St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery in Arizona

[skotnevins]

why is there so much controversy? I was a novice at St. Anthony's for 6 years. I worked in the trapeza with Fr. Efthymios. Let me cut to the chase: Elder Ephraim is a charlatan; he's lying about being holy, about having noetic prayer, etc. In all actuality he's from the devil; he's a satanist; he's evil. The monks fell for his trick.

[BakinKoljac]

@skotnevins

the problem is that people fall into nihilism because of such people.

"orthodoxy is false" because one single elder is an dick head is not the right way.

i am not talking about you...but its a tendency.

[vadermask]

St. Anthony's Monastery is beautiful looking!  I wrote to Fr. Philaret a couple of times. He is a super nice guy. Funny how this guy mentions Prabhupada. I still love those Hare Krishna books I have.

[thatUkrainianguy]

This is a beautiful story of your journey. Why is there so much controversy over Elder Ephraim and his monasteries?

[mushroomjesus]

@stannikom I wouldn't have minded looking toward Christ instead of the Elder, and I agree, it's wrong to look toward a man as a faultless guide. Unfortunately the main rule in the monastery is to obey the abbot and the Elder Joseph (Fr. Ephraim's Elder) instructed novices and other monks to see their spiritual father as the face of Christ. Is this blasphemy in your opinion?

[MarkG80615]

Thank you for your openness, naked honesty and unconventional presentation of your experiences. I hope you find peace. (not said in a condescending way, but as a fellow struggler)

IC XC

NI KA

[renerdrat]

jacky.. lol

[BorislavX]

I am sorry, going into the monastery because you got cut playing with yourself is 100% the wrong reason to go.

God Bless You.

Fr. Borislav

[jasonbently2002]

Fr. Philotheos? I'm so sorry. May God help you.

[jeffdiner]

This young boy wasn't cut out for monastic life as most people aren't cut out for it including myself. Just because I can't live that lifestyle doesn't mean I should critisize those who do. BTW, there is no reason not to build this oasis in the dessert as perfect as possible in the name of our lord and saviour and the saints who dedicated their lives to him. I hope this young person finds what he's looking for .

[Matthalamew]

Nice video Brother.

It is as others have said the size of you spirit (which in good only God can grow) that matters as appose to the size of the flesh.

I once wrote to you about the changing quality of mushrooms (psilocybin), that

the seemed to me the very body of Christ. I wonder where you are with that in

these days of tribulation.

In Him & In Peace As Such,

Matthalamew

[beaubluenyc]

A study of the Bhagavad Gita would have served you much better than St. Anthony's. But then again it was all part of your path - and there are no mistakes in life.

[MrOrthodox30]

Επισκεφτείτε και το νέο ιστολόγιο ΑΘΕΪΑ, η άρνηση της αλήθειας

Please visit the new blog "Αtheism, denial of truth"

[amitnarayankar]

@cultexposer I dint put Lord Jesus lower or higher in comparison with anyone. I just said God is one we call it by diff names. God made man and man made religions. Ur comment shows how narrow minded u r and u sound so much like an extremist. U should learn to respect other people's beliefs and I am not talking about religion here.

[amitnarayankar]

belief of existence of God is the first step towards believing in yourself. It doesnt matter if u follow Krishna or Christ. They both lead u to God. They both can lead u to truth. Even if u dont follow them and make ur own way it will still lead u towards god and the ultimate truth. We all have to die. Death is truth and peace. Who has seen afterlife, heaven or hell. No one. The whole universe is God. U respect the nature and it will respect u. May Jesus guide u to truth. Amen

[CultExposer]

It's blasphemy for you to lower Jesus Christ, to the level of Krishna . It's also idolotrous. Krishna is an idol and there is no salvation in him. Christ saw Heaven and Hell. There is NO salvation in Krishna and pantheism is a demonic lie.

[syphen888]

@CultExposer Krishna is known as the supreme personality. Have you ever read the Bhagavad Gita? I was once given that book, but as a fundamentalist Christian, I left it on a shelf as an obscure curiosity. Having read it with non discriminating eyes I'm really quite happy I did, it really is quite revealing. I wouldn't call myself a "convert", I would definitely recommend the read though. By and large, I would say the book is truthful. It's much more useful than the Bible in many respects.

[jesustheexorcist]

Now I dont have these things happen but i am a more sane and spiritually healthy person. See the devil gives us these "spiritual manifestations" to keep us doing drugs. But Christ(Eucharist) brings you to reality and holiness. I pray you are healed, consoled and filled with the Holy Spirit. Amen

[zebrasw7]

only the holy spirit can teach. we can only proclaim.

