The Letter of Saint Athanasius to His Flock (4th Century A.D.)
Saint Athanasius, a Church Father, wrote this letter to his flock during the Arian crisis in the 4th century. Arianism, a heresy denying the full divinity of Christ, severely challenged the integrity of the Catholic faith. Many bishops followed Arian teachings at the time. This caused immense suffering for the true believers.
In his letter, Saint Athanasius encouraged the faithful to stay strong in the Apostolic faith. He urged them to persevere, despite the persecution and pressure from heretical bishops. Saint Athanasius stressed that preserving the true faith was far more important than physical buildings or external symbols. He also explained that the true Church exists wherever the faithful uphold the Apostolic Faith. Even if they had to stand apart from institutions overtaken by heresy, they would remain part of the true Church.
Key Points from the Letter:
- Faith Over Buildings: Saint Athanasius emphasized that the Apostolic Faith defines the true Church, not physical spaces overtaken by false teachings.
- Endurance in Persecution: Despite losing church buildings and facing opposition, the faithful remained the true Church as long as they preserved the authentic faith.
- Victory of the Faithful: Saint Athanasius reassured the faithful that, in time, they would restore the true Church and cast out the heretics.
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel serves as the protector of the Church and leads the heavenly host. This prayer seeks his intercession in times of spiritual warfare, particularly when the Church faces moral or physical challenges.
Prayer Text:
“In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered: and let them that hate Him flee from before His Face!
As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the Presence of God (Ps 67:1-2).
Judge Thou, O’ Lord, them that wrong me: overthrow them that fight against me.
Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek after my soul. Let them be turned back and be confounded that devise evil against me. Let them become as dust before the wind, and let the Angel of the Lord straighten them. Let their way become dark and slippery: and let the Angel of the Lord pursue them.
For without cause they have hidden their net for me unto destruction: without cause they have upbraided my soul.
Let the snare which he knoweth not, come upon him: and let the net which he hath hidden, catch him: and into that very snare let him fall. But my soul shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall be delighted in His Salvation (Ps 34:1, 4-9).
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.”
Exorcism Against Satan and the Rebellious Angels
This Exorcism Prayer, as published by order of Pope Leo XIII in 1890, serves as a powerful means to ward off the influence of evil spirits and to protect the Church from their malevolent effects. The exorcism invokes the power of God to repel demonic forces that seek to deceive and destroy souls.
Exorcism Prayer Text:
“In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
O’ Most Glorious Prince of the Heavenly Armies, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle and in our wrestling against principalities and powers against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:12).
Come to the aid of men, whom God created incorruptible, and to the Image of His Likeness He made him (Wis.. 2:23); and from the tyranny of the devil He bought him at a great price (Cor. 7:23).
Fight the battles of the Lord today with the Army of the Blessed Angels, as once thou didst fight against Lucifer, the leader of pride, and his apostate angels; and they prevailed not: neither was their place found anymore in Heaven. But that great dragon was cast out, the old serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduceth the whole world. And he was cast unto the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him (Apoc. 12:8-9).
Behold, the ancient enemy and murderer strongly raises his head! Transformed into an angel of light, with the entire horde of wicked spirits he goes about everywhere and takes possession of the earth, so that therein he may blot out the Name of God and of His Christ and steal away, afflict and ruin into everlasting destruction the souls destined for a Crown of Eternal Glory.”
Prayer for Protection Against Satan
Prayer Text:
“Behold the Cross of the Lord, flee away ye hostile forces.
All: The lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David hath conquered.
May Thy mercy, O’ Lord, be upon us.
All: Since we have hoped in Thee.
O’ Lord, hear my prayer.
All: And let my cry come unto Thee.
The Lord be with you,
All: And with thy spirit.
LET US PRAY:
O’ God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we invoke Thy Holy Name, and we humbly implore Thy mercy, that by the intercession of the Mother of God Mary Immaculate Ever Virgin, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, of Blessed Joseph the Spouse of the same Blessed Virgin, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and of all the Saints, Thou wouldst deign to afford us help against Satan and all the other unclean spirits and against whatever wanders throughout the world to do harm to the human race and to ruin souls, through the same Christ Our Lord, Amen.
We exorcise thee, O’ every unclean spirit, satanic power, infernal invader, wicked legion, assembly and sect; in the Name and by the power of Our Lord Jesus Christ (+); may thou be snatched away and driven from the Church of God and from the souls made to the Image and Likeness of God and redeemed by the Precious Blood of the Divine Lamb (+).”
Summary
Throughout history, the Catholic Church has faced numerous challenges. One of the greatest trials was Arianism in the 4th century. Saint Athanasius reminded the faithful that the Church’s true identity lies not in its buildings or symbols, but in its adherence to the Apostolic Faith. It lies in the Apostolic Faith. Even when surrounded by false teachings, those who remain loyal to Christ and the Apostles represent the true Church.
Today, the faithful must continue to pray and act with hope. They must resist forces seeking to destroy the Church. Like in Saint Athanasius’ time, perseverance in the true faith will restore the Church. Prayer plays a key role in this spiritual battle. Intercessions, like the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel and the Exorcism Against Satan and the Rebellious Angels, are especially important.