In Romanian tradition, the evil eye (“deochi”) is that state of sudden tiredness, headache or unease that appears after someone has looked at you with envy or praised you too much. A prayer against the evil eye helps you place yourself once again under God’s protection, instead of under fear. In this article you will find short prayers for yourself, for your children and for your home, what the Church says about the “evil eye” and a few simple steps of protection.
What the evil eye is and how to recognise it
In folk belief, the evil eye comes from a gaze charged with envy, jealousy or excessive admiration. The signs people speak of are unexplained tiredness, frequent yawning, headache and irritability, and in children crying and restless sleep. We have written about these signs at length in the article The evil eye: what it is, the signs and how to protect yourself.
One important point: symptoms such as fever, strong or persistent pain, repeated dizziness or unusual crying in a baby must be seen by a doctor. Prayer accompanies medical care; it does not replace it.
What Orthodox tradition says about the “evil eye”
The Church does not encourage folk charms, but it recognises that human envy and malice can hurt. In the service books there are prayers that the priest reads for those troubled by evil spirits and ill-intentioned workings. If you feel the state persists, the safest path is to go to the priest, make your confession and ask him for a prayer. For the home, tradition recommends holy water and praying together.
Prayer against the evil eye, for yourself
A prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord Jesus Christ, cover me with Your mercy and free me from every evil gaze, from envy and from ill-intentioned thoughts sent towards me. Give me back my peace, my strength and my clarity of mind. Bless those who wished me harm and change their hearts. Amen.
You can end with the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 90 (91 in some Bibles), the psalm of protection, which many people read precisely at such moments.
Prayer for a child struck by the evil eye
A prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Most Pure Mother of God, cover my child, (name), with your protecting veil. Keep him from evil eyes and harsh words, give him peaceful sleep and a joyful heart. Guardian angel, stay by his side day and night. Amen.
Mothers wipe the little one’s forehead with a little holy water and make the sign of the cross over them. Nothing more is needed than faith and gentleness.
Prayer for a heavy atmosphere in the home
A prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord, bless this house and all who live in it. Drive out of it all malice, quarrelling and unrest, and fill it with peace, light and love. Amen.
Simple steps of protection against the evil eye
- Make the sign of the cross in the morning, when leaving the house and in the evening.
- Take holy water on an empty stomach and sprinkle the house, especially after tense visits.
- Do not boast and do not display all your joys in front of everyone; discretion is a form of protection.
- Pray for the person who envies you. It seems hard, but it frees you from fear.
- Cleanse the atmosphere of the home with fresh air, quiet and, if you like, essential oils for energetic cleansing. You will find my personal ritual in the article on essential oils for the evil eye.
If you feel it is not just a passing evil eye but a burden that keeps returning, the Unbindings for Spells, Cleansing & Protection collection can support you, alongside prayer. See also our guide to the prayer against spells.
Frequently asked questions
What prayer is said against the evil eye?
The Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 90 and a prayer in your own words asking for protection and release from every evil gaze. For a prayer of the Church, go to the priest.
Can the evil eye be removed with charms?
Charms belong to folk tradition, not to the order of the Church. If you want to stay on the path of faith, replace them with prayer, holy water and the sign of the cross.
How do I protect myself from evil eyes?
Through daily prayer, discretion, forgiveness and a life in which fear does not take first place. Those who know their soul rests in God are less afraid of the gaze of others.
Can a baby be struck by the evil eye?
Tradition says little ones are more sensitive. Pray for your baby and make the sign of the cross over them, but if they cry unusually, have a fever or will not eat, go to the doctor first.