[jesustheexorcist]

I used to smoke marijuana and continued to do so even after I converted. I had many "spiritual things" happen to me that made me feeel like I was one of the most important people out there. But I quit smoking and put my trust in the Holy Eucharist.

[neheshtun]

Deer friend we all have the same problems our main trouble is acknowledging them and dealing with them in dignity .you are human we all have dreams it takes great courage to bear your shame and bee willing to do something about it I personally do not see sterile hermitage as the answer life is victorius wives are necessary forman we are being called to build a community 12 or 14 tribes in Winkelman Az akross from windspirit where I once lived I n I welcome you and nijjars presence JacobYEZIAM

[nijjhar1]

Could I visit this Monastery please?

[drew1095950]

Certainly. The monks are gracious, and the services are sublime. All you are required to do is to make previous arrangements for your stay by calling the monastery.

Be advised: there will be restrictions put on you if you are not Orthodox; e.g. where you stand in the services.

[nijjhar1]

No problem. I understand them.

[Joasia9]

unfortunately, there are many converts that live by their own standards and yet believe that they follow God's path. Their prelest is deep and no amount of explanation will help them understand. Only God will know how to reach them.

[drew1095950]

What this young man does not relate in this series of videos is his testimony of Elder Ephraim's clairvoyance. He had written several long posts on his (now defunct) MySpace blog on his experience in the monastery, one of which dealt with his 'life confession' to the Elder. He was making his confession, and he had neglected to tell the Elder that he had tried to kill his sister when he was in Junior High. After he had finished, Elder Ephraim asked him point blank:

[drew1095950]

'What about the time that you tried to kill your sister by placing a suffocatory substance under her nose while she was sleeping?' (Or something to that effect. I do not recall the exact wording.) The point is, Elder Ephraim not only knew that he had tried to kill his sister, but how.

This young man was both simultaneously bewildered and excited by the Elder's obvious clairvoyance. He said as much in his blog.

[drew1095950]

I only relate this story to testify to the Elder's holiness, and this young man's delusion. It is truly sad. He is now clearly under demonic oppression (with his numerous stories of hearing 'voices' in his mind and his bizarre and blasphemous theory of Jesus as a hallucinogenic mushroom ), and he may even be possessed.

Lord, have mercy.

[zebrasw7]

it is of some consolation to see that others also have the same holy and humble insight, which is true other-worldy illumination.

god bless. time is running out.

[jacoblandes]

Thanks for the video. I was with the Platina people and later the Church Abroad. In time I saw how much denial and untruth swirled among the incense. Now I am in a twelve-step group. God blesses me every day and I have hope and maturity, instead of the self-righteousness dogmatism that cannot be supported by the "Fathers of the Church," logic, Scripture, or history.

[Apologist117]

Can you give me an example of an Orthodox dogma that cannot be supported by the Fathers of the Church, logic and history? The Twelve Step Program was founded by Bill Wilson, a Spiritist who claimed to get his information on the twelve steps from a spirit through a Ouija Board. He also used LSD.

[rabiahibetullah]

GOD BLASS YOU BROTHER INSAALLAH

[lotuspocus]

hello my friend . i am sorry for the bad writing

i am from greece and i saw your story

i don't know if it is right what i am doing but i find some common things in our stories

the difference is that the things happened to me in the opposite way.

i was always searching for the truth

automatically i couldn't even think that life was only what it seems to be.

anyway, after smoking mj, reading, meditating,mushr..peyot,ayah..­etc yoga, reiki etc for years, many spiritoual things happened to me .

[kayaburning]

Groovy!!!God bless!!!

[bignube]

dude, your hilarious! doxe to theo!

[orthodoxusa]

Brother, you are very fortunate to have left that place.

[avantibarbari]

Are you serious? So, you think life at the monastery was worse than his new delusions about mushroom revelations?

[fcc61]

The speaker of the video speaks some things. The sad part is that he fell not from the monastery but from the spiritual ladder. The spiritual life is not easy, and this person obviously had his run-ins with REALITY!! Sadly, though, he has become disillusioned with his own sins, as I of us do, but he has failed to keep the faith, fight the good fight. May God have mercy on all of us!!

[crestinortodox2009]

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on him!

[OARHEGOS]

what is this mushroom thing?

[BX02]

you should delete your stupid video..and your spoken greek sucks!

[Johnnydoe480]

And the Greek churches in Arizona don't like the monastery becuase much of the donations go to the monastery and the parishes are jealous. This is nothing but a video of lies and deception.

