The Foreign Ministry’s diplomatic family is poorer as of yesterday. Ambassador Emeritus Grigoris Papadopoulos, a diplomat distinguished for his ethos, conscientiousness and selflessness, passed away on Sunday, 17 May 2015.
Grigoris Papadopoulos served as Greece’s Consul General in Alexandria, Egypt, in key Directorates of the Foreign Ministry’s Central Service, at Greece’s Permanent Representation to the UN, in New York, and at Greece’s Embassy in Algiers. He retired in 2014, after many years of service at the Foreign Ministry’s Scientific Center for Analysis and Planning.
The life and tragic fate of Ambassador Emeritus Grigoris Papadopoulos – an especially distinguished, highly trained and dearly loved diplomat – were interwoven with his service at the Foreign Ministry. Grigoris Papadopoulos was a close associate of Alternate Foreign Minister Giannos Kranidotis, whom he accompanied on the fateful flight of the Falcon state aircraft to Bucharest on 14 September 1999.
Despite his severe injuries, Grigoris Papadopoulos, through self-denial, daily personal struggle and poignant efforts, fought with determination and succeeded in returning to the Service until his retirement, continuing his contribution to the homeland and giving all colleagues, for whom he is a source of inspiration, a moving example of dignity, personal selflessness and sense of duty.
The political and administrative leadership of the Foreign Ministry and all colleagues express deep condolences to his loved ones.
May 18, 2015