Father Ephraim Vest was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, where his love for Christ, Scripture, and Christian community first took root. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology with an emphasis in Classical Christian Education, and just two weeks after graduation he married his college sweetheart, Erin. Together they began serving in their church—Father as a teacher and pastoral assistant—while welcoming their first daughter, Emmy.

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As Father Ephraim continued to study the faith more deeply, he encountered the writings of the early Church Fathers. Their words awakened a longing in him for the ancient Church that formed the saints and preserved the fullness of the Gospel. That search led the Vest family to the Orthodox Church—where they discovered not only historical continuity, but a living spiritual home.

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In 2008, after the birth of their second daughter, Mirabelle, the family was received into the Orthodox Church at St. Michael Antiochian Church in Louisville. Under the loving care of their spiritual fathers, Fr. Alexander Atty and later Fr. Alexis Kouri, the Vests found their lives transformed through prayer, worship, and service. They grew together in the daily life of the Church—singing in the choir, serving at the kliros, and caring for those in need.

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As their faith deepened, so did their family. God blessed them with four more daughters: Liliana, Magnolia, Miriam, and Jovie. During these years, Father Ephraim taught church school, led Bible studies, and served the parish food pantry—always with a heart for families, children, and those seeking Christ.

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In 2019, Father was encouraged to discern the priesthood. With the blessing of Bishop ANTHONY, the family stepped forward in faith and began the journey to seminary. In 2020, they moved to Pennsylvania as Father Ephraim began his studies at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Even in the midst of this new chapter—and welcoming their sixth daughter—God provided richly. Father Ephraim was mentored by Fr. George Alberts at St. Mary Antiochian Church in Wilkes-Barre, where he learned firsthand the pastoral care of souls.

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Father was ordained Subdeacon in 2021, Deacon later that year, and Priest in May 2022 by Bishop THOMAS. He completed his internship at his home parish in Louisville and graduated as Valedictorian of his seminary class in 2023.

Presvytera Erin, also from Louisville, has devoted herself to raising and homeschooling their children, nurturing a home rooted in prayer, learning, and love. Before seminary, she served as a birth doula, childbirth educator, and nonprofit board member, supporting families in both the birthing and homeschooling communities. She is known for her warmth, joyful spirit, and love of simple gatherings filled with music, laughter, and good food.

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Together, Father Ephraim and Presvytera Erin seek to serve Christ with humility, hospitality, and compassion—walking alongside families, children, and seekers as they grow in faith. Their hope is that all who enter the church will find not only beautiful worship, but a true spiritual home in Christ.