[Johnnydoe480]

I attend this monastery and I USED to know this guy "Niphon" very well. We used to have meals at a mutual friends house. Since he wasn't given a blessing to do many things he turned against the very people trying to help his soul. He brainwashed his own wife that he knows whats best for her. God Bless you Theodora for being obedient but you are dead to me Niphon !!!!

[strannikcom]

Its called missing the forest for the trees. This person went to a very strict monastery for all of the wrong reasons (escape), without having dealt with critical issues first. He shows a picture of a married couple and calls it illusion - but God has blessed this as much as monasticism. He learned the hard way that a monastery provides no shelter from the passions - it turns the heat up on them! He fixates on the elder (always a problem) but has forgotten about Christ, the only real good.

[BX02]

You need help!

[Apologist325]

But Freemasons aren't Christians. They worship Lucifer [see Pike, Morals and Dogmas].

[Apologist325]

Nikos (N1k1mon / David Smith) is totally mentally ill as he himself admits in his own profile. Nikos is not even a Christian anymore. It is the mentally ill (backsliders) and the Freemason Archbishop Lazar Puhalo that are the sources of all the attacks on Saint Anthony's Monastery. Lazar is jealous of Ephraim and he has submitted complaints against the monastery to various heretical websites. This is a totally un-Christian thing to do -going before the ungodly.

[adevar09]

This is a testimony of a guy who unfortunately failed to become a monk (he is/was too attached to sexuality) and now he denigrates the orthodoxy and the monk groups.

I found inappropriate to link nudity images to orthodox religion which was founded by our Lord Jesus Christ when after His Ascension, He sent down upon His Apostles the Holy Spirit who proceeds from God the Father as is written in the New Testament.

[N1k1mon]

I truly miss Papa Ephraim's voice though....an angel or a god gave him the power of song like nothing I have ever heard or felt.

Tais ton tha crion sou roes........

[N1k1mon]

The monks themselves were nothing but wonderful to me, as far as I know they believe they are in the truth 100%, which makes them deluded and not evil. The Christian religion destroyed my life, and Orthodoxy only pushed me over the edge. I am learning how to be free again. Many days like today, when I have been up all night with my nightmares...I sure dont know what will happen to me, but at least I am free to think for myself and learn what I want to learn. I understand MJ's story completely

[Apologist325]

How can Orthodoxy be poison, when it has produced countless thousands of saints? The proof is in the pudding. You take drugs and have clearly fallen into delusion and the influence of evil spirits. You are the deluded one.

[N1k1mon]

I WOULD have followed the Geronda to death at one point, he had been built up in my mind by everybody, to the point of sainthood. In fact I have the only copy of an "Icon" of him that is prepared, it is called a 'Picture on wood' for now but it is an icon, as far as I know only the remaining monks at the Monastery have one besides me. All the stories made him my hero, but personally he was just a kind old man that didnt pay much attention to an Irishman in the Greek Church.

[N1k1mon]

I planted many trees, picked many oranges, prayed Kyrie Iesou Xpiste Eleisov Me 10,000 times a day, I got sicker and sicker mentally and physically while I was there. I was given much love by the monks and by my spiritual fr there. I was mostly ignored by the Geronda and Fr Paisios, I spoke mostly with another hieromonk, Fr Seraphim and the novice Athanasios and Fr Paulos, when I worked with Fr Anthony I would speak with him much. They loved me and I still love them, but the religion is poison

[N1k1mon]

I too lived at St Anthony's GO Monastery. I too confessed with Fr.Paisios, Geronda Ephraim and Fr Chrys'....I too was left lost and wandering, I too found the mushroom. I took 6 trips and realized I could read thoughts, I realized time could be bent, I channeled 2 spirits and came away knowing I am one with the world. After 30 years of cult indoctrination I am coming out of my psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, suicidal depression, existential crisis, I deconverted approx 2 months ago.

[Apologist325]

Chanelling spiritis is forbidden by Scripture (Deut.18, etc). You have opened yourself up to evil spirits and delusion.

[N1k1mon]

How in the world would you know if I channeled a spirit or not?? What are you talking about?? Why are you messaging me about these mental disorders that cults bring about??? Read up on cults pal, they are called "mindfucks" for a reason.

Just so you know...I am A) Not bound by a scripture given to a mass of hebrews thousands of years ago b) never channeled a spirit...SO WHO IS DELUSIONAL???

[Apologist325]

You're the one who posted you chanelled spirits.

[SixtiesFan90]

@Zarabbas: You do know that Monasticism is an alternate standard of living, right? Not that there's anything wrong with that{as far I know}.

[nikoz78]

You're a punk.

