Memorial ceremony at the Philhellenes’ Monument in Athens

 

In collaboration with the War Museum, the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, erected the Philhellenes’ Monument on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue a few months ago, implementing a unanimous decision of the Fourth National Assembly in 1829 in Argos (Resolution 8).

The Monument has engraved names of 2,000 Philhellenes, activists and volunteers, who supported the Greek War of Independence, even sacrificing their own lives, and is now an emblematic landmark in the center of Athens, contributing to the historical commemoration of the solidarity of nations in the defense of freedom and of Western civilisation.

Philhellenism was an unprecedented and unique phenomenon of solidarity and activism that united peoples during the 19th century, and led to the creation of the modern Greek state. Nowadays, enduring Philhellenism reminds us that the constant focus on Greek culture remains the thread that unites people in the defense of ecumenical human values.

Philhellenism promotes freedom, democracy, the rule of law and international solidarity in public life. Relations built with faith over time deserve our respect and highlighting them as bright spots on humanitarian grounds. In today’s complex world, peace, security, the prevention of international conflicts, migration, climate change, the digital revolution, continue to have as a common priority the protection of human rights and freedom.

The War Museum and the SHP / Philhellenism Museum co-organise an annual memorial ceremony at the Philhellenes’ Monument.

On this basis, on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, the first ceremony in memory of the Philhellenes was held with the laying of wreaths and a floral tribute, with the participation of the Hellenic Parliament and the embassies in Greece of the Philhellenes’ countries of origin.

In particular, the ceremony was held in the presence of the representative of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, MP Mr. Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos, the representative of the Chief of General Staff and General Staff of the Hellenic Army, Inspector General of the Army, Lieutenant General Mr. Stavros Papastathopoulos, the representative of the Chief of General Staff, Commander of the Hellenic Army, Mr. Athanasios Notaras, the representative of the Chief of General Staff, Brigadier General Mr. Theodoros Papanikolopoulos.

H.E. Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr. Andreas Kindl and Ambassador of Sweden Mr. Håkan Emsgård paid tribute to the names of their ancestors, while the US Embassy was represented by Mr. Sung W. Choi, the British Embassy by the Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Robyn Goldsmith, the Embassy of Spain by the Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Reyes Fernández Bulnes, the Embassy of France by the Defence Attaché Mr. Arnaut Lacote, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland by the Third Secretary Ms. Aleksandra Olenderek, the Embassy of Romania by the Consul Ms. Laura Borza, the Embassy of Hungary by Ms. Gabriella Kállay, the Embassy of Portugal by Ms. Andreia Almeida. On behalf of H.E. Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation Mr. Stefan Estermann and Ambassador of Austria Ms. Gerda Vogl tribute paid by the president of the SHP and Philhellenism Museum, Brigadier General (Hon.), Mr. Constantinos Velentzas.

The ceremony was also attended by two important historical municipalities of the country, in which Philhellenes volunteers have left their mark. The Municipality of Sacred City of Messolonghi by the representative of the mayor, Mr. Stathis Tsekouras, and the Municipality of Peta Arta by the representative of the mayor and president of the Peta Association, Mr. Georgios Kakaniaris.

The President of the War Museum, Lieutenant General Mr. Konstantinos Karamesinis and the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas, as hosts and co-organisers, emphasized the importance of the erection of the Philhellenes’ Monument in Athens as an act that implements the relevant decision of the Fourth National Assembly of Argos, while announcing that the ceremony will now be an annual institution with the aim of strengthening the events for Philhellenism Day.

 

Information:
SHP | Philhellenism Museum
12 Zissimopoulou Str., 11524 Athens
Τ. +30 2108094750
info@eefshp.org & info@phmus.org
www.eefshp.org | www.phmus.org