2024-03-12 18:02:12
The anniversary event of the Greek High School of Rhodes “Ergani Athena” was successfully organized again this year on March 7, 2024 at noon in the events area of ARION PALACE.
The union has established to celebrate this day to commemorate the great historical march of Rhodes until it reached total liberation.
In her speech, the President Phaedra Spanou emphasized: “Part of this historical march of our country towards freedom is also the Greek High School of Rhodes Ergani Athena. It was in 1908, when the loud thump of liberation was already shaking the enslaved Dodecanese, that a group of ladies decided to get together to speed up the desired freedom in our country. So they founded the fraternity of Ladies and Misses “Ergani Athena”. With the vision of a society higher spiritually and more dignified, the brotherhood began its work, wonderfully organized and very willing to achieve its goals. Hopes for help were slim and slavery had plagued the island for centuries. But the group of progressive women, with a consciousness of a high mission, set out to help the female world to liberate itself, to elevate itself spiritually in order to acquire the provisions and create the conditions for a better life. I mention the names of those women who dared: Zoe – Vlachopoulou Polemikos, Maroulitsa Venetokleous, Ourania Kazakopoulou from Ag. Georgios, Evanthia Frarakis from Niochori, Maria Sella from Metropoli, Despina Amarantou from Niochori, Kalliopi Frarakis from Ag. Anargyrous, Marika and Eleni Antonara from the Metropolis, Chrysanthi Deuteriou from Ag. Anargyrou. With this brief report we also commemorate another important day that dawns tomorrow. Women’s Day. A day not of celebration but of contemplation and information”.
With great emotion spread throughout the world, there was a minute’s silence in memory of Mrs. Athena Kostaridis.
“Athina Kostaridis Tsimetta- the Marasiotissa, the Lady, the simple aristocrat, the Wife, the Mother, the Woman of gentleness, giving and Love. Mrs. Athena loved the Greek High School of Rhodes and she passed this love on to her family. The Lyceum loved Mrs. Athena and she passed this love on to the next generations of its members. Because history must be told and history is people and not events. In addition to being a member, Mrs. Athena was also vice-president of the Greek Greek High School of Rhodes for a number of years. He left an additional legacy to the association. He recorded and published his history from 1908 to 1938 in a book which includes many documents of that time, letters, articles, decrees and is an invaluable treasure for Rhodes and our association”.
With these words, the President handed over an honorary plaque to her son Mrs. Costas Kostaridis.
Another important woman of the younger generation, Mrs. Eleni Pappou-Ioannidis, honored our association for her own and her family’s contribution to the Greek High School of Rhodes “Ergani Athena” prefaced by saying, among other things:
“Eleni Pappou Ioannidis, is an active, immobile woman, with admirable childishness and simplicity. She is a woman who harmoniously combines modernity with tradition. The truth is that when we met in person he surprised me. I was even more surprised when I discovered her love for tradition. For her roots. The way she takes care of her collection of traditional objects and embroidery is unique. In Pefkos, at her brother’s hotel, she has created a folklore museum of amazing fidelity. Daughter of Mrs. Mary and Mr. Giorgos, who until the end of their lives were faithful helpers of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Rhodes”.
The event was welcomed by the President of the Dodecanese Chamber, Mr. Giannis G. Pappou and Mr. Antonis Giannikouris, former president of the TEE, politician and member of the Board of Directors. of EYDAP.
The event continued with a big traditional feast with the amazing musical group: Yiannis Kladakis, Christina Koza, Yiannis Lentakis and Despoina Giannaklis. The little dancers offered a dance spectacle and the men of the groups presented a Halloween satirical sketch.
Our association thanks all the people who attended and all those who support its goals over time. He also thanks the Ministry of Aegean and Island Policy for the support.