[Zarabbas]

The images used to place emphasis on alternate standards of living rather than Monasticism say much about you MushroomJ.Your words and your imagery is antithetical to Christianity. The alternatives you imply are weighed down by the Passions you were supposed to fight against within yourself.But now you have embraced the Passions (those vices) within your soul. I know you are not "venting" but are retaliating against God through those who represent him best.

Why do you oppose God in such a way?

[Dschingme]

....meinen Glauben an Jesus Christus kann mir dieser Schwachsinn nicht nehmen.

[allymetoo]

For all of those who wonder about Monastic Life.

Think very concise.

It is real tough stuff. Don't fool yourself.

Life or some other solution is best for most of us.

I think only if some maturity can be achieved in early Life it might be, but that's also quite rare case nowadays.

And of course, as mushroomjesus points out, a real spiritual Guide must be there ( Which you don't always know )

[cosmosfile]

MUSHROOM JESUS , WHY USE THIS NAME?

[startosgreek]

my brother in crist. i take it you are a monk..

my god keep you and the holly fathers well! and be well dont froget us in ur prayers,,

name stratos, panagiota, stefanos,

i have bine tring to contakt father efrm but cn not sekseed may i am not worthy.. please give him my regards!!

would love to hear from you !!

ur frind i crist stratos!!

[ICXCNIKA84]

Jasper,

I don't know exactly what happened to you in Arizona under the tutelage of Fr. Paisios, but it sounds like you have issues with monasticism and the Church. I am Reader called to marriage, and I have come to understand the Church as a hospital, where we can take our passions and receive our medicine. If you felt that your confessor was judgmental or doing something that was damaging, you should have considered it a blessing and found another.

I hope you will pray for me a sinner.

[andrikoshellin]

my friend , I know it was hard for you, but that's monastism, maybe you were not ready or too young.You can't blame the monks, that's their lifestyle,

[Lucan11]

Only Orthodox arrogance would assume the spiritual father not to be at fault.

[saraktash]

May our Lord & Saviour Jesus the Christ forgive your insane, demonic babbling. You left not merely the oasis in Arizona, but have deserted any inkling of Orthodoxy that you may ever had.

[antheodor]

The elder Ephraim is a living eg. of a humble Othodox monk.  How dare you accuse him of being a cult leader? Do you even know him? I have known him for 20 years and I have seen nothing but Christian love, humility, discernment and gifts of the Holy Spirit in this perfect example of a Christian. And I find it offensive that you accuse him of such garbage. While the elder Ephraim makes mistakes -as does every human being - I know that he is of the view that doctor's advice should be followed.

[GreekOrthodoxy]

Father Ephraim does not love Orthodoxy. If he did, he would not be a part of the modernist and ecumenist Greek Archdiocese; the latter of which has full membership in the WCC --a completely heretical organization. And any priest who tells their disciple to stop taking their psychic medication, is a quak or cult leader. The Holy Fathers taught that psychic medication is given by God. [see Larchet, "Mental Disorders and Spiritual Healing: Teachings from the Early Christian East"].

[GreekOrthodoxy]

And for these reasons he can't be a true Orthodox Elder.

[antheodor]

..... and it is this knowledge that made me say what I did, not super-sensitivity. But to accuse him of being a cult leader is reprehensible and shows ignorance about Orthodox monasticism and, in particular, the lives of the Fathers of the Orthodox Church. I am shocked that You Tube continues to keep this video series posted on here when it clearly promotes hatred of another person.

[1integrity]

mushroom, what were you taught about the difference between Ephraim and our God Jesus Christ?

[1integrity]

If mushroom is schitzophrenic, is he on his medicine at the moment or had he stopped taking it because of someone's "advice"?

[antheodor]

This man is obviously very disturbed and I find it offensive that you are suggesting that a holy Elder like Gheronta Ephraim would suggest he not be on medication. Medication was given to us by God to help us.

[1integrity]

all this super sensitivity about Ephraim concerns me. If he had wrongly not given mushroom his medicine, simply shows an unwise human decision. The saints not only made mistakes at times, but also sinned of which they repented later, so to challenge a question about Ephraim's potential mistake as if it was offensive shows a cultic adoration of a fellow human. Christ is Perfect. Only cults try to exalt another into that Perfection without common human errors. Remember Jesus' leadership is humble.

[dimtry19]

.. Christos anesti!...greetings from an orthodix christian of puerto-rican descent in new york city who did all that research in the ways of the "world": greed, lust, education, power,money etc which almost killed me spitually, mentally and physically..GOD bless you reward you for your honesty..as it says in psalm 51 (the psalm of purification): "...Behold Thou desirest truth in the inwardd being "...Trust in GOD always no matter where your journey takes you..

