The National Papafeio Orphanage "Melitefs"

The Papafeio Orphanage of Thessaloniki was built by the renowned architect Xenophon Paionidis, with funds from the will of the philanthropist Ioannis Papafis, between 1894 and 1903. Since its inception in 1903, the Papafeio Orphanage "Melitefs" has provided significant social contributions to Thessaloniki and the wider Greek community. In 1912, following the liberation of Thessaloniki, and until December 1913, it was used as a military hospital. The building was subsequently repaired to accommodate orphans, but in August 1914, it was requisitioned to house the 13th Infantry Regiment. After a brief return and stay of the orphans, it was used by the British Eastern Headquarters between 1917 and 1919. In 1921, it once again housed the Military Hospital. In 1935, it was renamed the National Papafeio Orphanage "Melitefs". From 1936 to 1938, it was used to house the Pathological Department of the Municipal Hospital. In 1940, it once again became a military hospital, and during the occupation, it served as the General German Military Hospital. It was later occupied by the E.L.A.S. (Greek People's Liberation Army), and in December 1944, it was turned into the British Military Hospital. Only in 1947 did it return to its original purpose. In 1948, the orphanage sheltered 4,650 children, victims of the Greek Civil War, and from 1948 to 1950, it housed the children's village "Agios Gregorios Palamas". Starting in 1957, a new period of renovations and repairs began. Throughout its long history, the orphanage cared for and raised a large number of children, preparing them for integration into society. Its alumni distinguished themselves in various scientific and professional fields throughout Greece. The orphanage also provided technical education in various trades such as tailoring, shoemaking, carpentry, and more. Later, it expanded its activities into fields such as wood carving, electrical engineering, and blacksmithing. Pictured: Letter from the Administrative Council of the Iraklis Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki to the director of the Thessaloniki Orphanage "Melitefs," in June 1914. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.