Topic: Greek Orthodox Christians of Chicago for Truth and Reform

[filipinopilgrim]

What can you say about this group?


http://gotruthreform.org


In their website, they claim that they are defending the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese against the Ephraimites, and they make distinctions between "faith-abiding priests" and "Ephraimites". Exactly what "traditions" are they defending? I'm also puzzled as to why this group sees monasticism as a threat.

[Alveus Lacuna]

I'm also puzzled as to why this group sees monasticism as a threat.

Usually a red flag.

[GiC]

What can you say about this group?


http://gotruthreform.org


In their website, they claim that they are defending the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese against the Ephraimites, and they make distinctions between "faith-abiding priests" and "Ephraimites". Exactly what "traditions" are they defending? I'm also puzzled as to why this group sees monasticism as a threat.

The Ephramites did establish non-canonical monasteries in violation of episcopal jurisdiction, I'm not sure about the specific grievances of this group but they have good reason to be concerned about people who have long acted in direct opposition to the Orthodox Bishops and Canon Law.

[PeterTheAleut]

This Web site was discussed previously here:  http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,17649.msg404841.html#msg404841

[filipinopilgrim]

I'm struck by two things about the website.

1) Its extremely methodical attempt to list down or "out" pro-Ephraimite clergy and parishes, as can be seen in this webpage:

http://gotruthreform.org/report-ephraimite-activity/


2) The way it characterizes "All-Night Vigils" as a form of cultic mind control:

http://gotruthreform.org/this-is-not-confession/

Naps are encouraged purportedly to allow the visitor to be awake for the services that occur in the middle of the night, but in fact they are a classic cult technique. Disrupting the normal sleep patterns of both the guests and those who live at the monastery make individuals more malleable to suggestions.

Given that praying in the middle of the night is a monastic institution in both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, are the people behind this website saying that monastic prayer is cultist in nature?

[ICXCNIKA]

They also have a problem with priests having beards. I guess I missed the memo where that was frowned upon.

[Cymbyz]

To put it bluntly (and I'm familiar with this group from a forum I no longer follow):  they're more interested in making Orthodoxy American than in making America Orthodox.

[Fr. George]

Oh, goodness - I have a beard, and I would love to have an all-night vigil at my parish.  Am I an "Ephramite," too?