Meet Saint Gavrilia

The Ascetic of Love

Saint Gavrilia lived a life of boundless compassion and faith that touched hearts across the world. From her humble beginnings in Constantinople to her final days on the island of Leros, her journey inspires us to love without limits.

A Journey into the Heart of Love

Come, dear friends, and gather round to hear the tender tale of a soul so sweet and pure, a radiant light in the Lord’s grand tapestry. From her early days welcoming all with open arms, to her sacred journey across lands near and far, she walked ever closer to the heart of Love.

Let us lift our hearts in joy as we unveil the gentle beauty of her story, a testament to God’s grace shining through a faithful servant.

Early Life and Education

Born Avrilia Papayannis in 1897 in Constantinople, Saint Gavrilia grew up in a loving, wealthy family. Her childhood was filled with joy, often welcoming guests into her home with enthusiasm. In 1923, her family was forced to move to Thessaloniki during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Determined to pursue education, she became the second woman admitted to a Greek university, studying philosophy at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

A Call to Service

After training as a physiotherapist in England during World War II, Saint Gavrilia returned to Greece in 1945. She opened a physiotherapy practice in Athens, using her income to provide free care to the poor. In 1954, after her mother’s death, she gave away all her possessions and traveled to India, where she worked with lepers and the poorest of the poor, trusting in God to provide for her needs.

Monastic Life and Missionary Work

In 1960, Saint Gavrilia became a nun at the Bethany Community of the Resurrection of the Lord, taking the name Gavrilia. She spent the next decades traveling as a missionary, serving in East Africa, Europe, and the United States. Known for her humility, she never sought recognition, focusing instead on sharing Christ’s love with everyone she met.

Later Years and Canonization

In her later years, Saint Gavrilia became a Gerontissa in Athens, counseling disciples from a small apartment. She retreated to a hermitage in Aegina before moving to Leros, where she reposed on March 28, 1992, after a miraculous healing from Hodgkin’s disease. She was canonized on October 3, 2023, by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, and her Feast Days are celebrated on March 28th and July 18th.

Chronology of St. Gavrilia’s Life

Beginnings

1897: Was born Avrilia Papayannis on October 15th (old calendar October 2nd) in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul)

1923: Relocated with her family to Thessaloniki, Greece, as part of the population  exchange between modern-day Greece and Turkey (following the Treaty of Lausanne)

1927: Completed Agriculture Courses in Switzerland; enrolled in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, ultimately obtaining a degree in philosophy

Service Rising

1932: Relocated to Athens and worked in various roles, including positions at a patient care clinic and as a tutor for language and music

1938: Traveled to England; unable to return home due to the outbreak of World War II, trained as a chiropodist and physiotherapist

1945: Returned to Thessaloniki after the war; worked providing education, humanitarian aid, and support for community rebuilding efforts

Healing Hands

1947: Established a physiotherapy practice in Athens, using funds from her paying clients to assist the poor

1949: Traveled to England, Cyprus, and Austria

1954: After her mother’s passing, she felt called to “sell your possessions and come follow me”; traveled to Austria, Switzerland,
Italy, Israel, Cyprus, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran, finally arriving in
India in May, 1955

Monastic Mission

1956: Began assisting Baba Amte at the AnandWan leper community

1959: Left India to enter monastic life at the Monastery of Saints Mary and Martha in Bethany, near Jerusalem, where she was tonsured by Father Theodosios (Makkos) and received the name Gavrilia

1962: Assigned briefly to the Taizé Community in France; traveled around America and Europe supporting Greek communities

Worldwide Service

1963: Was tonsured into the Little Schema by Saint Amphilochios of Patmos, in Greece; with his blessing, was granted permission to continue traveling the world undertaking acts of love and service

1963-1979: Served extensively, including in Greece, India, Switzerland, France, England, Sweden, Germany, Iran, Sinai, Israel, East Africa, and America

1979-1989:
Resided in the “House of the Angels” in Patisia, Athens, mentoring the faithful
and ministering to the infirm

Eternal Legacy

1989: Moved to the Holy Protection Hermitage on the island of Aegina, Greece

1990: Was admitted to the hospital for lymphatic cancer, which ended up miraculously vanishing; was taken to the island of Leros, Greece, where she was cared for until her passing

1992: Passed away on March 28th and was buried in the Church of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) located within the hilltop Castle of Leros

2023: Canonized on October 3rd by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople