Chicago, December 18, 2025
Andy Efthim. Photo: luptonchapel.com
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation announced on December 16 that it has received a $2.9 million bequest from the estate of Andy Efthim, a parishioner of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis, who died on May 10.
The gift is the largest single donation ever made to the Metropolis of Chicago or any of its affiliated organizations. Efthim’s estate also designated bequests to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Foundation of St. Louis and International Orthodox Christian Charities, the Metropolis reports.
“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.
Efthim worked internationally on oil rigs throughout his career but remained committed to his faith and parish. Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago described him as someone who “lived an authentically apostolic life—quietly shaping hearts, institutions, and entire communities with grace and conviction.”
The Foundation received the bequest in November and has invested the funds according to its policies. Under Foundation bylaws, no distributions will be made until the endowment reaches $5 million in fair market value or five years from receipt of the first endowment funds, whichever comes first.
When distributions begin, funds will support clergy leadership development, ministries including Fanari Camp, affiliated organizations like Philoptochos, and parish capital projects. The gift follows a $1 million pledge from The Spell Family Foundation announced in September 2024.
The Metropolis of Chicago Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit endowment established in May 2022 to provide long-term financial support to the Metropolis of Chicago.
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