201st Anniversary of the Holocaust of the Heroic Island of Kasos in Attica
The Federation of Dodecanesian Societies of Athens–Piraeus co-organized the commemorative events marking the 201st anniversary of the Holocaust of the Heroic Island of Kasos.
The celebration began with a memorial service held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. This was followed by the traditional procession accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the City of Athens, from the Cathedral to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. The Presidential Guard appeared in the traditional attire of the Aegean islander (vrakofóros).
The wreath-laying ceremony was coordinated by Charalampos Xydis and Angela Glyktsi, both of Kassian descent, and attended by a large crowd. Wreaths were laid by the following representatives:
- Mr. Vasilis–Nikolaos Ypsilantis, MP for Dodecanese (New Democracy), on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament
- Ms. Katerina Gavala, Deputy Secretary for Island Policy of PASOK – Movement for Change
- Ms. Maria Athanasiou, MP for West Athens (Hellenic Solution)
- Mr. Alexandros Kazamias, State MP (Plefsi Eleftherias)
- Brigadier General Angelos Tsorovas, representing the Chief of General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis
- Ms. Stavroula Makri, Vice President of the Regional Development Fund, on behalf of the Governor of Attica
- Mr. Michalis Erotokritos, Mayor of the Heroic Island of Kasos
- Mr. Nikolaos Psychidis, Deputy Mayor of KEP Services, Municipality of Kallithea (a twinned municipality with Kasos)
- Mr. Nikos Laliotis, President of 984 FM and Special Municipal Councillor for Volunteering and Civil Society, on behalf of the Mayor of Athens
- Mr. Giannis Karaitianos, President of the Society of Karpathians Everywhere
- Mr. Manolis Kolezakis, President of the Union of Rhodians of Attica
- Mr. Pavlos Kapatos, Vice President of the Union of Chalkitians of Athens–Piraeus
- Mr. Ilias Perselis, President of the Youth Association of Kasos
- Ms. Angela Glyktsi, Board Member of the Kasos Branch of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women
- Ms. Mary Sorotou-Tsanaki, President of the Association of Kassians in Greece
- Mr. Giannis Fragoulis, President of the Federation of Dodecanesian Societies of Athens–Piraeus
A memorial and tribute event followed at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA).
The event began with the screening of a short video prepared by renowned Kassian director Vasilis Christofyllakis, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Holocaust.
Mr. Giannis Fragoulis, President of the Federation, welcomed the guests and delivered opening remarks.
Mayor Michalis Erotokritos gave a greeting and outlined the activities that have taken place since last year’s bicentenary celebration.
Two distinguished speeches followed:
- By Ms. Eirini Kyriakou, special education teacher and fellow Kassian
- By Ms. Maria Sampatakaki, historian and collaborator of ANYMASYROS, who also presented a fascinating video about the Heroic Island of Kasos.
Afterward, Ms. Katerina Gavala and Ms. Mary Sorotou-Tsanaki delivered short addresses.
The event concluded movingly with a touching video prepared by the kindergarten of Agia Marina (Kasos).
Among the attendees were representatives from all Dodecanesian Societies in Attica, as well as:
- Ms. Eirini Kassimati, MP for Piraeus B
- Mr. Kostas Grigoriadis, Municipal Councillor from the “Together for Kasos” group
- Ms. Maria Kourkoulakou, Volunteer Blood Donation Coordinator of the Hellenic Red Cross
Written messages were also sent by Dodecanese MPs:
- Giannis Pappas
- Manos Konsolas
- Tsambika Iatridi
Special thanks were extended to:
- The Municipality of Athens, for its consistent support in the success of these events
- The cultural group “ARCHIPELAGOS”, responsible for the presence of the Presidential Guard in traditional Aegean attire
- The VAP – KOUGIOS S.A. company, for sponsoring refreshments
- The Sklavenitis company, for generously donating products for the events
Board of the Federation of Dodecanesian Societies of Athens–Piraeus
