Michigan Parish Holds Talk on Life and Teaching of Elder Ephraim

Elder Ephraim of Arizona. Photo: Orthodox Times

TROY — On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy, Mich., a presentation by Protopresbyter John Chakos was held titled, "Elder Ephraim, Among the Saints Glorified: A Remembrance."

Fr. John, who served as a translator for the blessed elder during hundreds of confessions, gave an in-depth look at his life and ministry after leaving Mount Athos and establishing 19 monasteries in North America. He shared stories of his time spent with Elder Ephraim, including the elder's annual visits to his parish in Pittsburgh.

He also spoke about the founding of the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg, Pa., which Elder Ephraim received the blessing of Met. Maximos of Pittsburgh to establish. This served as a launching off point for building the other monasteries in the U.S. and Canada, including the popular pilgrimage site of the Monastery of St. Anthony in Florence, Ariz., where the elder is laid to rest.

A video of the morning session of Fr. John's presentation can be found here, and the afternoon session can be found here.

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