With deep sadness, yet steadfast hope in the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago extend heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Andrew “Andy” P. Efthim Jr., who fell asleep in the Lord on May 10, 2025, at the age of 76. He was laid to rest on May 14 at St. Matthew Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.

Andy embodied the quintessential virtues of Orthodox Christian life—humility paired with conviction, generosity without expectation of recognition, and dedication to his earthly responsibilities alongside a heavenly yearning. His life was a quiet testimony to the Gospel—faithful, generous, and unassuming.

Andy’s life blended worldly adventure with humble devotion. His career took him across the globe, yet he remained deeply rooted in his Orthodox Christian faith. A longtime steward and one of the greatest benefactors of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis, he gave freely and quietly—once donating to St. Nicholas a treasured collection of coins gathered from his travels. He never sought fanfare or recognition, but his impact was profound and enduring. 

His commitment to the long-term health of the Church extended to supporting the broader vision of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, contributing to the vitality of the Metropolis of Chicago and its Foundation. Throughout all his support of and service to the Church, great and small, he could be found each Sunday in his usual place in the pews, dressed simply in a polo shirt, khakis, and sandals.

When illness kept him home, the Church came to Andy. He would receive Holy Communion, Holy Unction, and Confession from his home and continued to pray and worship by livestreaming the services, surrounded by icons in every room. A man of fellowship, Andy thrived in men’s groups and loved his family and friends, yet his deepest bond was a prayerful intimacy with God.

He was born on July 11, 1948, the beloved son of the late Andrew P. Efthim Sr. and Mabel Meeks Efthim. He graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Missouri. He then began a distinguished career with Conoco Oil Company, which took him around the world until his retirement. He settled at the Lake of the Ozarks and later returned to St. Louis to be near family and his beloved St. Nicholas community.

He is survived by his aunt, Janet Efthim; many cousins; and countless friends and fellow faithful who mourn his loss and cherish his memory.

May his memory be eternal.