100 prominent figures of Hellenism explore Greek Identity. This quest is captured in the book “Patridognosia: 100 Personalities of Hellenism in Search for Greek Identity” by Anna Grimani, published by Gkovostis Editions with the sponsorship of NJV Athens Plaza, thanks to the initiative of the hotel’s General Manager, Vana Lazarakou.
The book was presented by the author at a warm event held at Explorer’s Bar Bistro at the NJV Athens Plaza, affectionately referred to as “The Green” by its loyal and distinguished regulars.
Speaking about her work, Anna Grimani remarked: “This is a rare gathering of different opinions—on a shared theme—of Greeks who have had a significant impact, and whose work and international presence prove the universality of a nation and their impressive diffusion around the world.”
The idea of Patridognosia (Knowledge of the Homeland) began as a journalistic column in the K magazine of Kathimerini, supported by the then-editor of the magazine Sokratis Tsihlias.
Special mention should be made of Professor Emeritus Giannis Psychopaidis from the School of Fine Arts, a painter who generously contributed 14 of his works from the series “Patridanognosia, The Letter That Never Arrived” for the publication.
Many of the figures featured in the book travelled from all parts of the world to attend the event and honour the author with their presence. Some notable attendees included: George-Stylianos Prevelakis (from Paris), Kostas Drosatos (from Cincinnati), Theodore Kofidis (from Singapore), Nikos Kyrpides (from San Francisco), Marily Mexi (from New York). A special mention goes to Eleni Glykatntzi-Arveler, Rector and Chancellor of the Universities of Paris, who graced the event with her presence and added a unique touch to the evening with her characteristic sense of humour.
Anna Grimani, the journalist and author, is a corporate member and board member of Komvos-Node: Networks of Global Hellenism.
You can find the book at Gkovostis Editions. Photos from the event were taken by Kostas Moschopoulos (Papadakispress).
In the picture (from left): Angelos Georgakopoulos, Sotiris Korosis, Nikolaos Mavridis, Markos Zachariadis, Theodoros Kofidis, Nikos Kyrpides, Georgios Prevelakis, Anna Grimani, Vana Lazarakou, Thanos Papadimitriou, Marily Mexi, Giannis Psychopaidis, Konstantinos Drosatos.
You can watch Anna Grimani’s speech in this short video generously provided by Nikos Kyrpides:
