Three Greek organizations join forces to honor Ioannis Kapodistrias, the First Governor of Greece, as a Global Role Model at a Historic Event in Athens
 
Athens, September 27, 2025 - The legacy of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece, was honored on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the War Museum of Athens. The prestigious event, “Ioannis Kapodistrias – A Global Role Model”, was organized by the nonprofit organization Ambelli, the Byzantine Cultural Center “Virgin Mary of the Bees”, and the online channel En Arche.

The event showcased the statesman's pivotal role in reshaping the future of Europe and Modern Greece.  As Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs under Czar Alexander I from 1816 - 1822, Kapodistrias recalibrated the balance of power in Europe, securing the independence and neutrality of Switzerland and guaranteeing France’s territorial integrity with the Treaty of Paris.  Departing his function in Russia to actively support the Greek War of Independence, he successfully shored up critical support from America and Europe for the Greek Cause. As the country’s first Governor, Kapodistrias modernized the Greek state, introducing the civil code, founding the Greek senate and establishing the first national military academy in addition to building a network of hospitals, orphanages and schools across the country. With wisdom and eloquence, Kapodistrias ushered in a new era of Greek history through unparalleled self- sacrifice and love of nation. His life came to a tragic end when he was brutally assassinated in Nafplion, Greece on September 27, 1831.
 
In evocative and erudite fashion, the event’s keynote speakers, Hieromonk George Alevras from Mount Athos and internationally acclaimed film director and academic Yannis Smaragdis, paid homage to the great statesman and “political saint” with their illuminating and engaging discussion captivating the minds and hearts of the audience. Dr. Vasileios Gaitanis, professor at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Athens, and Mrs. Daisy Gallagher, American public relations executive and international strategy consultant, welcomed guests and attendees with moving and thought-provoking speeches.
 
In her address, Mrs. Gallagher underscored her profound love for Greece and the special connection Greece and the United States share as friends and allies. She praised Elder George for his contribution in promoting both the legacy of Kapodistrias and Hellenism at large, emphasizing that, “He is a light in our lives.”
 
Director Yannis Smaragdis, speaking about his new film dedicated to Ioannis Kapodistrias, revealed that before embarking on this monumental work, he sought the blessing of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. During their private meeting, he learned that there was a movement within Mount Athos for the canonization of Governor Kapodistrias. As he later discovered, this initiative was inspired by Elder George himself. Despite the difficulties and significant obstacles he faced in making the film, Mr. Smaragdis underlined the strong support he received from the Greek-American community and announced that the film’s world premiere will take place in New York City in November.
 
In an especially heartfelt statement, Mr. Smaragdis remarked, “Kapodistrias left us a blueprint for how Greece can become great—a vision awaiting future generations to fulfill. Greece must become a motherland that creates, rather than imitates foreign models that are alien to us and distant from our faith.”
 
Elder George Alevras, reflecting on his acquaintance with the director and on the timeless radiance of Kapodistrias, emphasized, “The living shape the present. The great who have departed shape the future.”
 
At the conclusion of the evening, Elder Georgios presented Mr. Smaragdis with the Greek-American commemorative album “The USA Takes the Lead in Promoting Hellenism,” which he himself had compiled.  The event opened with an inspiring 14-minute audiovisual tribute to Ioannis Kapodistrias, created by Vasilis Kostoulas, showcasing the statesman’s achievements, sacrificial spirit and devotion which laid the foundations of the modern Greek state.
 
To watch the event click here