It is an association, a name and a thing, like high mountains. The evergreen “Parnassus” in the heart of Athens was founded in 1865 by four young brothers, children of the numismatist Pavlos Lambros, who conceived the idea of ​​creating a new cultural institution. In just a few years, he managed to illuminate the artistic and intellectual life of the city, playing a pioneering role in the newly created Greek state: from classes, lectures and dance evenings to exhibitions and performances, he brought together ordinary people. and intellectual figures as a hotbed for cultivation and morality. However, despite his brilliant deeds, in recent decades he seemed to have lost his dignity, covered with the heavy “dust” of his history.

It’s good that the club’s management has recently begun the process of activation, both by attracting new permanent members (among them women) and by organizing numerous events. One of them is the annual awards ceremony for associations and individuals who have shown significant social, intellectual and cultural activities. In addition, 158 years of life give Parnas an authority that other clubs do not have.

The award ceremony this year took place last Wednesday, January 25, 2023, in the main hall of the club. President Vassilios Konstantinopoulos addressed the audience with a welcoming speech. He then passed the baton to Secretary General Makis Fokas, who spoke about the activities and history of the institutions that will be awarded in 2022. The first was “Amalieo Women’s Boarding School” and a plaque was presented to its president, Joanna. Focus. Founded in 1855, it is intended for female students who have lost one or both parents. This was followed by the Friends of the Child association, and its leader, Gianna Panayotidou, took the stage. The agency removes needy, incomplete families with social or intra-family problems. The award was also presented to the Association “Together for the Child”, with the soul and driving force of Alexandra Martinu.

Following this, Professor Stavros Stavrou delivered a preface and presented the award to the Ionian Cultural House of Ilioupoli, which was received by its President, Argyro Pikula. Finally, the President of Parnassus presented the award to the Municipality of Symi, which was accepted by Mayor Eleftherios Papakalodukas. At the end of the awarding, objections were raised by Dodecanese MP Manos Consolas, as well as Tsambika Yatridis. A particularly unique and pleasant moment was the presence of the Kindergarten of the Friends of the Child Association, who sang children’s songs, as well as the soprano Zafiros Hatsifotiou, who performed Asia Minor songs a capella. At the end of the event, a small rally took place in the lobby of Parnassus.