The Not So Sourcey Source Lashes Out

The posting of What Did Bishop Nicholas Know and When Did He Know It? has prompted a response from the "source". 

In an Instant Message (IM) to the JTO Editor, the source "close to the family" initially responded with, 

"Not cool."

He then followed up with,

"I understand now that any sense of journalistic integrity is a convenience for you, not any real commitment.

"Naming sources is low, and I expected better from you."

"And don't equivocate, you named your source."

"There was more information waiting for you, but you may now content yourself with the anger of the mentally ill. Good job."

JTO responded with an e-mail:

On Tue, Feb 11, 2025, 01:44 Nathan Lewis <journeytoorthodoxy@gmail.com> wrote:

[Name Omitted],

Equivocation would be devoting an entire website to the defense of Elizabeth Williams while omitting her culpability in the rape and cover-up of her 15-year-old goddaughter by her husband.

Equivocation would be refusing to comment when confronted with your 2019 email, which proves you and your family knew, as did Bishop Nicholas, at least six years ago, that your father-in-law was a danger to his family and to the church. This gives validity to much of the public criticism that is coming your way.

I said from the very beginning, 2019, that I reserved the right to share the content of our correspondence while trying not to disclose your identity/name. Your decision to step into the public discourse exposed your identity prior to the last post. Read the comment section. No equivocation is necessary.

What I shared on JTO was relevant information to squelch the disinformation you were putting out there, some regarding Carole Stephens and the veracity of her testimony. You told me you "knew for a fact" that Elizabeth did not try to silence Carole. That was false. And now you say you were going to tell me of another "crazy woman".  Elizabeth has suffered, but her decisions and your decisions have been part of the catalyst for the recent events and damage done to the body of Christ.  I was not fully convinced of that until I reviewed our 2019 correspondence.

You are not the only source of information and have not shared anything I did not already know.  Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

I recommend you step back from your public discourse and take care of your immediate family. Your public activity is not playing well to the masses. Perhaps your attorney would concur.

Nathan Lee Lewis

JTO Editor

His response was simply,

"I trusted your word. My mistake." 

NOTE: JTO Always informs those bringing information that JTO reserves the right to use the information in any way seen fit, while attempting to keep the source anonymous if possible. No promises for total anonymity are ever given. In the case of this "source", the 2019 emails will affirm that this "source" was apprised of such. JTO was and is faithful to its word.  In this case, the "source" identified himself to JTO and willingly entered into an on-going discourse, with an obvious intent to use the JTO forum to express his views on the current matter. JTO was willing until it became obvious that the "source" was using JTO to disseminate erroneous or incomplete information regarding the activities of the Williams family. JTO shut down that conduit.

What Did Bishop Nicholas Know and When Did He Know It?

In November 2018, JTO posted the article Rape and the Holy Man exposing the then Deacon Matthew Williams alleged rape of his 15-year-old goddaughter who was babysitting his young children.

After the article was posted, JTO received an email dated February 2019 from a confirmed source close to the Williams family. In the email the unnamed source confirmed, 

"Upon reading your article, I wasn't particularly shocked by any of the allegations, and they do put certain incidents and behaviors into context... I have taken this issue higher up, and an investigation is pending. I'm close to the family, and I've observed a number of troubling patterns and behaviors, which are frankly not your concern, and have been shared with Bishop Nicholas already..."

If this claim is true, Bishop Nicholas was not only apprised of the Rape and the Holy Man expose' but was informed by a person close to the family that they too had observed troubling issues and incidents presumably related to sexual abuse by Father Matthew Williams.

The takeaway here is that, according to the source, as early as 2019, a full six years prior to the eruption of the current chaos at Saint Tikhon, Bishop Nicholas knew. Family members, including Elizabeth Williams knew, and the source knew. 

Even so, the source implored JTO to follow the ROCOR process of communication with the Bishop or nothing would happen. JTO reminded the source of the numerous prior communications regarding the sexual abuse allegations of Father Matthew Willaims, that did go through the correct channels, even receiving a brush-off correspondence from the late Metropolitan Hilarion. The source claimed, "There was never a formal investigation opened into this case by ROCOR. The complaint was dismissed out of hand, despite ROCOR policy stating,

'In the case of any complaint that initially appears to be credible, or if the findings of the preliminary inquiry are inconclusive, the priest or deacon will be referred for clinical evaluation. The clergyman may also be temporarily removed from his ministry and may have other restrictions placed on him.' "

At the time in 2019 and up to this point, JTO honored the source's desire to remain anonymous and out of the public eye. JTO promised not to use his name, however, the source has recently initiated a high-profile involvement in the public discourse regarding current events and the removal of Father Williams from his parish, so the content of his 2019 correspondence with JTO is being shared here. The source previously indicated, "I'm engaged to FMW's eldest daughter, which should make clear why I'm involved in this. I want the truth to be out, because as it stands, my children aren't going to meet half of their grandparents."

