Journalists were briefed on the activities of the Yakir [Anchor] Center, serving victims of abuse by sects and pseudo-religious movements

A two-day seminar, “Styles of activities and psycho-manipulation in sects” held on 23-24 July at the OSBM  J.Rutsky Institute of Philosophical-Theological Studies (6 Shyroka St., Briukhovychi - Lviv), included a press conference for journalists.  The presentation centered on the services offered by the Anchor Center to those who have suffered from sects and pseudo-religious groupings in the Lviv Archeparchy. Among the invited guests at the press conference were specialists-psychologists from the Dominican Information Center on New Religious Movements and Sects in Cracow, Poland, Basilian fathers, directors of the Anchor Center and volunteers from various eparchies, working at similar agencies. Journalists were told about methods of assisting people who have ended up in sects, the history of the appearance of sects that function within Ukraine and how current laws should react to the abuses performed by sects. Rev. Tomash Franz, Director of the Dominican Center of Information on New Religious Movements and Sects, explained that in Poland these centers of assistance for victims of sects are sponsored by the government.  The first center appeared some twenty years ago and by now the country has a whole network of centers.  Catherine Veyler-Boratyn, a psychologist at the Dominican Information Center on New Religious Movements and Sects in Wroclaw (Poland) noted that many people are simply not aware of the fact that they are actually within a sect.  However, information on the activities of this or that community group should be provided by the local journalists. Anna Bodnar, head of the charitable foundation Golden Age Community, one of the founders of the Anchor Center, stated that such seminars would be taking place regularly. During these seminars there will be an opportunity not only to talk with religious people but also with psychologists and pedagogues in order to safeguard one’s family and friends from ending up in a sect.  At the conclusion of the press conference, Rev. Robert Lyseiko, Director, OSBM  J. Rutsky Institute of Philosophical-Theological Studies, familiarized the attendees with the activities of the seminary and the history of the Order of St. Basil the Great. Note that the Anchor Center to assist victims of sects and pseudo-religious movements at the Lviv Archeparchy was established with the blessing of the Archbishop and Metropolitan of Lviv, Bishop Ihor (Vozniak) and the lay initiative of the charitable foundation Golden Age Community. The Center was founded in order to support individuals who have suffered from various acts of pseudo-religious movements and sects.  The Center will be staffed not only by religious people, but also by psychologists, pedagogues and psychiatrists. Center will provide: information to interested individuals and institutions on the characteristics and style of activities by sects and pseudo-religious groups; preventative and psychological assistance to victims of pseudo-religious entities;  re-socialization of individuals who became victims of sects or pseudo-religious groups;  recognizing indicators of dangers – social and other -- being proliferated by specific pseudo-religious groups and sects. Anchor Center opened on July 12, 2012. Contact by phone: +38 096 041 22 01 (even numbered days, except Saturday and Sunday)
(between 08.00 - 09.00 and 18.00 and 19.00) +38 096 042 11 06 (odd numbered days, except Saturday and Sunday)
(between 08.00 - 09.00 and 18.00 and 19.00) Contact by e-mail: [email protected].  

Roman Sokolenko
Lviv Archeparchy Press Service