St. Anthonys' Monastery Exposed

[Euthymios]

Euthymios,

I say this in all sincerity - I think you need to seek both mental and spiritual counsel. The obsession you have for "exposing" individuals you feel have slighted you through theses posts and the YouTube videos you make is not healthy.

AGAIN. THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME. You didn't address a single point made! It's astonishing!

How do you define what is healthy? Orthodoxy and Scripture teach us to expose false teachers. Had these clergy never been such arrogant jack asses, I never would have had to do anything. They bring these criticisms on themselves, because they are spiritually incompetent. They will get worse and worse unless the laymen arise and reclaim the Church.

 

[Euthymios]

My wife and I have personal ties with many regulars at St Anthony Monastery, as well as personal ties to another of the monasteries started by Elder Ephraim. The allegations hurled at this monastery do not represent reality and are either the result of blatant lies or mental delusion, depending on the specific allegation.

Oh really? Where's your proof? I am the one this happened to! Are you calling me a liar? Are you questioning my motives? I refuse to be intimidated by such childish comments. If you are going to accuse me of lying, PROVE IT!!!!

For example, it was alleged that Elder Paisios told a married couple not to have sex ever again. But the truth behind that allegation is that they needed help and the monastery offered for them to stay there for a short time, and Elder Paisios asked them to refrain while on Monastery grounds.

Totally irrelevant, since I never raised this complaint in MY video. Another Red Herring!

There are people who have an axe to grind for whatever reason. Pay them no mind.

What a sick, cold and heartless thing to say! You don't have the SLIGHTEST PROOF that my complaint is untrue. Pay them no mind? Seriously, where do you people come from? Have you ever read the Bible in your life?

 

[Euthymios]

I could only take a few minutes of that video.

The fake suicide threat is a classic trick of a manipulative person. I would first suspect that Fr. Paisios saw through it than that he just didn't care whether this man lived or died.

This comment reflects the mentality I am concerned about in the modern Greek Church. You're not being helped on the spiritual level. I would advise that you see a psychologist and possibly a cult-deprogrammer.

 

[Euthymios]

Xenia,

You changed the focus and made this an issue about the monastery as a whole, and appealed to the creepy conspiratorial persecution mode complex which cult-deprogrammers warned about in the the link I gave at the beginning of the thread. Most of the people here are exhibiting very disturbing and unhealthy thought patterns. The problem seems to be pandemic and systemic. There has not been one word of compassion from a single person.

You cannot even think outside the box of your mental programming.

 

[Euthymios]

There is so much slander splashed across the internet towards the Ephraimites.

Nothing I said in the video was a slander. If you are going to assert slander, then you need to give and argument for why that assertion should be believed. Slander is committed when a person states a lie. No lie was made in the video. The thing that concerns me about the people commenting, is that they don't even seem capable of thinking outside the box, by atleast contemplating the possibility that the accusation is true.

Ephraimite monasteries witness a traditional piety (for ex. I witnessed an abbess telling a man in a muscleman shirt was inappropriate attire to enter a chapel & he understood, no big deal), they receive many visitors (families etc.), & are very hospitable. There is an Ephraimite of Agia Skepe (Holy Protection) in White Haven, PA about 20 miles from where I live (their website;
Holy Protection Monastery of the Theodokos ). Here is a posting from an Orhtodox group who visted them: Holy Protection Monastery of the Theodokos & another group:

Praying With My Feet: Holy Protection Monastery: Exterior and Grounds

Totally irrelevant.

 

[Euthymios]

you're fine gurney, its just that some converts get hyperexcited about monasteries and monaticism for similar reasons why they become enamored with Russian culture or Greek culture while they are not Russian or Greek. All of the Orthodox life, married, monastic, family, is ascetical, its just that monasticism is one expression of that life, but its the same life for every baptized believer. Why some converts do this (and its mostly converts from protestantism) I don't know. Its unhealthy and sometimes obnoxious,

The so called "cradle" are one of the biggest threats to Orthodoxy, because they have no spiritual zeal and have no impact on society. In my experience, the so called "converts" from Protestantism make the best clergy, laymen and monks. Be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. (Acts 3:19).

 

[prodromos]

Is it standard in your mind for a priest to ignore a suicidal threat?

Many elders have the gift of discernment and are able to see through the facade people hold up and look straight to their heart. Is it not possible that elder Paisios was given divine insight into what the man was trying to do, as God has done with many other elders? I'm reminded of how St John Maximovich was communing the sick at hospital. He gave communion to a young man who had recovered and was being discharged and yet didn't give communion to another who was apparently dieing. When asked why he did that, he explained that the seriously ill man would recover whereas the young man who was being discharged would die that same evening. He gave what was needed where God enlightened him. I suspect something similar happened with this man and elder Paisios.

How much time have you spent with them, and how much personal research and experience do you have with them?

I've never been but good friends of ours go there regularly. They've never given any negative feedback

I read online that three monasteries on Mount Athos said thaht St. Anthony's Monastery is not healthy.

And have you contacted those monasteries on Mt Athos to confirm what has been said online?

