Orthodox Nun Gabrielia and Indira Gandhi : The Story Untold

What can be the relation between a poor Greek Orthodox Christian nun and the Iron lady of India? It seems to be a very interesting story. Many Orthodox faithful, particularly in India, remain unaware about this incident. Gerontissa Gavrielia (Elder Gravilea)was a Greek Orthodox nun who spend several years in India taking care of the poor and sick.

Born as Avrilia Papayanni in Constantinople 1897, her family moved to Thessaloniki in 1923. She got trained as chiropodist and physiotherapist in England. She also opened her own clinic in Athens. After her mum’s death, she moved to India to work for the poor and sick. Elder Graviela lived a simple life and also served at Baba Amte’s Anandwan (Caring institution for Leprosy Patients) several years taking care of leprosy patients. Gravilea was among the first foreign workers to serve at the institution. A disciple of Swami Sivananda of Hrishikesh, she was known by the name Sister Leela to the inmates of Anandwan. Sister Graviela was also a good friend of Fr Lazarus Moore, the great Orthodox Missionary Champion, who took care of the families of the sick and downtrodden in India and several other parts of the world.

Treating Indira Gandhi

The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi was suffering from shoulder and neck pain. She consulted several doctors and tried numerous medicines with no success. Finally, she consulted Sister Graviela. Sister Gravelia applied her physiotherapy skills on the great leader of India. Indira felt much better. The Prime Minister was at peace from the long time pain. At the same time, she was astonished by the treating skills of this simple Orthodox Christian nun. Indira thanked Mother said “You have fairy hands.” Indira was pretty impressed with the psychotherapy skills of Mother Gabrielia. Mother Gabriellia used to visit the office of the iconic Indian leader. Their friendship was precious by all means. Their story is mentioned the book  ‘Mother Gavrilia: The Ascetic of Love.’ But their relationship remain unknown to many people.

Source: OCP