Links to Informational Websites that are Anti-Ephraimite or
Pro-Ephraimite
Many scholars and experts have spent their time and energy exposing the teachings, practices and customs of the Ephraimites. Listed are some of the best resources available on the web for your education about the issues that have been brought to light by the Ephraimite movement in North America. Some of the links should be copied and pasted. Some may require you to visit the website first:
1. For an excellent article that offers a good general background about the issues go to: www.pokrov.org/resource.asp?ds=Article&id=128&sSrch=Paul%20Cromidas&sType=Articles This article written in October, 2003 does an excellent job of explaining issues like the position of certain hierarchs and the effect on the laity. The author, Paul Cromidas, is a highly respected member of the Metropolis of Denver. He possesses high moral integrity and has spent decades at the forefront of exposing all kinds of abuse within the church. In this article, he confronts the spiritual abuse in a very direct and honest way.
2. For a series of articles on various topics that have developed as a result of Ephraimite issues go to: http://www.rickross.com/groups/ephraim.html.
Rick Ross and his website have traced cults throughout the United States. The Ephraimites are disturbed that they are included in his data base. They attempt to marginalize his work by focusing on his Jewish background.
3. For a news story video that is the first of a two part investigation report go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UoQmFOa6QI Part two is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-hLSXaf40U&feature=related
4. To read an excellent analysis of mind control and definitions and characteristics of a cult go to: www.easternorthodoxcults.com. This website is excellent because it is conceived and maintained by a former married layperson under the driection of a monk at St. Anthony’s. It is been reported to GOTR that the former married layperson had his life threatened on numerous occasions. Despite these threats, he masterfully exposes elements of mind control used by the Ephraimites.
5. For a well written article authored by Father Evagoras Constantinides that addresses some very key concerns about the Ephraimite movement go to: http://www.pokrov.org/resource.asp?ds=Article&id=131&sSrch=AN+ANSWER+to+an+ANSWER+about+Monastacism+and+the+Business+of+Monasteries&sTYPE=ARTICLES . The article is about Monasticism and the Business of Monasteries. Father Constantinides is retired and served in the Metropolis of Chicago. He is a highly respected clergyman who has spent many years writing and educating both clergy and laity. Despite his efforts, the Ephraimite movement continues to grow in the Metropolis of Chicago.
6. To download a free copy of Elder Ephraim’s book “A Call from the Holy Mountain”, go to: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/33745831/A-Call-from-the-Holy-Mountain.
7. To understand how those on blogs are confronted by Ephraimites when questions are asked go to: www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,17649.0.html
8. To read about two of the most reported heresies promulgated by the Ephraimite Monasteries go to: http://www.rickross.com/reference/ephraim/ephraim11.html. In this article, Archbishop Lazar Puhalo sets the record straight.
9. To find the source of many articles the Ephraimites rely on for their version of Orthodox theology, go to the “Orthodox Heritage” website. It can be linked at: members.cox.net/orthodoxheritage/index.htm Make sure to click on “Orthodox Message of the Month” which contains various articles. To fully grasp the Ephraimite mentality and perspective of our Greek Orthodox faith, read April, 2006 article entitled: “Let us Stand Aright, Let Us Stand with Fear! Laity within the Holy Altar?”.
10. For an interesting and informative source that discusses one women’s experience in an orthodox cult go to: http://orthodoxcultsthetruth.blogspot.com/. You will learn how following a “spiritual father” blindly created serious consequences for one orthodox Christian. Some of the Hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese need to enlighten themselves and understand the environment they have created or protected.
11. For an excellent analysis of cults, cultic behavior and the issues that surround them please go to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website for a link to an article written by Rev. Dr. George C. Papademetriou. He discusses Cult Practices and Life and the growth of new religious movements. A serious review of his article will educate the reader. One can draw upon his knowledge and experiences to see many of the characteristics we see with the Ephraimites. The author even gives advice to parents on how to rehabilitate their children. The author states “Both parents and youth ought to be aware that once somebody enters into one of these religions they Iose their free choice, which is a fundamental doctrine in Orthodoxy. Reason and free will constitute man’s image of God according to our Orthodox Christian faith”. Go to the following link for this article:www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7075
12.One can ask why concerned Orthodox Christians have taken their time and resources to start this website. There is an excellent article that discusses the need of the laity to educate and protect the faith. It also addresses issues such as “Can the laity (the members of the Church who are not ordained into the priesthood) involve itself in matters of the Faith? Can laypeople who are not empowered to officiate in Sacraments of the Church censure Bishops when those Bishops deviate from the truth? How justified are they who maintain an indifferent stance behind the backs of their Priests and Spiritual Fathers when the teaching and the Faith of the Church are being distorted, with the excuse that their Leaders and their Spiritual Fathers likewise do not witness and confess the truth of Orthodoxy because “they have undergone something human”? These questions are answered in an article that can be found at the following link:www.impantokratoros.gr/D1C49130.en.aspx
13. “There is a new website concerning the practices, theology and effect on the laity from the adherents to the “theology” of Elder Ephraim of Arizona. It is edited by a group out of the Metropolis of Atlanta. Some of our Editors have been consulted by them and we are of the collective opinion that is a site that everyone should visit and rely upon for information concerning the Ephraimite Movement”. Here is the link: http://weareorthodox.com/ourblog/?page_id=8