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An '''exorcist''' is an extinct office within the [[minor orders]] of [[clergy]]. The primary duty of exorcists was as the instructor of [[catechumen]]s, whose entrance into the catechumenate was accompanied by an [[exorcism]], ridding them of any demonic presence that may affect them. An exorcist may also have been called upon in other instances requiring an exorcism, such as the suspicion of demon possession of a person or location. The exorcism of catechumens has subsequently been conflated into the rite of [[baptism]] and is usually performed by the [[priest]] or [[bishop]] celebrating the baptism. Since the fourth century, the functions and ministry of the exorcist have been subsumed by the presbyter.

*[http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article7079.asp ourfaith7079 Exorcism in the Orthodox Church] by Rev. George C. Papademetriou, Ph.D. ([[GOARCH]])