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# Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/85854-historic-29-million-bequest-strengthens-greek-orthodox-foundation/
- Published: 2025-12-18T07:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:14:39.000Z
- Description: The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.
- Author: News
- Tags: #Category: News, IOCC

**LOMBARD, IL —** The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation [has announced](https://chicago.goarch.org/andy-efthim/?fbclid=IwdGRleAOu0i1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeNus6xttU4-bWym5d10YauTG2uF56bxQQqOdifCr3vjJmhGukrsMG9jsm09E%5Faem%5FTu8E5O3Ig8XjnnBlHuS9fw) the receipt of a historic $2.9 million bequest from the Estate of Andy Efthim, a longtime parishioner of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis and a devoted member of the Metropolis of Chicago. Mr. Efthim, who passed away on May 10, 2025, also designated gifts to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Foundation of St. Louis and International Orthodox Christian Charities.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2025/10/86227-hellenic-college-names-dr-timothy-patitsas-director-of-theology-program-image-253cdb15bee4.png)On this topicHoly Cross Awarded $1 Million Grant to Launch Digital Media Studio](https://uoj.news/news/85363-holy-cross-awarded-1-million-grant-to-launch-digital-media-studio/)

The bequest is the largest single gift ever received by the Metropolis of Chicago or its affiliated institutions. Foundation President John Koudounis said the gift will strengthen the Church’s mission for generations. Met. Nathanael praised Mr. Efthim’s humility, faith, and quiet service.

Invested under strict endowment policies, the funds will support long-term clergy development, ministries, camps, and parish needs once distribution thresholds are met.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85764-hchc-wins-75-million-lilly-endowment-grant-to-revamp-priestly-formation/) that Holy Cross had received a $7.5 Million Lilly Endowment grant to revamp priestly formation.