Sixty Years of Good Sowing (1928–1988)
We honor Father Pyrounakis as an uncompromising fighter, with a broad heart and a free mind oriented toward the world of tomorrow. A world that is more beautiful, just, and radiant.
He believed that the Christian Revolution is the solution to human problems. He fought for the Church to rediscover its revolutionary spirit, to be freed from Despotism, and to reorganize itself based on its People, inspired by the life of the early Church.
He struggled for the freedom of people, far from all kinds of totalitarianisms, hypocritical clericalism, and false patriotism. He was at the forefront and present in all the just struggles of the Nation and the People.
Despite countless persecutions, threats, and psychological pressures, he remained steadfast throughout his life, without fear or calculations.
In our world, which has been orphaned of leaders, visions, and fighters, the absence of Father Pyrounakis is painful. However, the revolutionary message of the “Priest of Hope” urges us to continue…
1910-1928
He was born to parents from Sfakia in Milos.
As a theology student, he entered social struggles with uncompromising passion and a special interest in youth. For them, he founded in Piraeus the first Night High School in the country, workers’ camps, and the first Popular (Folk) University.
1940-1945
For this work, the Academy awarded him, while the Metaxas Dictatorship stopped his activities.
During the Occupation, with his organization, the “Friendly Society of Youth,” he saved 5,000 children from destruction.
1949
He was ordained a priest in the industrial town of Elefsina, where he settled with his family of ten. His belief was that only through the Church can a radical renewal of society and the individual be achieved. The successful organization of his parish was considered a model for solving social problems and was promoted as an example throughout Greece.
However, the leaderships of the Church and the State considered the democratization of the Church and the awakening of the People a threat and persecuted him until the end of his life. The culmination:
1987
The Church Hierarchy punished him with the “minor excommunication.” Despite the continuous persecutions, he continued his struggle uncompromisingly. His slogan, “Wake up, Priest – Wake up, People,” was embraced by broader social groups. He published magazines and participated in all social, resistance, and national struggles. He also took initiatives expressing concern about nuclear issues, environmental pollution, etc.
1988
March. The excommunication is lifted, but the “Priest of the People” dies a month later, persecuted and utterly poor.
He passed away wearing the white vestments of his ordination.