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→Real unbiased news story?
::Reading the report, I also came to the conclusion that it was bin-filler. But, most major institutions have some kind of controversy. One of the purposes, I would think, of this encyclopedia-like site is to put all of this together - both supportive of the monastery, and otherwise. Most worldly institutions are falling over themselves to present their side of the story, and while the monastery is a different kettle of fish, it does have lay supporters that can do the same thing. Athosinamerica.org is the best example I can think of offhand. -- {{User:Pistevo/sig}} 00:21, February 10, 2006 (CST)
:::I am, of course, unqualified to judge an elder like Fr. Ephrem, but I have heard troubling reports from time to time. The Pokrov web site appears to be trying to present both sides of the matter, but there's a great deal of emotionality from both sides. If the accusations that I have seen are true, things could be very bad--but that is if and only if such accusations are true. There is a certain rigor in Athonite monasticism--and a rather vigorous way of expressing this rigor. This could be misinterpreted. Regarding the news story, one quote did strike me as an example of this culture clash: "Their brain is run by the monastery. They can't read whatever they want to read. They have to ask for permission for everything they do." From what I understand of monasticism in general, this sort of discipline is normal in both East and West for newcomers to the community. [[User:Dogface|Dogface]] 12:30, February 10, 2006 (CST)