His site, Timeline of misconduct reports in case of Archpriest Matthew Williams, offers a strong defense of Elizabeth Williams (Father Matthew Williams wife) and presents a timeline of her conduct in recent matters. What the site does not share is the fact that as early as 2019, the family knew of the serious character flaws of Father Williams and was appealing to Bishop Nicholas. The site also is silent on the 2008 allegations that Elizabeth Williams was personally involved in the attempt to silence Carole Stephens after the alleged rape of her daughter came to light. The site also does not address the allegations that Elizabeth Williams cajoled the Stephens daughter to not come forward about the event in their home.

Since the current allegations toward FMW have emerged, JTO has been in conversation with the source of 2019, in order to present a balanced view of the current events by posting his perspectives. In keeping with this, JTO recently asked the source to clarify the timeline he publicly presented and informed the source that his past 2019 emails had been archived and seemed to conflict with what he was publicly presenting. His response was to lawyer up, claiming there was a pending court case and their lawyer forbade them to say more. 

JTO told the source, "I am not certain your comment is sufficient. I am not asking about a court case, only for clarification on the timeline you currently publicly post on your website, and an email you wrote to me in 2019."

His response was, "Basically, no comment. I cannot add more to the situation."

JTO responded. "Okay. Do you intend to take down your website?"

His response was, "What's done is done, removals don't do anything. I am just repeating what was told to me by an attorney."

What did Bishop Nicholas know and when did he know it? He knew at least six years before the current sexual abuse revelations came to light that his priest, Father Matthew Williams, had a serious character flaw. He knew by prior testimony by prior victims and by the testimony of FMW's own family members. He knew enough to have removed FMW according to ROCOR's own Sexual Abuse Policy at least SIX YEARS AGO. He Knew. Why didn't he act? He knew. He knew enough. He knew...but so did numerous other clergy. They all knew. 

1 Timothy 5:19-20 Do not accept an accusation against an elder EXCEPT on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who persist in sin, reprove IN FRONT OF EVERYONE, so that the rest will also be afraid of the consequences.

See: Journey To orthodoxy: Rape and the Holy Man Part Three -All are Punished!

Rise Up People of God!

To Orthodox Hierarchy: "What Is Your Game?

By Carole Stephens

[minor edits by JTO]

Even Nathan is being attacked for trying to bring abuse within the church to light. I communicated with both SNAP and pokrov.org years ago to get support. I also went to attorneys, even a female attorney, who pointed out how church hierarchs do circle their wagons. 

In my personal investigation, speaking with a district attorney, I was told that there were six priests on their [rolls] facing prosecution for child abuse. I am a former missionary wife in Mexico and Central America, who had small children with me on the mission field. I remember such complaints from local girls being assaulted by catholic priests. That is why SNAP exists. With all of the child trafficking being allowed worldwide, with the U.S. being the biggest patron of such, how can you defend the position of anyone who would hurt a child? 

All of our children are at risk for being snatched and sold just for trying to live. "Amber Alert" was created in memory of a 10-year-old girl named Amber who was out riding her bike and was raped and killed, her body dumped in a lake. What are you EVEN defending? Children are coerced in schools and the perpetrators are fired and prosecuted. All school personnel have to be fingerprinted and investigated before entering teaching programs and before hire, yet some do still emerge. 

To my understanding, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was founded as a refuge for the persecuted underground church in atheist regimes. How can it now cover up [the abuse of] the most innocent over whom we are to be stewards? Our children are not our possessions. We are gifted with the stewardship over their welfare, and their souls. It would be better for a millstone to be hanged about our necks and we be cast into the depths of the sea than to permit that any harm be done to these little ones, as states the scripture: 

"Matthew 18:5-7 KJV. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." 

This is not a GAME. There is no END GAME! The church needs purification. Even the [Apostle] Paul was constantly warning the Church. 

Children need good stewards, good guidance and protection in churches, in schools, and in their homes. There are enough predators running loose to hurt our kids. Can the church not be a refuge? I lost my home and had to sleep in a car over this. My children have to question the validity of the church they were raised in. Looking through history, apostolic succession means nothing if the heart of the priest is corrupt. What is your game?

***

[JTO Editor's Note: Does this sound like the rantings of a "crazy woman?"]

