History, Distinguished Guests and a Striking Harbour Re-enactment
One of the most significant moments of the Greek War of Independence was brought vividly back to life in Kalymnos on August 16th 2026 during an event marking 202 years since the historic Battle of Gerontas, fought on August 29, 1824.
The first part of the commemorative event was held at the Kalymnos Cultural Centre, with officials attending from its courtyard. It was followed by a re-enactment in the island’s harbour, transporting spectators back to the dramatic days of 1824.
In his opening address, Manolis Mousellis, Coordinator of the Kalymnos Regional Unit, said the annual event had now become an established institution, making an important contribution to preserving and promoting the historical legacy of the Battle of Gerontas.
Fotis Mangos, Secretary General for the Aegean and Island Policy at Greece’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, also addressed the gathering. He highlighted the support provided to the event by both the Ministry and the General Secretariat. During the ceremony, Mr Mangos received an award presented by Manolis Mousellis.
The keynote speaker was Ioannis Katsavos, a Messolonghi-born retired Hellenic Navy officer, author and researcher of Modern Greek History. Drawing carefully on verified historical evidence, he presented the events and wider significance of the Battle of Gerontas.
The keynote address was broadcast live by Kalymnos Times through our YouTube channel, allowing viewers beyond the venue to follow the historical presentation.
You may view the first part of the ceremony and Mr Katsavos’ speech at the following link:
https://youtube.com/live/N0dWbB4CXUg?feature=share
Political, military and community representatives in attendance
Among those attending were New Democracy Dodecanese MPs Mika Iatridi and Vasilis Ypsilantis, Secretary General Fotis Mangos and Mayor of Kalymnos Ioannis Mastrokoukos.
Also present were Brigadier General Grigoris Garoufalias, Commander of the 80th Higher National Guard Battalions Command; Archpriestly Vicar Protopresbyter Amfilochios Sakalleros; Municipal Council President Dimitrios Marangos; Deputy Mayor Ioannis Theofilidis; and municipal councillor Vasilis Mousellis.
Military and maritime authorities were represented by Colonel Michalis Pougounias, Director of the 80th Command’s National Guard Directorate; Colonel Konstantinos Dimopoulos, Commander of the 5/42 Evzone Regiment; Kalymnos Port Authority Commander Lieutenant Commander Stefanos Patouras; and Kalymnos Merchant Marine Academy Commander Lieutenant Commander Georgios Galouzis.
Also in attendance were Kalymnos Hospital Administrator Pantelis Kongas, President of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women of Kalymnos Popi Kassara, former Kalymnos Hospital Administrator Katerina Emmanouil, the President of Kalymnos New Democracy DIMTO Eleftherios Ginnis and representatives of local organisations.
Following the speeches, attention shifted to the harbour, where the historic naval battle was re-enacted. The waters of Kalymnos once again became a stage of living memory, honouring the fighters who helped write one of the most important chapters of the Greek struggle for independence.