[doulos2theou]

I was moved to write these things to you b/c I sensed that you were being honest and sincere in your videos in spite of the sarcasm and confusion.

I am not at all blaming you, nor the monastery. I hope you will be able to move forward in your life in a healthy and positive direction.

- A Greek Orthodox Deacon

[mushroomjesus]

Thanks, I was just relating my story, which is a bit humorous, and all the things I said were honest, though they might seem sarcastic. I am happy where I am, but a bit resentful toward the Orthodox Church which, after I returned from the monastery, was a very hostile environment... I was manic at that point encouraging everyone to use the Jesus Prayer, which Fr. John Pierce was against. I was confused until I heard that when he realized he was to become a Priest, he took acting classes.

[Adonomos]

@mushroomjesus

Monastic life is a calling not a choice and many who fall away from that life always like to point the finger at this or that and in some cases it maybe true. Many times what is exposed, is our true heart and because we dont want to accept that. Which is, we dont want to give up our life for Christ, we choose to blame the path rather than our feet.

I pray you see the positive fullfilment in your spiritual growth, rather that a negative discouragement

[doulos2theou]

It's not about escaping the world or problems or sexuality, etc. but its about willingly working together with God to grow in love for God and others, to help those who are suffering and in need.

[mushroomjesus]

Isolated from the world, the monastery is a multi-million dollar palace, and although they do donate food boxes to the poor, 90% of their donations go toward building the oasis which is a comfortable place, but the opposite of the tomb which St. Anthony used to battle the demons. Monks work on their own spirituality, believing "the poor will be with you always" and "remove the log from your eye before you try and remove the speck from your brothers"... spiritual struggles and air conditioning.

[doulos2theou]

Which takes me back to my first observation, that you somehow didn't get the basic message of the Gospel of Christ, the "good news" of God's love for the world and for you and me and the Kingdom of love which he brings and the gift of the Holy Spirit which we can receive and which you did receive in your baptism-chrismation, and that through the Holy Spirit He calls us into partnership with Him to do the will of God in the world. As He said: "I was hungry and you fed me, etc."

[doulos2theou]

It seems that you are now into a spiritual belief system in which the escapism has taken the form of using hallucinigenic mushrooms You seem to think that the shrooms do for you is what the Christian monks and mystics have sought and found to varying degrees in this life.

[doulos2theou]

I don't doubt that the experiences you had at the monastery didn't help you to resolve your problems and maybe exacerbated them. Given that, it seems that the Abbot made the right decision to send you away from the monastery for your own well-being even if it didn't feel good to you at the time.

[doulos2theou]

It seems that you went to the monastery to escape from some aspect of your life. It seems that sexuality was part of what you were running from and that you have yet to work out a healthy integration of your sexuality with your spiritual life. Well I think its a challenge for most.

[doulos2theou]

It also seems that you were pretty confused - and still are - about what the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Orthodox Christian faith are. I don't mean that as an insult.

[doulos2theou]

Dear Luke (?),

(Did you say the Elder called you "Lukas"?)

I watched all your videos and I don't know where to start... How about this... I'm also from the beautiful Evergreen State.

It seems that you are very honest, which I appreciate. It also seems that you are still trying to work through something that happened in your life a decade ago.

[patergeorgos]

A physician, lawyer, musician, or athelete spends countless hours of study and practice to master their field. It takes a lot to know the "created," how much more it takes to know even one iota about the "Creator." To even begin to fathom the Holy Mysteries requires humility, a love-filled heart, prayer, struggle, and God's Grace. We kneel and thank our Lord for His gift of Monasticism which burns bright in America and helps bring us close to Him and Him to close to us.

[mushroomjesus]

Amen to that! Billions of years before man was on the earth, the kingdom of fungus lived--the spore being the only organic matter to be able to travel through space. Blessings from the heavens, and only the proud would presume God's gift to be of the Devil. More humility and oneness with nature, and let our frontal cortex's ignite with serotonin like tryptamines of love and liberation! As Christ likened himself to the mushroom, so we can abide in him--no transubstantiation needed!

[allsaintsmonastery]

Better we should make a prostration since kneeling is not an Orthodox Christian posture of prayer. It also takes some compassion and concern for the created world to bring us into spiritual knowledge. Matthew Chapter 25 gives us a greater picture of what else is necessary for our salvation. I invite you to also tune in to our discussion of the Holy Mysteries on youtube.