Sibling of 2004 Alleged Rape Victim Speaks Out

Comment left on JTO:

"I’m related to the victim from 2004, and I can say for a fact that Elizabeth knew about it and actively tried to silence her. The turmoil and damage this caused Carol at the time were heartbreaking to witness. Yes, the victim chose not to take action then—that was her decision. But that doesn’t excuse Elizabeth’s role in covering it up and trying to silence Carol when she found out.

I do feel terrible for what Elizabeth’s children are going through now, but knowing what I do about her past behavior, it’s hard for me to feel sympathy for her. Maybe I need to let go of the resentment I still carry, but as children, we were taught to look up to and revere both her and Matthew. Ever since the truth about what he did came to light over a decade ago, I haven’t been able to think of them without feeling anger."

[JTO Note: This public support of Carole from another child is courageous and a long time coming. JTO would offer one correction. It is inaccurate that "the victim chose not to take action then". According to Carole, the day after the alleged rape, her daughter called and spoke with Father Anastasy P. Yatrelis within hours of the alleged rape, and the coercion of this 15-year-old rape victim by Orthodox clergy began.]

Elizabeth Williams: "I do question his mental stability at present."

A letter, reportedly from Elizabeth Williams, wife of Father Matthew Williams, has been made public. JTO is releasing the content here: Note: This letter has not been verified as having been sent or received. Void of a signature, it cannot be authenticated. 

                Monday, October 28, 2024 

Dear Fr Serge, 

Your blessing! Things are continuing to deteriorate as Fr Matthew will not respect my daughter and my requests for space. In very clear words, I asked him not to come to the farm/house today as we were emotionally exhausted after he took [Child A] without my consent and slept with her alone in his car in the middle of the night at a rest stop and the various other ways in which he disregarded Fr John's directives to not be alone with the girls or to come around us without my explicit permission. Disregarding my requests, and Fr John once again reminding him to get permission, on the contrary, he arrived at our house this morning and tried to get in. I messaged him asking him to honor my and [Child Victim]'s explicit requests for him to not be there (for one day only!), but he proceeded to work on repair projects under the house and waited until the children woke up and let him in. Father, I am trying to avoid a scene in front of the small children, so I did not say anything when he came in, but quickly left the property with the children. I messaged Fr John and he sent Fr Matthew a text asking him to leave and not return without my permission. With Fr John's blessing, I am now applying for a restraining order as he will not listen to his spiritual father, or his family. My daughters have made it clear that they will report him to child protective services if he does not stop putting their little sisters at risk by being alone with them sleeping in cars, in bedrooms (he took Lucy from me the other night at his mother's and snuck off and lay down in a bed alone with her), etc. I'm afraid that this is where we are. I do question his mental stability at present. He has a history of violence towards me and towards himself when I don't submit to him and I am concerned for my, and the children’s safety at this time. The restraining order will bar him from speaking to the children or entering the property until a court date. He is spreading rumors to the [Names] and others that I am mentally unstable and seeking extramarital affairs. As God and my spiritual father as my witnesses, there is absolutely no foundation in those accusations. These are projections of his own sins. That I have been extremely emotionally and physically drained by all of this drama and revelation of abuse, with this, I would wholeheartedly concur. Trying to care for and educate five children single-handedly is absolutely exhausting. Adding in trying to be an emotion support to parishioners as a matushka, along the grief of my spouse's many betrayals would tax anyone. Those who know me and spend time with me on a regulate basis (this excludes the [Names]) can testify to my mental stability better than I, and I would encourage anyone concerned about such to simply ask our joint spiritual father or family members on both sides which of the two of us has a history of mental instability. I confess and have sought guidance from Fr John on a nearly weekly basis for the twenty seven years I have been in the Church. I put my trust in God, and ask your prayers! Please feel free to share this with the metropolitan at your discretion. 

 

In Christ, Elizabeth

Note: Via: http://frmatthewwilliams.com

Father Matthew Williams Blames Medication

A text from Father Matthew Williams has been made public in which he blames psychiatric medication for his sexual crimes. He states the problem began in 2012, which begs the question: To what does he attribute the cause of his sexual crimes which occurred before that year? Was it a vitamin deficiency, perhaps? Read Rape and the Holy Man.

True confession and repentance is a vital part of redemption. Anything less is deception and fraud. Are you listening, ROCOR?

 

Via http://frmatthewwilliams.com

Where is the Trinity in the Bible?

2:55 minutes may ruin your religion. Can you handle it? Have you been told the truth about the history of the Orthodox Councils? For instance, did you know the doctrine of the Trinity was not even formulated until the middle of the 5th century in the Council of Chalcedon?

Another Cover-up

It seems the Orthodox hierarchy have been engaged in cover-ups for quite a while.

