Hippolytus of Rome – Apostolic Tradition (c. 215): The first liturgical document on baptismal exorcisms (Sources Chrétiennes 11b)

The Traditio Apostolica, written by Hippolytus of Rome (c. 170-235), is the earliest known Catholic liturgical document that systematically describes exorcisms in the baptismal rite. This critical edition from Sources Chrétiennes 11 bis (1968) presents the Greek text alongside French translations and references to Greek, Coptic, and Latin sources. It serves as a fundamental source for understanding the origins of exorcism in Christian liturgy.

Historical Context

Hippolytus was a contemporary of Roman bishops Victor I, Zephyrinus, and Callixtus I. The Traditio Apostolica, originally written in Greek, survived only through translations into Coptic, Ethiopian, Arabic, Latin, and Syriac. It was critically reconstructed by Dom Connolly (1916) and Botte (1963). This work is the earliest known testimony to pre-baptismal exorcism.

Text – Chapters 20-21: Catechesis and Pre-Baptismal Exorcisms

“If someone is possessed by the demon, let him not be allowed to hear the word of teaching until he is purified.”

“If someone is possessed by the devil, let him not be allowed to hear the word of teaching until he is purified.”

Text – Chapter 20, §3: Examination of Catechumens

When the catechumens approach the waters of baptism, they will be examined. And the bishop will lay hands on them with an exorcism. Each morning during Lent, an exorcism will be administered to them. Those who are ready for baptism receive from the bishop the solemn final exorcism on Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter.

The Detailed Ritual of the Baptismal Exorcism

The Traditio Apostolica outlines a seven-step ritual:

1. Initial Screening: Identifying possessed individuals before catechumenate.
2. Catechumenate (3 years): Sporadic exorcisms during formation.
3. Election for Baptism: Final screening after which they are chosen for baptism.
4. Lent: Daily exorcisms during the Lenten period.
5. Easter Vigil (Saturday night): A solemn final exorcism by the bishop.
6. Renunciation to Satan: “Renuntio tibi, Satana” before immersion.
7. Trinitarian Faith Profession: Three immersions in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Latin Text – The Formula for Renouncing Satan

“Renuntio tibi, Satana, et omni servitio tuo et omnibus operibus tuis.” (Latin)

“Renuncio a ti, Satanás, e a todo o teu serviço e a todas as tuas obras.” (Portuguese)

This formula for renouncing Satan has been preserved in almost all subsequent baptismal liturgies.

• Byzantine Liturgy: «Apotassomai soi, Satana» (same formula in Greek)
• Coptic Liturgy: taken literally
• Syriac Liturgy: preserved
• Current Roman Rite: «I renounce you, Satan, and all your seductions and works»

The Theological Meaning of the Exorcism at Baptism

The *Traditio Apostolica* establishes the theological foundation for exorcism at baptism:

1. Pre-baptismal State: Man is under the dominion of the «prince of this world» due to original sin
2. Necessity of Renunciation: Prior to incorporation into Christ, liberation from the Evil One is necessary
3. Action of the Church: It is the bishop (or priest delegated) who acts «in the name of Christ» to liberate
4. Progressive Nature: Exorcism is not a single act but a process (three years of catechumenate)
5. Culmination at Easter: The victory of Christ over the Evil One is celebrated at the Easter Vigil

Other Exorcisms in the Apostolic Tradition

In addition to exorcisms at baptism, the work describes:

• Chapter 36: Morning acclaim and expulsion of the Devil during prayer
• Chapter 41: The Sign of the Cross as a permanent exorcism for the faithful
• Chapters 13-14: Blessing of water and oils with an exorcistic formula

Continuity in Subsequent Tradition

The *Traditio Apostolica* directly influenced:

• Apostolic Constitutions (4th century): Syrian compilation citing Hippolytus
• Rituale Romanum of 1614: Chapter XII on exorcisms follows the Hippolyten scheme
• Paul VI’s Reform (Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum 1972): Restores gradual catechumenate with exorcisms
• De Exorcismis et Supplicationibus Quibusdam (1999), explicitly cites Hippolytus

Historical Significance

The *Traditio Apostolica* shows that exorcism has been an integral part of Christian ministry since apostolic times. It is not a «medieval practice» nor a «superstition» introduced later: it is part of the original core of the baptismal liturgy, derived directly from Christ’s mandate «to cast out demons» (Mt 10:8; Mk 16:17).

Recommended Reading

Roman Rite Exorcism 1999 | CIC Canon 1172 (1983) | Leo XIII Exorcismus 1890 | CDF Fede e Demonologia | Patristic Angelology

Also see: Patristic Mariology: The Fathers of the Church and Mary (2nd-8th centuries)