[allsaintsmonastery]

The icon shown which "you thought was the afterlife," has nothing to do with the "afterlife." It speaks of the struggle in this life already. The Ladder of Divine Ascent is not about the afterlife, but about this life. Unfortunately, the Gnostic teaching of the "aerial toll houses", a means of controlling people's minds through abject fear, is much to prevalent among many monastics. We are saved by Christ inspite of our sins, not because we have conquered them all.

[mushroomjesus]

"The Soul After Death" is an Orthodox book which has Toll Houses in it, the Ladder of Divine Ascent by John Climacus is about life... what do you think of Chapter 5, "The Prison"... looking at it now, I wonder if humility mixed with zealous piety ended up as masochism. Fr. Paisios gave me the book which I used read tearfully building up a spiritual fire that blazed as I repeated the Jesus Prayer... a feeling very similar to the preliminary onset of the psilocybin mushroom. Tryptamines.

[burntheact]

You did not listen to the Abbot when he told you not to listen to such things because it will bring about a delusion. You didn't believe him, and now you believe Jesus was a magic mushroom... Contrary to what the Church has always taught. Please get a spiritual father and talk these things over with him.

[mushroomjesus]

Before the church existed the Dead Sea Scrolls were written. When they were found, the ONLY linguist from Oxford wrote a book about all the references to Mushrooms... but you probably believe Terrorists were the cause of the 9/11 incident. The Grand Conspiracy has always pulled the wool over the eyes of the masses. Blind faith isn't for me--I want TRUTH!

[albval1]

That's not true. I am well versed in the DSS. The "scholar" you depend on didn't say that, ane he has been critisized by other scholars anyway. Do you believe everything you read?

[mushroomjesus]

Have you read his book, "The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross"? He was critisized by the Vatican and Priests, NOT scholar. Have you experienced the psilocybin musrhoom? It really isn't like Heroin or Crack--it has no toxic or addictive qualities and improves the quality of life in research done by John Hopkins--google psilocybin psychology online, or check out my video on recent studies--I don't see what is so attractive about bread that is worth defending when the mushroom is truly glorious!

[burntheact]

And what does the Dead Sea Scrolls have to do with anything?

[mushroomjesus]

The Dead Sea Scrolls are the only texts that did weren't revised through the translation of one language to the next where things get skewed from their original meaning. Even the English versions of our Bible have different meanings like in Exodus 16, the King James says the Manna was a small ROUND thing on the ground, but the New International says small FLAKES... well, mushrooms are small round things, but not flakes... So what did the Aramaic scroll say in the original text?

[mushroomjesus]

Ah, but it was my Father Paisios who sent me away, and if I was sick, what kind of Spiritual Doctor does that make him? He didn't say "it will bring about a delusion" he said it WAS a delusion, but then after saying so when I was worried and went to him for counsel, he was unable to give me advice that I could apply to my spiritual and monastic life. The spirit of Christ in the mushroom was full of wisdom and understanding. I'm no saint now, but I've learned not to judge others... have you?

[sexitheodorable]

You're obviously not the right person to be a monk,..and not everyone is meant for that life,.It's OK!,..that's why he sent you away!

[Psalm130]

I watch a lot of music videos. I love music. And I've gone to a lot of antichristian vidoes telling them the truth they need to hear.

[Psalm130]

I wouldn't be surprised if Fr. Paisios had nothing further to do with him. Fr. Paisios seems only to care for his immediate people. He does not have normal Christian love and compassion for anyone beyond his local circle.

[mushroomjesus]

Fr. Paisios is a monk, so I'd have to go to him for advice. The last thing I asked him was if laughter was divine and he said, "no, true illumination is very peaceful, far from laughter..." but in a vision of St. Anthony I had, I was told that the devil hates laughter and to make sure I had the last laugh.

[Psalm130]

I wouldn't trust visions. Especially ones that contradict your spiritual father.

[mushroomjesus]

Perhaps you wouldn't trust your visions, but who was the Spiritual Father of Abraham, or St. Anthony?  The idea of a spiritual father came from saints who had no spiritual father--either way, why would the abbot send the novice away unless he was unable to "father" him?

[Psalm130]

It appears you have too much ego, self-will and trusting of your thoughts. Obedience and humility are key virtues for monks.

[mushroomjesus]

Once again, I will remind you I begged Fr. Paisios to let me stay under his protective wing, but he sent me back into the world. But that was then, as far as my ego is now... I'd say huge--at least I feel my attachment to it strongly as it dissolves during a mushroom trip, but obedience was no longer an option and neither was being a monk.

