COMMEMORATIVE EVENT FOR THE 200th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIEGE AND HEROIC EXODUS OF MESSOLONGHI

The Embassy of Greece in Belgium commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Siege and Heroic Exodus of Messolonghi with an event dedicated to the historical significance and timeless message of the sacrifice of Messolonghi, on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB).

In her address, the Ambassador of Greece, Ms. Sofia Grammata, underlined that this was the first event organised by a Greek embassy  in Europe as part of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary and that the “defeat” of the Greeks at Messolonghi proved to be a great “victory” for Humanity as well as for Hellenism, as it swayed public sentiment across Europe in favour of the revolutionary Greeks.

In a recorded message, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Mr. Yiannis Loverdos, stressed that the Exodus was an act of spirit that continues to inspire those who yearn for freedom, adding that the aim is to highlight it as a global symbol. The Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, Mr. Spyros Diamantopoulos, elaborated on the sacrifice of the participants in the Exodus, invited all attendees to visit the Holy City, and presented the Ambassador of Greece with a commemorative gift—a collector’s edition of the Greek National Anthem and an anniversary medal. The renowned author and former Head of the European Commission Representation in the Netherlands and Belgium, Mr. Jimmy Jamar, delivered a moving speech filled with examples of both iconic and anonymous Philhellenes, highlighting their spiritual bond with Greece and the enduring nature of Philhellenism. On behalf of ULB, Maître de Conférences Mr. Nikolaos Stogios addressed the audience, emphasising the shared ideals embodied by Messolonghi and the University. Mr. Panagiotis Giotopoulos, Minister Plenipotentiary B’ and member of the Executive Committee for the 200 years since the Exodus, introduced the Mayor of Messolonghi, while the President of the Daughters of Penelope – THETIS Chapter Brussels, Ms. Eleni Maglara, expressed warm thanks to all who contributed to the organisation of the event. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic, religious, and academic authorities.

During the event, the anniversary videos “My Soul, Do Not Bend” (composed by S. Spanoudakis) and “Mesolongi 200 Years” (narrated by Nikos Aliagas), which capture the spirit of this historic place, were screened.

The event concluded with the presentation of the Anniversary Scarf and Anniversary Tie by Pagoni Maison des Gravates.

COMMEMORATIVE EVENT
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