The condition of the Elder Archimandrite Ephraim was reported as stable with signs of improvement, according to attending physicians on Saturday.
Following a deterioration of his medical condition in the early morning hours of Wednesday, the beloved Elder has now surpassed the immediate danger, as the three days have passed without further complications.
Physicians said his system appears to be responding to a latest combination of medications, with a gradual improvement ascertained.
The Elder Ephraim, the Abbot of the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi, remains intubated in the ICU ward of the public Evangelismos Hospital in central Athens. His condition remains critical, yet the situation is now viewed with very guarded optimism.
A well-spring of concern and compassion for the Elder have been extended from every corner of the world, with numerous faithful contacting the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi to express their love and to convey their prayers to the Vatopedi Brotherhood.
A vigil was held at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem by the Hagiotaphite Elders and at Orthodox Monasteries in the Holy Land on Thursday, while the Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Most Godly Beatitude Theophilos III, extended his prayers and best wishes for the Elder’s recuperation.
Additionally, the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, His Most Divine Beatitude Theodoros II, has spoke with monks of the Vatopedi Brotherhood from the beginning of the Elder’s hospitalization to express his solidarity and to convey his prayers for Ephraim’s speedy recovery, so that our spiritual father will soon be with us again.