From Constantinople to Sparti: Patriarch Bartholomew Honoured in Historic Visit

"Sparti is more than a place; it is an ideal that transcends nations and borders, a symbol of the Doric spirit, simplicity, and resilience." — Patriarch Bartholomew

In a historic and grand event, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been named an Honorary Citizen of Sparti.

 
The ceremony was part of the three-day festivities commemorating Saint Nikon “Metanoeite,” the Preacher of Repentance and Patron Saint of Sparti. It marked the Patriarch's first visit to Laconia and Sparti, following an invitation from Metropolitan Eustathios of Monemvasia and Sparti, and the Mayor Michalis Vakalopoulos. 

On Tuesday evening, after visiting the Church of Saint Ananias, the Patriarch was warmly welcomed by a cheering crowd as he arrived at the Hall of Laconian Poets Giannis Ritsos and Nikiforos Vrettakos. This venue hosted the special honorary ceremony organised by the Municipality of Sparti.

The event was attended by clergy, members of Parliament, local and regional government officials, military and security representatives, institutional leaders, and distinguished guests. Mayor Vakalopoulos, addressing the gathering, highlighted the historical importance of the Patriarch’s visit: "As descendants of the ancient Dorians, we are immensely proud. Patriarch Bartholomew has been rightly recognised for embodying the strength, courage, and steadfast faith in eternal principles and values—qualities that define the identity and spiritual heritage of the Dorians."

The Mayor also praised the Patriarch's remarkable initiatives during his 33-year tenure, particularly his leadership in environmental advocacy and his efforts to combat the climate crisis, issues of great concern to the region's residents and farmers affected by wildfires and extreme weather. "On behalf of all our citizens, I express heartfelt joy for the honour of your visit to our historic Sparti. We deeply appreciate your acceptance of the proposal to become an Honorary Citizen of Sparti and warmly welcome you once again to our municipality," he concluded.

The ceremony included an encomium by Stefanos Vrettakos, President of the Municipal Council, and a video presentation highlighting the Patriarch's work and achievements.

The President of the Council then read the resolution proclaiming the Patriarch as an Honorary Citizen. The Mayor presented His All-Holiness with the honorary title, a commemorative plaque, and symbolic gifts, to which the Patriarch responded with heartfelt thanks and gifts of his own.

In his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed deep gratitude to the Mayor, the President, and the Municipal Council for the honour. Reflecting on Sparti's enduring historical and spiritual significance, he remarked: "Sparti is more than a place; it is an ideal that transcends nations and borders, a symbol of the Doric spirit, simplicity, and resilience. As Christians and as individuals, we are called to embrace these values and, in a sense, to be Spartans."

The Patriarch pledged to keep Sparti and its people in his prayers, while urging the Laconians to include Constantinople, the City of the Theotokos, and the remnants of the Greek diaspora in theirs.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt musical tribute by the traditional choir of the Byzantine Music School "Petros the Lacedaemonian," directed by Professor Nikolaos Taprantzis. The performance honoured His All-Holiness, bringing the memorable event to a graceful close. 

The three-day visit of Patriarch Bartholomew ended yesterday afternoon with his conferral of an honorary PhD of the Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences at the University of the Peloponnese, based in Sparti.

Thanasis Davakis, a local member of the Greek parliament, emphasised that the ceremony underscores the critical need for university faculties in the Greek provinces. He noted that such significant occasions help bridge the gap between academia and local communities, leaving a lasting impact on public sentiment. 

These historic events not only celebrated Patriarch Bartholomew’s remarkable contributions to faith, the environment, and humanity but also reinforced Sparti’s enduring role as a beacon of spiritual and cultural heritage.

Remembering 26 November 1943: Despair Descends on Darkest Day in Laconia

"Their sacrifice is a silent call to remember the past and honour those who gave everything."

On 26 November 1943, another heinous atrocity was committed by the German occupiers in our homeland—the massacre of 118 innocent compatriots, overwhelmingly Laconians. This brutal act was carried out in retaliation for the resistance activities of ELAS partisans. At the same time, however, it brought to the fore the remarkable courage and personal heroism of Christos Karvounis, a heroic doctor and accomplished surgeon from Sparti, as we shall see.

In November 1943, following the surrender of fascist Italy, the Germans had taken control of areas in Greece that had previously been under Italian occupation, including the Peloponnese.

In this context, along the road between Tripolis and Sparti, near the village of Monodendri in Laconia, ELAS partisans ambushed a German convoy transporting soldiers and supplies. The surprise attack resulted in the deaths of four German soldiers, and nine others went missing.

The following day, 26 November 1943, the Germans brought 100 hostages to Monodendri for execution in retaliation for their losses. Among the hostages were 93 Spartans, including prominent citizens, members of EAM, and members of the Laconian committee of the International Red Cross, seven people from Arcadia, and 18 farmers from the surrounding area who had happened to be passing through at the time.

The hostages had been arrested in Sparti on 22–23 October 1943, based on information provided by local Laconian Security Battalion members. The reprisals were ordered by Major General Karl von Le Suire, commander of the 117th Jäger Division, a regular army unit—not the fanatical Waffen-SS, which was responsible for other atrocities in the Peloponnese, such as the Massacre of Kalavryta.

A later directive spared Christos Karvounis—German-educated, an accomplished surgeon, politically liberal, and a member of EAM—from execution. Karvounis accepted the exemption on the condition that none of the 118 hostages would be killed. However, his request was denied by the Germans.