[Psalm130]

You can still be obedient to Orthodoxy. It is never too late. Get a spiritual father and crucify your opinions. Stop trusting yourself. This only leads to delusions. Look at what your self will has done. Examine your life and its fruits.

[mushroomjesus]

Says a guy who sits and watches youtube videos... is that in the Orthodox handbook--Spiritual father says A-Okay?

[sexitheodorable]

I don't think being a monk should have ever been an option. You are not meant for it, and most people aren't!

[Apologist117]

I don't agree. Anyone can be a monk. God's grace can help anyone. The only requirement is that a person loves God with their whole heart, mind, soul and strength.

[Psalm130]

By the way, I'm Death2theWorld. I changed my profile.

[allymetoo]

I have been thinking about this question a lot. I don't have an answer, but I some sort of feel, that even Saints like Father Paisios do not know everything.

If someone is laughing, what is he laughing about or for what reason ?

If he laughs out of pride about the suffering of others, then he has no mercy in his heart, but if someone laughs about the many silly distractions and amusements, that have absolutely no value, neither here nor thereafter, I think, then it is a good laughter.

[GreekOrthodoxy]

Why did you refer to Fr. Paisios as a saint? He is not a saint. He has no love, and he is part of the GOA, a graceless and ecumenist jurisdiction that is in communion with heretics [WCC], Monophysites, ecumenists, and Freemasons.

[N1k1mon]

Are you talking about Fr Paisios at St Anthony's??

[sarovskij]

I'm afraid you are heading for a very dangerous path with those "entheogens". Psychedelics have always been linked with sorcery (mushrooms included). Experienced coptic monks even warn about marijuana as a very dangerous way for achieving salvation.

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

(1 Corinthians 10:21)

Holy Eucharist = The True Medicine

[mushroomjesus]

Holy Eucharist = alcohol and bread

Body of Christ = mushroom tea

[AnandaShake]

dont try to make him understand you listen the wise to enlighten yourself, he listen with "faith" just to stop thinking which its more confortable... its the Opium of the town .Nietzsche (i translated this one literally).

"This man arent drunk,as you supposed, because its the 3rd hour of the day" Hechos 2:15

"Dont get drunk/numb of wine, intead of spirit" Efesios 5:28

[mazzata66]

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of

Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders,and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They

perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will

believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but

have delighted in wickedness. (Thessalonians 2:9-12)

[Psalm130]

Galatians 5 gives us a prohibition against drugs used for occultic purposes.

[washyoudishes]

Sounds like you needed a shrink to deal with your problems. Instead you opted to hide out from society by living out in a monastery. You had (have?) some serious psychological issues which probably required professional medical help.

[mushroomjesus]

Orthodox psycho-therapy is the Jesus Prayer. The true medicine I needed was the body of Christ. Psychotherapists of the world would look to Freud... I'm now majoring in ethnobotany and transpersonal psychology in college... have you researched the theraputic quailities of psilocybin yet?

[washyoudishes]

So..basically you fled to the monastery to hide from your own inadequacies (small penis) and now your trashing them because why?

[mushroomjesus]

The abbot's Fr. Paisios and Ephraim SENT me away against my will... I fled TO the monastery to escape the world's criticism of size. I'm trashing them because a spiritual father is supposed to GUIDE his disciple, and he sent me away for having a spiritual crisis he couldn't deal with... the mushroom, however, could guide me.

[washyoudishes]

Sounds like you needed a shrink to deal with your problems. Instead you opted to hide out from society by living out in a monastery. You had (have?) some serious psychological issues which probably required professional medical help.

[washyoudishes]

As far as I understand it most people who choose the life of a monastic, do so in order to get closer to God. They are on a quest in search of the Divine. I think your Abbot's sent you away probably because they realized that you were not suited to live the life of a monk, that's why you were in the novice stages..in the Greek the word is Dokimo which roughly translates to trying out the lifestyle.

[washyoudishes]

I think your Abbot's sent you away probably because they realized that you were not suited to live the life of a monk, that's why you were in the novice stages..in the Greek the word is Dokimo which roughly translates to trying out the lifestyle. I would like to know what the Abbot's have to say on your behalf? Clearly your claims are biased which prevents an objective consideration for your situation.

[greytiger]

Right on bro-- I sympathize and support your point of view!! People are filled with FEAR which prevents them from questioning. After all, the "Devil" has always been linked to the questioning of authority. Thats just bullsh*t brainwashing tactics to get us to beg and kneel before lesser men. Most people who dismiss psychedelics are people who have no experience with them.

[mikeyjay624]

you have polluted a beautiful thing with your foul language and your hypocrisy!

[ichbineintoober]

Weird shit. Is this actually you or is this for entertainment?

