2 New Saints Considered for Canonization

Dearest Spiritual ‘Ohana,

The end of the Ecclesiastical Year and the approaching of the conclusion of summer take place in the month of August.  I pray that your summer has been filled with the Blessings, Love, Mercy and Glory of the Lord.

In the beginning of July, I had the opportunity to be present and participate, as a Clergy Delegate, at the 47th Clergy-Laity Assembly in San Diego, California, where there was an announcement about the proposed Canonization of Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos (pictured on the left), and Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona (pictured on the right).  I was highly thrilled and excited about the announcement, as I have had the blessing to be in their presences and meet them in my lifetime.

One can read about holy and saintly people.  But to have the experience and relationship with such people makes it all the more special and deeply meaningful and fulfilling.  First, I would like to offer a brief, bullet point biography of each of them.

Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos

Early Life

  • Born Elias Papadopoulos on October 10, 1910 in Bouzi in the province of Corinth to his parents Ioannis and Athanasia Papadopoulos, the 4th of 10 children.
  • Had a sober and serious disposition, being nicknamed “Pappou” (grandfather) by his schoolmates.  He left school at the age of 13, and worked in business, including grocer’s assistant, shoemaker’s apprentice, and worker in a forge.
  • In 1928, became a novice at the Monastery of Mega Spelaion,  Within 2 years he moved to the Skete of St. Anna on Mount Athos.
  • He was tonsured a monk and took on the name Gerasimos.
  • In 1934, he undertook studies at the Theological Seminary of Corinth.
  • In 1935 he was ordained to the diaconate.
  • In 1938, he entered the School of Theology of the University of Athens, but his studies were interrupted by the German Invasion of Greece.

Priesthood

He was ordained to the priesthood in May 1941.  He served as director of an orphanage.  In 1945, he became chancellor of the Metropolis of Corinth.  In 1947, he relocated to Munich to serve in a parish.  It is there where he completed his first book “Greek Philosophy as Propaideia to Christianity.”

America

In 1952, Gerasimos arrived in America, becoming a professor of New Testament at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.  The students loved him, giving him the name “Fr. GULF” (Gerasimos-Understanding, Love, Faith).

Episcopacy

  • On April 6, 1962, he was elected by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as titular Bishop of Abydos.
  • In 1977, he retired, living on the Holy Cross campus, inspiring students and being looked to as an Elder and Spiritual Father to many of them.
  • On June 12, 1995, he reposed and is interred at Holy Cross, near the chapel.

I knew His Grace as a truly holy, humble man of God.  He reminded me of “Yoda” from Star Wars.  His sermons were few in words, but left an everlasting impression me.  One sermon I remember well, when he said, simply, “When you think you are humble, that is when you are not.”

Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona

Early Life

  • Elder Ephraim was born on June 24, 1927, in Volos Greece.  He was baptized with the name John (Ioannis).
  • Grew up in poverty.  He helped his father at work.  He emulated the pious life of his mother, Victoria.
  • He sought the monastic life when he was 14, but did not get the blessing to become a monk until he was 19.

Monastic Life

  • He was a disciple of Elder Joseph the Hesychast, arriving on Mount Athos on September 26, 1947.
  • In 1979, Elder Ephraim became ill and needed surgery.  His spiritual children offered to have his surgery done in Canada.
  • He then went to America, and seeing the spiritual state of souls in crisis, where people stayed away from Confession, committing grave sins, yet approaching Holy Communion, unprepared.
  • Many Monasteries established with him coming to America.
  • He traveled to Churches as a Confessor par excellence.

Repose

  • Elder Ephraim reposed in the Lord on December 7, 2019.

He left a deep impression on me when I met him on several occasions.  I knew he could read into the hearts of people, as a clairvoyant.  Knowing that, I was afraid before confessing in his presence.  Having the blessing to confess in his presence, he spoke my confession for me.  My fear completely dissipated. When looking into his eyes, I could see the love and mercy of God.

Thank you for allowing me to share!  I leave you with an important message from Elder Ephraim:  “All you need is this:  ‘Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.’ and ‘Most Holy Theotokos, help me.’”

With Love in Christ,

+Fr. Alexander