Ah, I have just seen your earlier response that you are the one making the claims

 

[Euthymios]

I am going to make one last comment, and then move on. I must say that I am very hurt by the comments made here. I don't think a single person showed any compassion or empathy. This leads me to the notion that the problem is systemic and pandemic. This concerns me about the "spirituality" that is being taught in Orthodoxy. So many people seem incapable of even contemplating the possibility that their priests or abbots could ever do wrong in anything. They seem to be absolute victims of mind control and thought reform. This is really creepy, to say the least.

The most cold, callous and ruthless religious people I have ever had any interaction with have been the Orthodox. There was so much warmth and love among my Evangelical associates and pastors of long ago. And no, I don't recommend Evangelicalism.

Most of the comments in the thread were attempts to shift the focus away from the issue, and personal attacks against me (the author of the video). This is what I anticipated, and addressed it in the video itself.

Most people today cannot think logically and objectively because critical thinking was removed from the academic system in the 20th century. Questioning peoples motives, and engaging in Red Herring's and Ad Hominem's are all logically fallacious, so I would encourage you to take a course in logic and ethics.

I am going to upload the video on two other channels, and give updated information.

I can't believe how cold and callous people in "the truth faith" can be. It literally astonishes my mind.

There is NEVER any justification for a person to ignore a suicidal threat. The fact Fr. Paisios' did this, implies he has a screw or two lose in his head. And there is ALWAYS more that a person can do to help. Why would a priest think himself so important that he feels he had the right to gamble with human life? Where does this grandiosity and narcissism come from?

You people lack Christian love and empathy, because you do not know the Christ of biblical revelation. You're caught-up in religion and legalism is your God.

 

[Euthymios]

Many elders have the gift of discernment and are able to see through the facade people hold up and look straight to their heart.

I am out of here! You people are creepy as heck!

First of all, "many elders"? Where is your proof Father Paisios' is an Elder?

Second, what precisely was the facade? You're making assertions and questioning my motives. This is CLASSIC cultic thinking.

Is it not possible that elder Paisios was given divine insight into what the man was trying to do, as God has do e with many other elders?

First of all, you're assuming he's clairvoyant. Second, any god who tells a man to leave a person alone who threatens suicide, is not the God of Christianity. You shouldn't draw conclusions on possibilities and conjectures.

I'm reminder of how St John Maximovich was communing the sick at hospital. He gave communion to a young man who had recovered and was being discharged and yet didn't give communion to another who was apparently dieing. When asked why he did that, he explained that the seriously ill man would recover whereas the young man who was being discharged would die that same evening. He gave what was needed where God enlightened him. I suspect something similar happened with this man and elder Paisios.

You suspect? You shouldn't draw conclusions on speculation, but on evidence. If the Christian God communicated to Father Paisios' to leave me alone when I threatened and contemplated suicide, then I don't want anything to do with such a God. And if God communicated this information to Fr. Paisio's directly, then why did St. Anthony's Monastery contact a monastery near where I lived the very next day in order to learn about what happened? Fr. Paisio's should have known the suicide threat was fake, if God already told him.

Also, the story about St, John Maximovitch doesn't demonstrate clairvoyants. He could have gotten this information from a doctor.

I've never been but good friends of ours go there regularly. They've never given any negative feedback

I also enjoyed my visit (although I thought it was odd that I was put to work before given a room, as mentioned in the video). But that's NOT the point. Personal experiences at the monastery have absolutely no logical correlation to the points raised in the video.

I read that three monasteries on Mount Athos said that Saint Anthony's Monastery is not healthy. No, I have not contacted them. See? I try to be as honest as possible.

I do not believe Father Paisios' or Elder Ephraim are truly spiritual men, based on my experiences and information in the video.

 

[Euthymios]

I need to leave here. The environment is not spiritually or psychologically healthy. Like the case of Metropolitan Gerasimos, who consistently ignored the issues and concerns raised by the Nevin's about their son, the same has happened here. The problem seems to be pandemic and systemic. Your'e NOT focusing on the issue and engaging the evidence and argument. There is a consistent pattern of shifting the focus, personal attacks, and neglect. Your comments are a form of psychological abuse, although you can't see it and are not aware of the harm you have caused. This is totally cultic.

And when you are in the position to help someone, don't just pray for them, ACT. Christianity teaches us to physically reach out to them and ACT. It's ok to do that.

I wish you all the best.

 

[Euthymios]

I thought of a few more points I want to make, and then I must move on.

1. To the person who suggested that I seek psychological help, that was good advice, and the advice Father Paisios' should have given when the suicidal threat was made. But I want to alleviate your concern by assuring you that this incident happened many years ago. I am not in the frame of mind I was in at that time. It is only by the grace of God, and not because of any man, that I was able to pull out of that situation. I saw a psychologist in 2009, and he wanted me to leave the Orthodox Church.

2. If it be asserted by Father Paisios' or St. Anthony's Monastery that I sent hundreds or thousands of emails or letters, please understand that this would be an absolute slanderous lie against me, in order to tarnish my image by creating the image in your mind that I am some mental nut case. I only sent a few letters. And based on the emotional pain he caused me, these letters were perfectly justified.

