Restoring the Image of God
All persons are made in the Image of God. When we abuse our sisters and brothers in Christ, we deface the image of God in the other person. The face of an individual is equivalent to the person: prosopon (Greek) and persona (Latin).
​
Prosopon Healing has come into existence to bring awareness to the dynamics and reality of clergy abuse within the Orthodox church community. Because such abuse causes a rupture within the community, healing more easily takes place within the relational aspect of a community. Research shows that healing is quicker and healthier in communities that acknowledge the abuse and wrongdoing. This requires education for both clergy and laity. ​
Please note that at this time, this is not intended to be an expose site. Our main focus is compiling and reporting data. We are also deeply involved in legislative advocacy.
​​
​​Subscribe to the ProsoponHealing Substack.
Prosopon Healing data and research is the mutual work of Dr. Hermina Nedelescu and Katherine Archer. About us.
​
Clergy abuse occurs in all religious contexts, including within our Orthodox churches. Clergy abuse can be spiritual abuse, physical abuse, or sexual contact between a priest, bishop or deacon and parishioner/counselee. There is no consent involving unequal power, and clergy are always in a position of greater power over laity since they administer the sacraments of the church.​
The unequal power between a clergy and a parishioner means there can be "no consent". Therefore, any unwanted sexualized touch in this circumstance is sexual assault. The first call should be to law enforcement.
​​
It is strongly recommended that a survivor seek legal counsel before considering a report to church administration.
​
Healing
Clergy abuse is a defacement of God's image. Survivors often experience a double injury from the community where the abuse occurred. This double abuse, which may include shame, blame, and aligning with an offender, may cause more injury than the original abuse. In some cases, especially for adults, the abuse may continue for years. The injury caused by clergy abuse is profound. Looking at research, there are therapeutic modalities that may be more effective than others and some approaches that may in fact be harmful for a survivor and exacerbate the injury. ​​
The meaning of Priesthood
Clergy abuse is predatory behavior by those who masquerade as priests. The Office of the Holy Priesthood has high standards. ​
.
Books
Books on the dynamics of clergy abuse and healing from clergy and church abuse.
Online Resources
Useful links to favorite podcasts and websites related to clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse and spiritual abuse.
​
