ in their shared life but

reserved the rites of exorcism to its bishops. Later still the bishops

began to delegate this authority to select presbyters and others deemed

competent.

In accordance with this established tradition, someone in need of such

a ministry, and anyone desiring to exercise it, makes the matter known

to a presbyter, who in turn consults with the bishop. The bishop then

determines whether exorcism is needed, who is to officiate at the rite,

and what prayers or other formularies are to be used.

The rituals of exorcism, while weighty and never to be undertaken

lightly, are not by nature esoteric. The Celebration of the Eucharist,

especially in a place that has been disturbed, and the prayer of the

Great Litany, for example, are ordinary practices. As Christ has said

and as scripture counsels, any rites of exorcism include preparatory

prayer and fasting.