[mushroomjesus]

That monastery experience was my actual experience at 18 I was a bit naive... still am I suppose, but 'blind faith' is not something I'd encourage although it is a load off a conscience for those who believe in the polarities of hell and heaven.

[Death2TheWorld]

The Bible condemns the use of hallucinogenic drugs (pharmakeia) for occultic purposes. See for example Galatians 5:19-22.

[dirkm97]

It has been the testimony of the Orthodox monastics through history and the Holy Fathers that demons can take many disguises - even those of angels or trying to fool people into seeing the "Uncreated Light" in order to make them prideful or to lead them astray. Therefore, we must be very CAREFUL. And to do this, two BIG things are needed: 1) humility, and 2) spiritual guidance and discernment from a priest or an elder - in order that we don't leave ourselves astray.

[dirkm97]

Oh, and prayer, of course.

[1integrity]

Read the biography of St. Anthony by St. Athanasius, I read that making the sign of the Cross with Faith in Christ's death and resurrection is all we need to have demons shown for who they are, not necessarily a priest or an elder.

[Death2TheWorld]

By the way, you don't sound gay. I was just in a bad mood the other day when I said that.

[Death2TheWorld]

The appeal to drugs, trusting ones thoughts over his spiritual father, is a clear case of prelest (spiritual deception) and possibly demon posession. This guys needs to repent, and possibly seek an excorcism.

[mushroomjesus]

Would a person possessed by demons be able to type: I SERVE JESUS CHRIST MY LORD AND SAVIOR, KYRIE ISU XRISTE ELEISON ME. It is written, "Judge not lest ye be judged." Death2TheWorld. It is also written, "remove the log from your eye before you try to remove the speck from your brothers." But I can't blame you, believing alcohol and bread to be the body of Christ would lead one into such delusion as to disobey the commandments of Christ. I will pray for you.

[Death2TheWorld]

Why then are you judging Saint Anthony's Monastery? Have you removed the log from your own eye? I'm sorry for coming down hard on you. I don't know what you've been through. It just makes me sad to see you in this condition. I would urge you to repent and return to Holy Orthodoxy.

[dirkm97]

Yes - I apologize if it may be hurtful to say, but I feel this video displays a shallow understanding of the vocation of monasticism in the Church and a disturbing false humility. I do not mean to criticize, but as this video has been made public, there are others that will watch it and be influenced by it.

I would strongly suggest to delete these posts and to spend further time with your spiritual father and in prayer.

Please pray for me, my brother in Christ, and forgive me.

[mushroomjesus]

For Dirkm97: I wouldn't want some naive young person to be deluded into thinking that any form of Guru (or Elder/Geronta Ephraim) has the answer to the burning desire to find God. This is why I look to entheogens like the psilocybin mushroom--there is no human intermediary between the experience of the Divine and the person having the experience. Elder Ephraim is thought to be clairvoyant, and the fact that I am not a monk, and he said that I would be leads me to making this video.

[dirkm97]

May I ask if you are Orthodox? I will reveal to you that I too have a past of experimenting with psychadelics, mushrooms and the sort in order to find God, and I found both good and bad effects from this. All that is really needed, however, is the Eucharist, which is indeed the very Body and Blood of Christ, who is God. How much closer to God can one get?

[dirkm97]

I understand, now, a little better the direction which you are coming from. Yet, of all of the great saints and hesychasts of the Orthodox Church, none of them used any outside means to obtain the Holy Spirit, to know God and reach Theosis. (And if perhaps a few did - which I know none that have - it would be irrelivent.) We cannot force God's grace by using tricks, but much prepare ourselves to recieve God's gifts through fasting, prayer and humility.

[Death2TheWorld]

This guy is in delusion and is being used by the devil. Don't listen to him.

[dirkm97]

Are you a monk? Do you think you might be being prideful in claiming to have a life more difficult that those incarcerated in prison? Perhaps you should ask to take one of their places so that they might live in the monastery! I would run it by your spiritual father, if I were you - as I assume he has seen your videos, which tacitly represent St. Anthony's Monastery, as I am sure you are aware.

[Death2TheWorld]

He also sounds gay.

[mazzata66]

Why are you keep saying, he sounds "gay", as an orthodox christian you aren't suppose to judge people. It's juvenile for you to name call, grow up!

[dirkm97]

I will agree with mazzata.

I don't think YouTube is exactly the best place to attest to the beauty and truth of the Orthodox faith, but we MUST meet people where they are. Should we have a discussion, it should at all times exemplify Christ's love - atleast to the best of our own fallen and imperfect abilities. :-)