The life of Greek priest Panagiotis Papaioannou, who turned from a veterinarian to a priest and moved to Madagascar, is fascinating.
Life took an unexpected turn for Papaioannou at the age of 63, when a life-changing event caused him to reconsider everything.
A successful veterinarian with thriving vet practices across Athens and an established well-run business, he couldn’t imagine the turn his life journey would take.
Following a serious health issue with his twin grandchildren, Papaioannou had only one hope left: that of God.
How a Greek vet decided to become a priest in Madagascar
One day, the Greek priest had gone to the Agios Vlassios Monastery in Trikala near Corinth. There, he begged God to help his daughter have a child, as he was otherwise quite happy.
Following the birth of the twins, who were diagnosed with a serious brain issue, Papaioannou felt helpless. He went to church and cried throughout the liturgy, he recently admitted in an interview with Greek TV.
There, he promised God to dedicate his life to serving God and helping children if the twins were saved, and this is exactly what happened.
The situation in Madagascar
Following the miraculous recovery of his grandchildren, Papaioannou kept his promise and became a priest.
Ordained as a missionary priest of the Greek Orthodox Christian Church, Father Panagiotis began his first 25-day mission to the African island nation, which the Greek priest describes as a land of extreme poverty.
What he saw there was the direct antithesis to the bustling streets of Athens—barefoot residents living in insect-infested homes and streets with markets and food covered in flies is what he saw.
The poverty levels were unimaginable, yet the people were always grateful and happy for all they had.
Assigned to assist the local Metropolis, Father Panagiotis participated in the significant charitable efforts of the church. Being that schools are not free in Madagascar, the Greek Orthodox Church established schools and orphanages to support those in need, particularly children.
The Greek priest conducted services, helped distribute much-needed medicines, and oversaw the maintenance of several churches, which serve as hubs for local communities. However, it was his interaction with the children that truly made him reconsider his entire life.
Each morning, hundreds of children, from toddlers to teenagers, would gather at the bishopric for a simple breakfast of milk and cookies, often their only meal of the day.
Father Panagiotis found himself in a sea of smiles and gratitude from the children of Madagascar.
Now, balancing a life between Athens and Madagascar, the Greek priest is collecting donations that can even be sent to his veterinary practices across Athens. These will then be sent to the children of Madagascar.
The locations for those who wish to donate are the Papaioannou Veterinary practices in central Athens, Markopoulo, Kifissia, and Argyroupolis.
