Why Orthodox Christians Do Not Celebrate Halloween
The post contrasts Halloween's focus on darkness, death, fear, demons, and witchcraft with the Christian calling to move from darkness to light. It cites Ephesians 5:8 and John 8:12 to show that believers are now light in the Lord and should walk as children of light. The Orthodox Church celebrates the Sunday of All Saints on the first Sunday after Pentecost, presenting the saints as the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
In the West, the feast of All Saints shifted to November 1 from the 8th-9th centuries, making October 31 its eve, later called Halloween. Saint John Chrysostom repeatedly warned Christians not to adopt pagan or superstitious customs simply because society accepts them, and Saint Paul asks what fellowship light has with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14).
The goal for an Orthodox Christian is to celebrate Christ's victory over death, the holiness of the saints, and the light of eternal life, not to glorify fear or occult imagery even as entertainment. A priest reports receiving phone calls from families asking how to handle Halloween. He states that Orthodox Christians do not participate because Halloween is a satanic holiday.
If participation is unavoidable, some may dress as saints, but never as witches, warlocks, or demons, since those beings are real and not make-believe. He adds that sacrifices are made by demonic forces on Halloween, and Christians must not take part.
Key moments
- The priest has received phone calls this week from people asking what to do about Halloween with their families.
- The correct answer is that Orthodox Christians do not participate in Halloween because it is a satanic holiday.
- Some people might dress up as saints of the church if they have to, but they certainly should not dress as witches, warlocks, or demons because those are on the wrong team.
- Witches, warlocks, and demons are not make-believe; they are real.
- Things are done on Halloween that people do not know about, including sacrifices made by witches, warlocks, and demonic forces.
- This is not something that Christians should participate in.