The Greek Star

Mr Louis Atsaves,
Yes! It is time for action. Time to hear the other side of the story. Time to hear my voice as one of all the faithful Christians of the “Cult of the charismatic Ephraim”.
First of all, I strongly disagree with you about branding what the monastery does as a “cult”. Secondly, I would like to inform you that on the date of June 10, 2012 I arrived in Phoenix and I was present for this Tragedy.
If you did any fact finding before you wrote your article, your investigation would find that the suicide of Nevins was not in the Monastery nor at the Gates. It was far from the property of the Monastery. It was in a residential area with houses, yards, and playgrounds. Truly, I send out my deepest sympathy to the family of Nevins. No one wants hear news of a suicide, but did you bother to investigate his claims of “…fear of physical harm”, for a well adjusted man, who has no “pre-history”?
Speaking from first-hand experience of what the Monastery does for people, I would like to inform you that 8 years ago, my son, then age 24 moved to Phoenix to attend school and work. He visited the Monastery of St Anthony and he was welcomed there for 3 whole years. He lived there Free. He ate there Free. He slept there Free. Until he was able to get on his feet, the Monastery gave, and asked for Nothing in return. On and off, the thought of becoming a monk did cross his mind. Elder Ephraim told him to wait and think about it. No One, forced him to stay or leave, or else.
For three whole years he lived the best years of his life at the Monastery. They helped him find a very successful job, he saved money, bought a house, and is living ever since, in God’s ways, with Love, Respect, & Dignity.
I never stop sending thank you notes to Geronta Ephraim & Paisios for helping my son find the true way in life, the True Orthodox religion. Because this “cult” as you call it, practices the 2012 year old TRUE Orthodox religion, at the heart of which is Compassion and Love towards all mankind.
Our homeland, Greece is full of monasteries and of course the Holy Mount Athos. As Greeks we should be proud that we have spread Orthodoxy all over the world. As Greeks, it is a blessing to have 18 Monasteries in the US and Canada.
Going back to my childhood years ’65, ’70, 75, we knew nothing about praying, komboskini, or fasting. Our communities, including our churches, did nothing or little to save Orthodoxy, our customs, traditions, or language. They did nothing to help our children against drugs, alcohol, etc. Just go visit our cemeteries to see how many of our children die of drugs. All we know how to do is to hide, pretend that everything is ok. You don’t often see newspaper or internet articles condemning and fighting the drugs, alcohol, bourdela, drug dealers, and our society’s dirty dark secrets with as much Venomous Vigor as you and others in the media recently attack the Monasteries - that actually make an effort against the darkness.
One would have to wonder what is behind you and others in the local papers spitting their poison towards the Monasteries and our Religion. Why? Who is hiding behind those headlines?
I admit that the Churches & Metropolises are losing plenty of green ($$$) cash because some souls prefer the quiet, pure, clean, unpretentious True Church. We live in a free country, with choices of where to go and pray, and spend our money.
On the claim that Elder Ephraim is a living Saint, no one makes that claim. It is up to each of us to decide for ourselves what we choose to believe based on his actions, work and accomplishments. Based on the countless souls he has helped, we owe him great praise and we should all strive to follow his example and be more like “Living Saints” in our daily lives. It is a very difficult task if you take into account the world in which we live in, filled with personal agendas, ego worship, promotions, and material goods. All things which starve the soul. Geronta Ephraim set up sanctuaries from these things for all those who choose to believe that some other things in life, have more value…
Please Mr Atsaves, can you tell me who gave you the idea that the “cult” of Ephraim now has blood on its hands. What do you know that you judge a tragic suicide of a well standing man? Do you know the other side of the story?
If you had looked into monastery life, you would find that whoever lives or visits the Monasteries must abide by a strict set of rules, otherwise they are out! Do you know what they told my son before they welcomed him under their roof in July of 2005? “You are welcome to our Monastery, but you have to follow the rules. No Drinking. No Drugs. No Gambling. No Womanizing. You must respect the quiet atmosphere of this sanctuary, and come to church whenever you are not tired from work. You must go to bed early. These are terribly terrifying set of rules to live by, aren’t they?
As for the parents complaining about the recruiting tactics, that attract their grown children who seek sanctuary and peace at the monasteries, what alternatives do they have? To lock them up, keep them from their free choice? Or let their children be caught up in the whirlwind downward spiral of society…
Lastly, on your concern for the finances of the Monasteries, and a report of where their money goes. Don’t worry about that. All one needs, is to look at their work, all the souls they have helped, and ask them if they are happy with how and where their money is spent. If I may ask you, a question now, “Do you know where and how your Church spends your money? Are you satisfied with that?”
Before your venomous condemnation and judgment of all things related to the Monasteries, perhaps you should have invested some time in understanding the other side first.
In closing, God Bless Spyridon, who opened the doors and allowed Elder Efraim to enter America. I always did, and always will admire and be grateful to him. He was a legend, and is very much missed.
I’d be happy to hear back from you.

Dear Demetra,

Thank you for your post. Your words ring true. Elder Ephraim's monasteries are monastic gems in North America. They are spiritual fortresses against the pervading threat of secular humanism. St Anthony Monastery will continue to be attacked by those forces which despise holiness.

The devil is not happy.

Michael