Sons of Patriarchy The Lion of Judah Louder Roars: Abuse in the OPC, Part 1
Dec 19, 2024
In a gripping conversation, survivor Stephanie Chernyavskiy shares her harrowing experiences growing up in the Neon Reformed Presbyterian Church. She discusses the painful realities of spiritual, emotional, and sexual abuse she endured, including forced 'repentance' and isolation from her community. Stephanie reveals the shock of her church leaders' complicity in her trauma and offers a powerful message to women facing similar struggles. Her journey of healing highlights resilience amidst harsh patriarchy and a call for accountability.
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Oppressive Homeschooling And Early Control
- Stephanie grew up adopted and homeschooled in a strict, Federal Vision–influenced OPC church that emphasized submission and female silence.
- She describes this upbringing as oppressive early brainwashing that devalued her individuality and prepared gendered control.
Childhood Trauma And Punitive 'Repentance'
- Stephanie recounts being sold and nearly killed by her birth parents before adoption and later subjected to harsh 'discipline' including isolation and forced copying of religious texts.
- She links those punishments to being compelled to 'forgive' her birth mother and describes lasting damage from that spiritual abuse.
Sexual Abuse Treated As Moral Failure
- At adolescence Stephanie was sexually abused by a neighbor and later forced by church leaders to write graphic confession letters that treated minors as morally culpable.
- She asserts the elders ignored or punished victims while one counseling pastor she accused remained involved in discipline.
