REST: Recovering from Spiritual Trauma
Spiritual Trauma has been defined as occurring when a person's religious experience is stressful, degrading, dangerous, abusive, or damaging.
I am a mother joined by my adult daughter as we discuss our family’s story of recovering from spiritual trauma. In each episode of REST we will share our experience of 17 years in a church community with a high-control culture within the denomination of the OPC (Orthodox Presbyterian Church). Thankfully we are now on a journey toward true soul rest.
We welcome your feedback and stories. You can reach us at the.rest.podcast.info@gmail.com
REST: Recovering from Spiritual Trauma
Guest Interview: Stephanie Chernyavskiy & Abuse in the OPC | Part 2
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In this episode I continue my conversation with Stephanie Chernyavskiy, a woman who grew up in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and suffered under its abuses. She has also told her story on this podcast which would be a good preview to our interview.
This was initially recorded in December 2025 but due to counsel she was advised not to publish until after the OPC General Assembly which was held June 5-7, 2026. She was hopeful her case would be brought before the denomination’s highest court, but it was denied a hearing.
Here are all the links we discuss in the interview:
Full report of her case by the Presbytery of the Southeast, OPC
Stephanie's Statement to the Presbytery of the Southeast, September 2025
Stephanie's Supporting Witnesses list
Stephanie's Dad's email to her fiance
Admission of OPC heresy that they are able to absolve of guilt
OPC admitting a Catholic cannot have true faith
Letter from OPC falsely stating Stephanie and fiance cohabitating
Are you in the OPC, and need help? Contact: Presbyterian Advocacy Coalition.
As always, we welcome all feedback. You can reach us at the.rest.podcast.info@gmail.com