Ephraim of Katounakia

Description

Saint Ephraim of Katounakia or Efrem/Ephraim Katounakiotis (Greek: Εφραίμ Κατουνακιώτης; born Evangelos Papanikitas (Ευάγγελος Παπανικήτας) in Abelochori, 6 December 1912 – Mount Athos, 27 February 1998) was an Orthodox monk who lived on Mount Athos. He was canonized as a saint by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on 9 March 2020. His feast is commemorated on February 27.

Early life
He was born into a peasant family on 6 December 1912 in Abelochori (Αμπελοχώρι), a village in Thebes, Boeotia. His father’s name was Ioannis Papanikitas (Ιωάννης Παπανικήτας) and his mother’s name was Victoria (Βικτωρία). He had had 3 siblings, namely Epaminondas (Ἐπαμεινώνδα), Eleni (Ἑλένη), and Charalambos (Χαράλαμπο). His secular name was Evangelos. He spent his childhood in Abelochori. However, while he was in primary school, his parents moved to Thebes for their children’s education. He became interested in monasticism from an early age.
However, he suffered health problems as a child and developed lumps around his eyes at the age of 14. He also later developed a severe eczematous condition in the ankle joint.