Description
Elder Ephraim of Arizona and the Athonite tradition
Elder Ephraim of Arizona (1928-2019), born Ioannis Moraitis in Volos, Greece, became a disciple of Joseph the Hesychast on Mount Athos in 1947. His spiritual formation centered on monastic obedience, repentance and the prayer of the heart.
He later served as abbot of Philotheou and helped establish Orthodox monastic communities in North America. In 1995 he settled in Arizona, where St. Anthony's Monastery became a center of his spiritual work. The title Geronda, or Elder, refers to his role as a spiritual father.
The portrait shows him with a white beard, dark monastic head covering and robes, one hand raised in blessing and a prayer rope in the other. The prayer rope recalls the repeated invocation of Jesus in Orthodox practice, rather than an ornamental accessory.
Made in Poland on linden wood
Art Christiana makes this icon to order on a linden-wood board with two coats of primer. The image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf (schlagmetal). A certificate bearing the production year and a hanging fixture are attached to the back.
For readers of his spiritual counsels or those connected with Athonite monasticism. The image may be placed in a personal devotional space alongside books used for reflection and prayer.