The island of Kalymnos will honor the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide of the Pontic Greeks through a series of official commemorative events announced by the Regional Unit of Kalymnos.
May 19 has been officially established by Greek Law 2193/1994 as the national remembrance day for the victims of the Pontic Greek Genocide, paying tribute to the Greeks of Pontus who were displaced, persecuted, and exterminated during the early decades of the 20th century under the collapsing Ottoman regime.
As part of the commemorations, on Friday, May 22, 2026, schools across primary and secondary education will organize special presentations and discussions to inform students about the historical significance of the genocide.
The main events will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with flags flying across public buildings, local authorities, banks, private businesses, homes, and ships docked at the port of Kalymnos.
At 11:00 a.m., an official thanksgiving service will be held at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Pothia, officiated by Metropolitan Paisios of Kalymnos, Leros, and Astypalaia. The keynote memorial speech will be delivered by retired educator Ioannis Belesis.
At 11:30 a.m., a memorial prayer service and wreath-laying ceremony will follow at the Heroes’ Monument in the town’s central square, attended by local authorities and representatives of institutions and organizations. Honors will be rendered by a military guard from the 5/42 Regiment “Delvinaki” and the Municipal Philharmonic Band of Kalymnos.
Representatives of government, local authorities, the armed forces, security corps, educational and cultural institutions, as well as the people of Kalymnos, have been invited to participate in this important day of remembrance and national reflection.
