On the coast of Attica, in the village of Nea Makri, there is the Monastery of the Annunciation, known as the “Monastery of Saint Ephraim.” Saint Ephraim of Nea Makri has become one of the most beloved saints for Greeks in the last thirty years. In 1950, Sister Makaria began the restoration of the monastery, which had been destroyed by pirates in the 15th century, and during the work, she discovered the relics of Saint Ephraim, which had been buried in the ground.
Saint Ephraim was born on September 14, 1384, and in his youth, he entered a monastery, where he spent 27 years in prayer. In 1425, he was captured by Muslim pirates who tried to force him to renounce Christ. He refused and endured torture for eight months, after which he was martyred on May 5, 1426.
After the discovery of the relics of the saint, they became a source of miracles and healings. Since 1950, Sister Makaria and other nuns have been conducting services and caring for the pilgrims who come to venerate the saint.
Saint Ephraim has appeared to many people in visions, revealing to them his story of martyrdom. His relics are kept in the monastery, and many testimonies of miracles through his prayers have been recorded.
