Archbishop Elpidophoros of America expressed his gratitude for the late elder Ephraim of Arizona in a statement.
The Archbishop of America said characteristically: “I bow to the holy figure of Elder Ephraim with reverence and gratitude, for he founded the Orthodox monasticism in America and cultivated the barrenness spiritual desert of our country.”
It is recalled that the funeral service of the late Elder will be officiated by the Archbishop of America on St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Arizona on Wednesday, December 11.