The SHP (eefshp.org) and the Philhellenism Museum (phmus.org) participate in the 25-member Honorary Committee for the organisation of events and activities dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Exodus.

The Exodus of Missolonghi is the leading moment of the Greek War of Independence, which inspired all civilized humanity, gave maximum impetus to the philhellenic movement and triggered diplomatic processes that led to the Treaty of London, the naval battle in Navarino and the establishment of the independent Greek state.

The SHP and the Philhellenism Museum will organise a major exhibition at the Academy of Athens, an emblematic concert and a series of events and publications in Greece and internationally, to highlight the effect that the heroic Exodus had on the development of Philhellenism and international solidarity in favor of nations struggling for their freedom and the values ​​of Western civilization.

Information: info@eefshp.org

 

The premiere of the play entitled “Byron. The farewell. Messolonghi 1824” took place in the Amphitheatre of the War Museum. The play, which moved and impressed the audience, deals with the last days of Lord Byron in Messolonghi.

The two theatrical performances were offered to the public of Athens with free admission, by the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, in collaboration with the War Museum and under the auspices and support of the British Embassy in Athens. Other presentations of the play are planned to follow in Greece and abroad.

The event was addressed by the president of the War Museum, Mr. Konstantinos Karamesinis, the president and founder of SHP and the Philhellenism Museum, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas and the counsellor of the British Embassy, ​​Ms. Katharina Arnold.

Mr. Velentzas prefaced the performance by outlining the historical context of the era to the audience, highlighting unknown details about the volunteer military and medical scientists who were by the side of the British Philhellene in the last days of his life.

The plot of the play was focused on a final account of the life and work of the Romantic poet, filled with the ideals of struggle and freedom, and the search for the higher meanings of human existence.

Emilianos Stamatakis, one of the most distinguished and talented actors of his generation, captivated the audience with his performance as Lord Byron. The role of Byron’s loyal valet, Fletcher, was performed by Pericles Lianos, who is particularly loved and known through his television roles.
The roles of doctors Brouno, Treiber and Millingen were  played by actors Elias Sardellis, Kostas Gerantonis and Dimitris Pneumatikos respectively.

The scenario is written by Iordanis Kalesis (who also performed as Count Pietro Gamba) and the play is directed by Vassilis Kontaxis. In addition, original music by Angeliki Della was especially composed for the play, while the lyricism and unparalleled interpretive skill of soprano Angeliki Vardaka captivated the audience.

The play incorporates elements of cinematography, directed by the award-winning artist Thanos Angelis, while Pantelis Konsolakis was charged with the photography direction.

The Romantic poet who was the greatest Philhellene of all times, inspired and inspires the movement of Philhellenism internationally. His sudden death at the age of 36 was a global event, which moves the new generations to this day. Byron’s unconventional temperament, is a starting point to discover at the same time his literary intelligence, which even today influences fiction and artistic creation.

The intention of the SHP – Philhellenism Museum and the contributors, is the tour of the play in other cities in Greece and abroad.

 

Byron. The Farewell, Messolonghi 1824

Under the auspices and support of the British Embassy

Author: Iordanis Kalesis | Direction – stage plan: Vassilis Kontaxis | Original Music – piano: Angeliki Della | Film direction and costume design: Thanos Angelis | Director of photography: Pantelis Konsolakis | Research advisor: Dr. Zambia Agrimaki | Lighting: Thodoris Gogos

Cast:

Kostas Gerantonis | Iordanis Kalesis | Dimitris Pneumatikos | Ilias Sardellis | Special guest: Pericles Lianos | Soprano Angeliki Vardaka

Emilianos Stamatakis as Lord Byron

 

 

 

The President of the Republic of Poland awarded the Golden Cross of Merit of the Polish Republic to the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP), following a proposal by the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs. The medal was awarded by H.E. Ambassador of Poland in Greece, Mr. Artur Lompart, to the president of the SHP, Mr. Constantinos Velenzas.

The awarding ceremony took place at the Philhellenism Museum in Athens.

During his speech, the Polish ambassador referred to the work of the SHP and the Philhellenism Museum in order to promote the history of Poland, and in particular its important contribution at the beginning of the 19th century. During this period, the Poles played an important role in Europe and supported the struggle for the liberation of the Greeks. At the same time, many Polish Philhellenes volunteers, fought during the Greek Revolution of 1821, and most even offered their lives to Greece.

Ambassador Lompart also underlined the joint efforts to promote Polish-Greek cooperation, among others, in the academic field, and the common bonds of the two peoples, who are inspired by the same values ​​and the same civilisation.

Mr. Velentzas thanked the Polish President of the Republic for the special honor and presented a rare document from the collections of the Philhellenism Museum, which connects the Philhellenic movement in favor of the Greeks, with the pro-Polish movement that followed in Europe in 1831 during the Polish Revolution.

It is a letter from the French general Lafayette, in which he announces to the American Philhellene Dr. Samuel Howe that he is being honored by the Polish community in France for his contribution to the liberation struggle of the Poles. This document confirms that the Philhellenic solidarity movement in favor of Greece, evolved into a solidarity movement in favor of the Polish nation, thus laying the foundations for European integration.

The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Philhellenism Museum, hosted by the Embassy of Poland.

For information:

info@eefshp.org
T. 210.8094750

 

 

Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Papailiou, vice-president of the SHP, will present on November 17, 2023, at an event in Zurich, the history of the Swiss Philhellenes who participated in the liberation struggle of 1821.

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) established the International Lord Byron Prize in 2021, in collaboration with the Academy of Athens, in honor of the great poet and Philhellene who drew his last breath in Missolonghi, fighting alongside the Greeks. The International Lord Byron Prize is awarded annually to important personalities from the political, cultural, academic, or business international arena, whose careers are characterized by a long-term philhellenic attitude or who have contributed to society with actions aligned with Hellenism’s values. Each of the honorees receives a silver medal, a diploma, and a grant of $10,000 USD, donated in their name to a foundation of their choice engaged in activities that serve and promote Hellenic and Philhellenic values.

For the year 2023, the awardees are:

• Ms. Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia, who will attend the award ceremony at the Academy of Athens on 9 October 2023.
• Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO (World Trade Organisation), who will attend the award ceremony at the Academy of Athens on 18 October 2023.

These individuals carry out their duties from their significant positions of responsibility in a manner entirely consistent with the principles and values of Philhellenism. They courageously address significant international crises and the impacts of climate change while contributing remarkable work to society as a whole.

Following each award ceremony, there will be a discussion – dinner event with the awardees’ participation at the Athens Club.

For more information and reservations, please contact us at info@eefshp.org.

 

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