All activities of St. Ephraim Center are guided by our mission statement and core principles.
Mission Statement
To support and strengthen the Orthodox Church through education and effective, Christ-centered addictions treatment for Orthodox clergy and laity.
Core Principles
- Christ must be the center of everything we do, and all healing is possible only through Him.
- All services we provide are fully rooted in the Orthodox faith and its Tradition.
- The Church on Earth is greatly affected by the health and spiritual wellness of her clergy, who are both her leaders and her servants.
- Orthodox Christians have specific spiritual, pastoral, and cultural concerns that must be addressed if addictions treatment is to be effective. Orthodox clergy, in particular, benefit greatly from being in a treatment community of peers who understand their specific life contexts, stressors, needs, and experiences.
- Transformative healing from addiction emerges from integrative treatment that includes conscientious attention to spiritual, psychological, and biochemical needs.
- Addiction is a disease of the whole person—in and of itself, not a sin or a moral failing—and should be spoken of openly without stigma, shame, or fear.
- Our treatment methods are based on consistency with the Orthodox faith and proven effectiveness, and include pastoral counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, nutritional therapy, psycho-education, and the 12-step program.
- Pornography is the fastest growing addiction in the U.S., and — similar to other process addictions such as gambling — is characterized by brain chemistry, behaviors, and treatment needs similar to those of substance dependence and abuse.
- The Church requires accurate knowledge if it is to respond effectively to addictions among its clergy and laity.
