This is what Elder Efrem said to the monks who met him to take his blessing according to agioritikovima.gr.
‘I am a monk and I have handed over my life to the hands of the Most Holy Lady from the beginning of my life’.
‘Most of the faithful perceive you as a confessor you is led into prison without any justification’ said the monks to him.
He replied: ‘From a young age I have given myself over to the Most Holy Lady. Where I am going now, I am also doing the same. Therefore, do not be scared. I have never pursued glory and neither have I done any heroic acts. Had I wished for these, I wouldn’t become a monk in the Holy Mountain. I have defended and will continue to defend the Holy Mountain and the property of our monastery which our forefathers have created’.
‘I am taken into custody without any justification’, he added.
via Pemptousia
“Blessed are you when they revile you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.” -Saint Matthew 5:11,12