In the presence of the President of the Republic Katerina SakellaropoulouTonight, a bust of the world-renowned Greek prose writer Antonis Samarakis was unveiled at Avdi Square in Metaxourgio. The work was a gift from his wife, Eleni Samarakis, to the municipality of Athens.

The Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, welcoming the President of the Republic at the event, noted that her presence honors her district, the city center, the inhabitants who support its life and prosperity, emphasizing how important and encouraging the support of PtD. to the battle to preserve the historic cinemas of Athens and, more broadly, the unique identity and character of Athens.

In the area where the great prose writer was born

The acceptance of the donation of the bust by Mrs. Samaraki was made by unanimous decision of the municipal council of the city, at the suggestion of the mayor of Athens. At the event, Mr. Bakoyannis thanked Eleni Samarakis, the life partner of the great writer, who, according to him, perpetuates his memory and humanistic values ​​through her actions.

He also congratulated the sculptor P. Tsanoulinos on his work, which “decorates Avdis Square, recalls and honors the eternal work of Antonis Samarakis.” As he said, “This great man became ‘the voice of those who have no voice.’ He erected freedom as an absolute and necessary ideal both in his works and in his social work. The legacy of the author of faith and hope, “it’s never too late”, rejection of the absurdity of separation, is an eternal source of inspiration and reference point for all. […] Today, in 2023, the thinking and attitude of A. Samarakis become a compass. In an age of uncertainty, numerous crises and disappointments, and the collapse of ecumenical positions, the need of young people for spiritual leaders is obvious and urgent.”

The unveiling of the bust was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Nicholas Giatromanolakis, among others, representing Prime Minister New Democracy MP Fotini Pipili on behalf of the Speaker of the Greek Parliament, former Speaker of Parliament Nikos. Voutsis, Deputy Minister of Education Angelos Sirygos, First Vice Speaker of Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, MP for SYRIZA Panagiotis Kurumplis, as well as Vice Mayors of Athens, representatives of municipal groups and councilors. The event was also attended by Ms. Daphne Simitis and Ms. Georgia Samara.

The bust was erected on Avdi Square in Metaxourgio, in the area where the great Greek poet and prose writer was born and raised.

Eleni Samaraki said in a statement: “It is a great honor, joy and emotion that Antonis is returning to us, to Avdi Square, to the area where he grew up, to the cafes that he always loved to visit, and of course, most importantly, among the youth that filled the square, and he believed in them so much and supported them. It has always belonged to young people who dream of a better world and fight for it. This great honor goes to all spiritual people who give quality and magic to our lives!”

The portrait of a Greek prose writer of the post-war generation is made in white Dionysian marble and is realistic in style. The titles of the most important works of Samarakis are engraved on the marble.

The students were touched

Antonis Samarakis, who passed away 20 years ago, was distinguished by his great love for young people. In fact, it was his idea to create a Youth Parliament, which gave a “voice” to young men and women from all over the country. Wishing to honor his memory, students of the choir of the International Capital School took part in today’s event, performing four songs to the music of Antonis Samarakis.