ATHANASIUS AND CYRIL
Athanasius of Alexandria (c. AD 298-373) was an early church father especially known for his role in the Arian controversy at the Council of Nicæa (AD 325).[1] He makes particular reference to the symbol of Christ’s cross as a form of power against demons.[2] Cyril of Jerusalem (c. AD 313-386) also makes similar references to the power of the sign of the cross.[3] Cyril mentions “exorcised oil” as “a charm to drive away every trace of hostile influence” in a way that is similar to “the breathing of the saints and the invocation of the Name of God.”[4]
[1]Archibald Robertson, “Life of St. Athanasius and Account of Arianism” (NPNF2 4:14), accessed December 30, 2013, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf204.v.ii.i.html.
[2]Athanasius, One the Incarnation of the Word (NPNF2 4:36), accessed December 30, 2013, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf204.vii.ii.html.
[3]Cyril, The Catechetical Lectures of S. Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem (NPNF2 7:82), accessed December 30, 2013, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf207.ii.xvii.html.
[4]“For as the breathing of the saints, and the invocation of the Name of God, like fiercest flame, scorch and drive out evil spirits, so also this exorcised oil receives such virtue by the invocation of God and by prayer, as not only to burn and cleanse away the traces of sins, but also to chase away all the invisible powers of the evil one.” Cyril, The Catechetical Lectures of S. Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem (NPNF2 7:147).