3. It was said that my complaints are not healthy. You need to understand that these clergy create the problems by violating the rules of the Church, and it is fully within their capacity to neutralize these scandals. But out of pure selfishness, they can't humble themselves and exercise prudence, obedience, and Christian love. Indifference toward deviations from the faith is a mark of the luke-warm Laodicean Church, mentioned in Revelation. I refuse to be indifferent. Christ honored the Church's at Ephesus and Thyatrya for exposing false teachers. Do you think it was unhealthy for them to do so? Your indifference is the result of being raised in a religiously pluralistic society, marked by modernism and religious tolerance.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

He says, then posts three more times afterward!

I am going to make one last comment, and then move on.

 

[Ioustinos]

AGAIN. THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME. You didn't address a single point made! It's astonishing!

How do you define what is healthy? Orthodoxy and Scripture teach us to expose false teachers. Had these clergy never been such arrogant jack asses, I never would have had to do anything. They bring these criticisms on themselves, because they are spiritually incompetent. They will get worse and worse unless the laymen arise and reclaim the Church.

My dear brother,

Your replies (including the one above) further demonstrate your state. What you are doing is destroying your own soul. Forgive me, but I believe you have fallen into plani.

Everyone is wrong, but you and you are the only one able to expose the truth. This my brother is plani and pride. Humble yourself and pray, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me, the sinner." Follow this with as much effort as you have in making videos and online posts and true peace will come.

Forgive me, the greatest of sinners.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Lord have mercy

 

[SeventhValley]

Mental Health: Keeping Your Emotional Health -- FamilyDoctor.org

Tips on dealing with your emotions

• Learn to express your feelings in appropriate ways. It's important to let people close to you know when something is bothering you. Keeping feelings of sadness or anger inside takes extra energy. It can also cause problems in your relationships and at work or school.
• Think before you act. Emotions can be powerful. But before you get carried away by your emotions and say or do something you might regret, give yourself time to think.
• Strive for balance in your life. Make time for things you enjoy. Focus on positive things in your life.
• Take care of your physical health. Your physical health can affect your emotional health. Take care of your body by exercising regularly, eating healthy meals and getting enough sleep. Don't abuse drugs or alcohol.

 

[SeventhValley]

Can emotional problems be treated?

Yes. Counseling, support groups and medicines can help people who have emotional problems or mental illness. If you have an ongoing emotional problem, talk to your family doctor. He or she can help you find the right type of treatment.

Other Organizations

• Mental Health America
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Psychological Association
• National Institute of Mental Health

 

[SeventhValley]

Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.

 

[SeventhValley]

Hope this helps.

How to be resilient: Help yourself and others bounce back from a setback - YouTube

 

[GregConstantine]

Perhaps some of you guys meant well, but your responses to Euthymios is not very helpful to someone in his situation.

Euthymios, the internet is not the best place to seek out counsel on any such subjects or issues like the one you brought up. The anonyminity of the internet is a temptation for people with issues to hide behind. What you see here is not representative of world wide Orthodoxy, so please don't take a few quirky responses on such fora as this as indicative of worldwide Orthodoxy.
I do agree with you that some converts do engage in some of the behaviors you mentioned, especially the insidious disease of clericalism. The clergy (any given clergy person, including lay monastics) are put up on such a high pedestal. They act as if they are the only members of the Church with any worthwhile chrism so to speak, and can do and say no wrong (the following statement may upset some of people here), but the strange focus on Fr Seraphim is a good example of what I'm talking about. I personally like Fr Seraphim, his writings were very helpful to me as an Orthodox Christian, but he was not right on everything he said. I agree with you on that Euthymios.
If I would to give any suggestion, it would be to not come on the internet to try to come to some resolution to any problems or issues you are having.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I agree with a lot of this here. I've had a couple of Orthodox priests behave VERY rudely to me, and sometimes I get the feeling that some feel a sense of entitlement in their speech, that they can say whatever they want simply because they're "spiritual fathers," etc. When I was a Catholic, I raised an eyebrow at things like this, and I think as an Orthodox, I still do. I start to wonder sometimes about it.

Perhaps some of you guys meant well, but your responses to Euthymios is not very helpful to someone in his situation.

Euthymios, the internet is not the best place to seek out counsel on any such subjects or issues like the one you brought up. The anonyminity of the internet is a temptation for people with issues to hide behind. What you see here is not representative of world wide Orthodoxy, so please don't take a few quirky responses on such fora as this as indicative of worldwide Orthodoxy.
I do agree with you that some converts do engage in some of the behaviors you mentioned, especially the insidious disease of clericalism. The clergy (any given clergy person, including lay monastics) are put up on such a high pedestal. They act as if they are the only members of the Church with any worthwhile chrism so to speak, and can do and say no wrong (the following statement may upset some of people here), but the strange focus on Fr Seraphim is a good example of what I'm talking about. I personally like Fr Seraphim, his writings were very helpful to me as an Orthodox Christian, but he was not right on everything he said. I agree with you on that Euthymios.
If I would to give any suggestion, it would be to not come on the internet to try to come to some resolution to any problems or issues you are having.