H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Constantine An. Tassoulas, at the Philhellenism Museum
Presentation of the publication “Lord Byron, British Philhellenism” in the presence of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic
H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Constantine An. Tassoulas, attended and delivered an opening address at the presentation of the bilingual publication entitled “Lord Byron, British Philhellenism” by the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism at the Philhellenism Museum on 15 June 2026.
Speeches were delivered by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Greece, Matthew Lodge, and the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Philhellenism Museum, Constantinos Velentzas.
The event was attended by Member of Parliament Sofia Voultepsi, representing the President of the Hellenic Parliament; His Grace the Bishop of Euripos, Chrysostomos, representing His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens; the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Athanasios Davakis; the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis; the Ambassadors of Ireland, Portugal, Serbia, and Luxembourg; representatives of the Chiefs of the Armed Forces; the representative of the Anglican Church; as well as friends of the Philhellenism Museum.
Mr. Velentzas presented the publication, referring to the historical research conducted by the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) to broader studies upon the Philhellenism movement, as well as to the initiatives implemented with the aim of increasing awareness regarding all those passionate fighters who came to our country to assist the Greeks in their struggle for freedom. Emphasis was also placed on the endeavor to locate descendants of distinguished Philhellenes in order to maintain enduring bonds of friendship and to pay tribute to the Philhellenes who embraced Greece as their own homeland. The SHP and the Philhellenism Museum record, document and present the evolution of this internationally unique phenomenon of solidarity through the establishment of the ‘Lord Byron’ International Prize for Philhellenism and the erection of Philhellenes’ Monuments in Athens, Messolonghi, and Itea.
Mr. Lodge stated: ‘The book “Lord Byron, British Philhellenism” presented tonight reminds us of and gives material substance to the thoughts, words, and actions of many people, from different countries and with different backgrounds, sharing one common characteristic: their love for Greece, their respect for the Philhellenic movement, and their admiration for Byron. I am certain that this exceptional publication, the fruit of the labor of the people of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and particularly of its President, Mr. Velentzas, will achieve the path and influence it truly deserves.’
The President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Tassoulas, welcomed the event and, honouring the enduring spirit of Philhellenism, commenced his speech by stating: “The honorable Ambassador of the United Kingdom, through his wonderful speech, which was both substantive and emotional, succeeded in making us regret even more his departure from this important post. We are not merely losing a great diplomat, but a true Philhellene, much like those we are commemorating today.
It is a highly interesting and auspicious occasion today to be speaking about this illustrious publication on British Philhellenism and Lord Byron, here at the Philhellenism Museum, where 4,500 artifacts across four floors remind us of this remarkable history.
However, Philhellenism is not merely history anchored in the past; it is history in progress. Just a few days ago, Mr. Ambassador, the National Gallery in London acquired a major painting depicting a significant theme from Greek mythology surrounding Achilles. Greek mythology, the Greek past, has always fascinated the British, even to this day.
The expression ‘Megali Idea’ (Great Idea), much like the neologism ‘Philhellenism,’ was first recorded by the Teacher of the Nation and collaborator and friend of Rigas, Iosipos Moisiodax, one of the most prominent figures of the Modern Greek Enlightenment, who authored the word ‘Philhellenism’ for the very first time. And it is this Philhellenism today, thanks to this remarkable Museum, this exceptional publication, and the wonderful speeches of the Ambassador and Mr. Velentzas, that we shall come to know much better and far more profoundly.”
A guided tour followed across the four floors of the Philhellenism Museum, which preserves rare works of painting and sculpture, historical documents, original weaponry, and personal belongings of Philhellenes, alongside a multitude of rare relics.
For information: info@phmus.org