Start asking your priest and bishops questions about the origins of the Trinity doctrine and don't allow them to use the cover-up word, "mystery". 

Here... this will save you some time.

Is this what you believe? Your hierarchy does:

"The Mysteries" has become a noun, an Orthodox catch phrase, for doctrines that cannot be found anywhere in the scriptures and for which the hierarchy can offer no viable explanation. You have been taught to accept that and to not question lest you be considered rebellious, disobedient, and heretical. If your Father God is not afraid of your questions, why is your hierarchy?

2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved before God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

It seems we are to present ourselves approved before God and not depend on a priest, bishop, or Ecumenical Council to rightly handle the word of truth for us.

Truth, Tradition, And the Trinity

28 And when all things have been put in subjection to him, then the Son will subject himself to Him who put all things in subjection to him, so that God is all in all.

NOTE: When you decide to "Be diligent to present YOURSELF approved before God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth," then you may ask yourself why you are depending on a hierarchy to present you as approved before God. If you are willing to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling", then also be willing to continue reading.

1) Basic Problems with the doctrine of the Trinity (REV Commentary)

The word “Trinity” is not in the Bible. Although that does not rule out the possible existence of the Trinity, it is supporting evidence that the doctrine is unbiblical.

Trinitarians differ, sometimes greatly, in their definitions of the Trinity. The Eastern Orthodox Church differs from the Western Church on the relation of the Holy Spirit to the Father and the Son. Also, Trinitarians who hold to the “classic” definition of the Trinity, that Jesus was 100% God and 100% man while on earth, believe differently from Kenotic Trinitarians, who believe that Jesus set aside his godhood while he was a man on earth. Oneness Pentecostals say the classic formula of the Trinity is completely wrong. Yet all these claim that Christ is God and that the Bible supports their position.

A study of the history of the Christian Church shows a definite development in the doctrine of the Trinity over the centuries. For example, the early form of the Apostles’ Creed, believed to date back to shortly after the time of the apostles themselves, does not mention the Trinity or the dual nature of Christ. Furthermore, it only states, “I believe in ‘the holy spirit,’” which could just as easily refer to the gift of holy spirit as it could to a third “Person” in the Trinity. The Nicene Creed, written in AD 325 and modified later, added the material about Jesus Christ being “eternally begotten” and “true God,” and about the Holy Spirit being “Lord.” But it was the Athanasian Creed, most likely composed in the late 400s or early 500s AD, that was the first creed to explicitly state the doctrine of the Trinity, and it includes that if a person does not believe it, he is not saved but will perish everlastingly. Yet saying that a person who does not believe in the Trinity is not saved contradicts the Bible. For example, when Peter addressed the Jews on the Day of Pentecost he did not mention the Trinity or that Jesus was God in the flesh, yet about 3,000 people in the audience were saved (Acts 2:41).

One of the most convincing arguments for Biblical Unitarianism is that God is never described as being composed of “three.” Not “three,” “three-in-one,” “Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” or three Persons making up one God. Many Trinitarians point to Matthew 28:19 which lists the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but it does not call the three of them “God.” Matthew 28:19 is not defining God, it is stating the authority by which disciples will baptize: by the authority of God, of Christ, and by the power of the holy spirit. Simply mentioning three things together does not make them “God.” For example, if Matthew 28:19 read, “Baptize them in the ‘name’ (i.e., authority) of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” that would not make those three people “one Person.”

Also, the two natures of Jesus (him being fully God and fully man) are completely, absent from the scriptures. Jesus is never said to have two natures, two personalities, two minds, two spirits within him. He is always viewed as one person with one mind.

Trinitarians say the “Threeness” of the Trinity is just as vital as his Oneness, but never once does the Bible mention God’s “Threeness,” whereas it mentions His Oneness many times (e.g., Deut. 4:35; 6:4; Isa. 44:6, 8; John 5:44; 17:3; 1 Cor. 8:6).There are no verses that define God as being Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• There are no verses that define God as three, three in one, or a multiple.
• There are no verses that say that Jesus has two natures or two minds.
• There are no verses that say Jesus is a God-man, or that he is fully God and fully man.
• There are no verses that call Jesus “eternally begotten,” the bible says he was begotten or “born” by Mary

It seems that if the doctrine of the Trinity was genuine and central to Christian belief as almost all Trinitarians claim, and especially if belief in it was necessary for salvation as many Trinitarians teach, it would have been clearly stated in the Bible and in the earliest Christian creeds.

The Trinity is not “hidden,” and it is not a “mystery,” it simply isn’t there.

REV 

WARNING: Seeking truth may ruin your religion. Have faith! There is abundant life outside of Orthodoxy.