ATHENS – The condition of the Elder Ephraim, Abbot of Vatopedi Monastery of Mount Athos is improving day by day, attending physicians announced on Monday June 28, as one month has passed since the Elder was admitted to Athens’ Evangelismos Hospital after contracting the COVID-19 virus.

In an official announcement the Vatopedi Monastery stated that “according to the medical staff, the beloved Elder’s system is reacting positively to medications prescribed last week, generating optimism for an overall improvement in his health. Underlying health conditions and a hospital-acquired infection, during the first days of the Elder’s intubation, significantly impaired the progress of his therapy.”

It is reminded here that the Abbot of the renowned Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi has been treated at that particular public hospital since May 28, suffering from COVID. Attending physicians intubated the Elder on June 4, while a tracheotomy was successfully conducted last Tuesday, June 22.

His condition deteriorated dangerously for three days as a result of hospital-acquired sepsis, with the infection finally overcome with the immediate intervention of physicians and nursing staff.”

The Monastery of Vatopedi continues to receive messages and good wishes from around the world, while many Orthodox Prelates, hierarchs, priests, monastics, politicians communicate with the Brotherhood of Vatopedi. In many churches and monasteries in Greece and elsewhere, special prayers and services are being offered for the full and speedy recovery of Elder Ephraim.

Many Greek-Americans have communicated with The National Herald asking about the Elder’s condition.