Born into a prosperous Greek family in 1897 Constantinople, young Saint Gabriela Papayanni never expected her love of learning would one day blossom into a global humanitarian mission. After being forced to flee her homeland in 1923, Aurelia became only the second woman admitted into a Greek university. But it wasn’t until age 60, while working as a physiotherapist in 1950s Greece, that she felt called to leave everything behind. What happened next is the making of sainthood. This is the incredible true story of Saint Gabriela.
Saint Gabriela: An Unstoppable Force for Good
Aurelia’s decision to leave Greece for India in 1955 shocked nearly everyone who knew her. A 60-year-old woman embarking alone to work in leper colonies was unheard of at the time. But for Aurelia, the calling was undeniable. She could no longer ignore the urge to help the poor and destitute, even if it meant leaving her comfortable life behind.
Arriving with little money to support herself, Aurelia found ways to aid the ailing communities. She soothed their wounds through rehabilitative therapy and offered spiritual counsel when needed. Her steadfast dedication earned her the nickname “Sister Lila,” and over the years, her reputation as a miraculous healer spread.
But India was only the beginning of Aurelia’s global mission. After five years living ascetically, she relocated to Africa to continue her work among marginalized groups. Everywhere Aurelia went, she attracted followers inspired by her fearlessness in the face of adversity. Without stable housing or finances, she roamed from place to place, uplifting spirits and mending bodies along the way.
After nearly a decade abroad, Aurelia returned to Greece in 1979 to resume her calling as a spiritual guide. Over the next decade in Athens, the now monastery-dweller known as Sister Gabriela became a wise mentor for scores of devoted students who affectionately called her “Gerontissa”—revered elder. But her boundless energy to serve others never ceased, even in her final days.
Miracles Happen Every Day
Saint Gabriela’s altruistic deeds seemed to engender one blessing after another. Though she lived in poverty without stable income or housing, resources always appeared to fund her missions. Followers marveled at how food, shelter and transportation spontaneously emerged precisely when needed.
Equally miraculous were the healings she facilitated through natural therapies and prayer. Using only her bare hands, Sister Gabriela eased countless sufferers of bodily ailments and psychosomatic distresses. People traveled near and far to experience her restorative touch, which often succeeded where doctors failed.
As Sister Gabriela’s reputation grew, increasing numbers sought an audience with the mystical healer. In Athens alone, dozens visited her modest dwelling daily to receive treatment or ask for guidance about difficulties in life and love. Yet no personal problem was too mundane for the elderly nun’s consideration; she approached each visitor with profound compassion.
Though Sister Gabriela became globally esteemed in Orthodox Christian circles, she discouraged glory for herself. Whenever followers expressed more admiration for the person than the message, she redirected attention to biblical teachings and service to others. For Sister Gabriela, the emphasis remained on God’s grace as the source of goodness, not her own merit. Even a devastating cancer diagnosis late in life did not shake her faith. After miraculously surviving an untreatable illness, she humbly devoted her remaining days to serving fellow residents in a Leros monastery before dying in 1992.
Saint Gabriela’s incredible life ended in 1992, her legacy of loving service continues to inspire. By dedicating herself fully to alleviating suffering in marginalized communities worldwide, her example underscores the power of one person to create ripples of compassion. May her story rouse more hearts to answer the call to serve.