Moses the Black ($6000 donated)
St. Moses the Black was a 4th-century Ethiopian who transformed from a brutal leader of a band of robbers into a revered desert monk and martyr. After fleeing from the law, he sought refuge in a monastery, where he was overwhelmed by the monks' peace and began a new life of repentance. He endured spiritual battles and became a wise and respected elder before his martyrdom at around age 75 when he, along with seven other monks, refused to flee from attacking bandits and was killed.
Ephraim of arizona ($1000 donated)
Geronda Ephraim of Arizona (born Ioannis Moraitis; 1928–2019) was a revered Greek Orthodox hieromonk, a renowned spiritual elder, and the founder of numerous monasteries in North America. A disciple of Saint Joseph the Hesychast, he is known for bringing the traditional Athonite style of monasticism to the United States and Canada.
St. Joseph the Hesychast ($200 donated)
St. Joseph the Hesychast (1897-1959) was a 20th-century Greek monk who became a renowned spiritual father on Mount Athos, known for his intense asceticism and discipleship. Born Francis in Paros, he experienced a calling to monastic life in his twenties, which led him to the austerity of Mount Athos. There, he and his companions, including Elder Arsenios, lived in isolation, engaging in rigorous prayer (especially the Jesus Prayer), fasting, and battling spiritual passions to achieve deep holiness. His brotherhood and spiritual teachings have been credited with revitalizing numerous monasteries and spreading Orthodox monasticism to new regions.