CHICAGO, IL – GNUSA
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation announced today, December 16, the receipt of a $2.9 million designated bequest from the Estate of Andy Efthim, a longtime parishioner of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of St. Louis, Missouri, and faithful member of the Metropolis of Chicago, who fell asleep in the Lord on May 10, 2025.
According to a press release by the Metropolis, Efthim’s estate also designated gifts to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Foundation of St. Louis and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). The $2.9 million donation is described as “an extraordinary act of faith and generosity”, and represents the largest single gift ever made to the Metropolis of Chicago or its affiliated institutions, ministries or organizations.
“Andy Efthim’s generous heart and far-sighted understanding of the Church’s mission have created opportunities that will bless countless individuals, families, and communities for generations”, said John Koudounis, President of the Metropolis of Chicago Foundation. “With God’s grace, we will honor his authentic faith by strengthening the Church he loved and served”.
Widely respected for his humility, plainspokenness, and quiet devotion, Andy Efthim lived his Orthodox faith not through words but through prayerful action. Though his work took him around the world, working and even living on oil rigs, he remained rooted in the love of God and the values of the Church—earnest, unassuming, and profoundly generous, the press release noted.
“Andy understood himself first and foremost as a beloved child of God, and he lived each day with Christ at the center of his being”, said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. “He embraced a simple life guided by humility and God’s love. Though he would never have used these words for himself, he lived an authentically apostolic life—quietly shaping hearts, institutions, and entire communities with grace and conviction. This gift reflects his own deep faith and a steadfast belief that Christians are called to transform lives locally, regionally, and globally”.
The Metropolis of Chicago Foundation is an independent, nonprofit endowment committed to building and preserving a financial corpus while generating sustainable income for the Metropolis. Its operations, investment strategies, and distribution processes are governed by strict bylaws and policies to ensure long-term stability, especially during times of economic uncertainty. According to the press release, no distributions of investment income will be made to the Metropolis until the endowment reaches a fair market value of $5 million or, if earlier, five years from the date the first endowment funds are received. The Foundation received Andy Efthim’s bequest in November, and has invested the funds in accordance with these policies.
When distributions ultimately begin, funds will support the Metropolis’ long-term mission and growth, including continued implementation of the 5-Year Vision (e.g., clergy leadership development), ministries and programs, including Fanari Camp; affiliated organizations like Philoptochos; and special parish needs such as capital projects. Efthim’s gift builds on the previous gift pledge of $1 million from The Spell Family Foundation announced in September 2024.
“The Metropolis of Chicago Foundation invites the faithful to give thanks for the life and legacy of Andy Efthim”, the announcement concluded. “Through his remarkable generosity and unwavering faith, he has planted seeds that will bear fruit for generations. May his memory be eternal”.
