St. Ephraim of Katanaki

Yesterday was the day of remembrance of St. Ephraim of Katunak (in the world Evangelis Papanikita 12/06/1912 - 02/27/1998. 

The future elder (in the world - Evangelis) was born in 1912, in a Christian family, in the village of Ambelochori, which was located not far from Thebes. His grandfather, Nikita, served as a priest, his parents, John (Yannis) Papanikita and Victoria, were deeply religious people. In addition of Evangelis, three more children were brought up in the family. All of them learned to live in Christian virtues, according to the law of God.

St. Ephraim of Katunaki, in his childhood, Evangelis, entered the gymnasium. Upon graduation, he wanted to find his place in society, but suffered many failures in this field. Inflamed with the thought that only the Lord could guide him along the right path, he decided to become a monk. His mother, Victoria, having received a revelation in a dream - having seen the appearance of an elder, allegedly Saint Ephraim the Syrian, who explained that her son's decision was in accordance with the Divine will - did not interfere with the realization of his plan.

In 1933, on September 14, a new period began in the life of the Evangelis -  asceticism on Mount Athos. At first, he had to experience many difficulties, including those associated with the anger of the local elders. Overcoming difficulties only strengthened him spiritually, accustomed him to humility and patience. After some time, Evangelis took monastic vows and received a new name - Longinus. In 1935 monk Longinus accepted the great schema and was named Ephraim, in honor of Saint Ephraim. The following year, he was honored with the elevation to the priestly dignity, and from that time he began to be called: Father Ephraim of Katunak. He lived and labored on Katunaki, following the traditions of the hermits there. At the age of 86, the father of Ephraim according to the flesh, Janis, also joined the brotherhood, and soon received tonsure and a new name, Job. Mother, having reached old age, also joined the nuns. Subsequently, Father Ephraim spoke more than once with joy about his parents, who took on the angelic form. At one time, Father Ephraim became close to Elder Joseph the Hesychast. Elder Joseph instructed him in various matters, taught him smart work, and explained the essence of contemplation. When the brotherhood of Joseph moved from the skete of St. Basil to St. Anna, the brethren set about building a small church in honor and memory of the prophet John the Baptist. Father Ephraim also took part in this construction. At St. Anna, priest Ephraim lived for about two months. Inspired by the example and teachings of the elder, he, with the help of God, more and more immersed himself in the mysteries of silence. Father Ephraim paid serious attention to the observance of the Rule, prayerful doing, thoughtful reading of the Holy Scriptures, the works of Christian ascetics (especially those that were part of the "Philokalia"). He experienced special reverence during the service of the Divine Liturgy. He performed the Liturgy right up to a very old age, as long as his bodily strength allowed him. After the death of Elder Joseph, which occurred in 1959, Father Ephraim continued to visit his brotherhood, which was then in New Skete. On the fortieth day after his death, the deceased elder appeared to him and said goodbye. Subsequently, the priest Ephraim repeatedly saw this elder in a dream. In 1994, the former abbot of the monastery of St. Philotheus, accompanied by two monks, brought to Father Ephraim the head of Joseph the Hesychast for veneration, thereby fulfilling the desire of the priest to bow to this head before his death. In 1973, Elder Nicephorus reposed, to whom Father Ephraim was in obedience. Before his death, the elder Nicephorus blessed him. Shortly after this, Father Ephraim accepted the brotherhood of Father Nicephorus under his care and entered the field of service as an elder and confessor. From hard work, father Ephraim developed cyanosis, and this disease progressed. He was forced to seek medical help and went to Thessaloniki for this purpose. When he returned, he seriously thought about creating his brotherhood. Soon he had an apprentice. The Brotherhood was assembled by 1980. In 1996, Father Ephraim suffered a stroke, as a result of which he was paralyzed and took to his bed. Having lived in this state for about a year and a half, on February 14 (27), 1998, he reposed and appeared before the Supreme Judge.