Undeterred, Karvounis appealed again, this time asking that the minors among the hostages be spared. This too was rejected. In his third plea, he offered to exchange himself for one or two of the Tzivanopoulos brothers—four brothers among the condemned—to spare their mother the grief of losing all her sons. But again, the Germans refused.

Fearlessly, Karvounis addressed the German commanding officer in their own language, saying: "You are barbarians. I am ashamed to have wasted eight years of my life in your country." Moments later, he was shot dead by the German firing squad.

Of the 118 hostages executed, only one survived—the youngest of them all, 18-year-old Michalis Tzigakos, who miraculously survived both the execution and the coup de grâce.

The memory of those executed is honoured annually through commemorative events. After the war, a memorial was erected at the execution site on the old road between Tripolis and Sparti, listing the names of all the victims. In the centre of Sparti, opposite the Church of Osios Nikon, which was celebrating its feast day on the date of the massacre, a sculpture has been placed in their memory.

The construction of the memorial faced significant challenges, and after its completion, it required night-time guarding to prevent vandalism. Eventually, one of Sparti’s main streets, connecting Konstantinos Palaiologos Avenue with the road towards Tripolis and Monodendri, was renamed from "Tripolis Road" to "The Path of the 118," a name adopted by locals immediately after the executions.
 

The execution of the 118 was tragically not the last in our region. On 13 March 1944, four months after the massacre at Monodendri, ELAS partisans ambushed a German convoy at Kokkinoloutsa, a few kilometres from Monodendri, killing 17 German soldiers. In retaliation, the Germans executed 45 more Greeks in Monodendri.

A memorial for the victims of Kokkinoloutsa, created by artist Michalis Agraniotis, now stands in the village of Krokees. Throughout the occupation, many other executions took place in the region: 32 in Alepochori, 25 in Analipsi (Sparti), 55 in Trypi, 50 in Passavas (Gytheio), and 10 in Monemvasia, as well as countless individual executions across many villages.

 

Sparti’s Lost Sons

 

At Monodendri, what despair,
A clamour rose, hooves filled the air.

The mountain darkened, black as coal,
The wind foretold of death's grim toll.

 

One hundred eighteen souls from Sparti’s land,
And nearby villages, slain by cruel hand.

Embraced as one, a sombre throng,
To face their fate ere day was long.

"Bid life farewell," the killer cried,
And issued orders to decide.

Yet in that final, fleeting breath,
A letter came to halt his death:

“Spare Karvounis, the healer known,
Who served us all, both high and low.

From Sparti’s fields to Taygetos’ crest,
He soothed the sick, he gave them rest.”

Released from line, the doctor stood,
His gaze returned, his heart withstood.

He saw his friends, their silent plea,
And faced his choice with dignity.

“Go, doctor, leave!” the captives said,
“Live on for us when we are dead.

Escape the shadow, flee the snare,
While we descend to death's despair.”

“Friends, I cannot,” came his reply,
“To part from you, my soul would die.

I’ve walked this path, this final fight,
How could I stand and claim the light?

While you are lost, I cannot flee,
In life, in death, we stand as we.

Geraki: The Laconian Village with a 6,000-Year History

By Eleni Vlachou

Translated from KARYDOTSOUFLO.GR

Geraki is a living testament to 6,000 years of history, where every stone tells a story and every path leads to the roots of Greece’s rich past.

 This remarkable village, Geraki in Laconia, has been continuously inhabited for an astonishing 6,000 years, maintaining its vitality to this day.

In Greece, history lies beneath every stone you turn. Every village, cave, or river is deeply intertwined with the country’s rich past. It’s crucial to acknowledge and explore these historical elements in every place we visit. Even if we don’t delve too deeply, learning about the history of our own land is an enlightening journey that reveals countless surprising stories.

Geraki: A Village with a Long and Evolving History

Geraki’s roots stretch back to 4,000 BC and continue to grow in the present day. Unlike other settlements that thrived and later fell into decay or abandonment, Geraki has consistently evolved, writing new chapters in its illustrious history. Its resilience is due to the enduring connection between the land and its people.

Archaeological excavations at Dontakia (the acropolis of Geraki) uncovered artefacts dating back to the Neolithic era (4th millennium BC). Further discoveries from the Bronze Age highlight the area's transition through significant historical periods, reflecting broader cultural and economic trends in the Peloponnese.

Over time, Geraki remained a vibrant cultural and economic centre, as evidenced by inscriptions, sculptures, coins, and a sophisticated road network uncovered during excavations. The village's prominence extended beyond the Mycenaean period and the Dorian migrations, continuing to flourish into the Roman era as a major trading hub.

Geraki Through the Ages

 During the Roman period, Geraki played a key role in trade, even setting the market prices for key commodities and regulating penalties for violations. In the Frankish period, Geraki Castle was constructed, linking the fortress towns of Monemvasia and Mystras. The castle’s prominence attracted notable families, bringing prestige to the area.

Later, during the Late Byzantine period, Geraki experienced another cultural and religious renaissance, with its historical significance continuing through Ottoman rule, the Greek War of Independence in 1821, and modern times. Today, its vibrant traditions remain intact, with its residents primarily engaged in agriculture, particularly olive oil and olive production, which has earned Geraki global recognition.

Unlike many rural villages that have suffered from urban migration, Geraki remains a thriving community, a rare gem in the region.
 

Exploring Geraki

Visitors to Geraki can:

• Explore the Frankish castle, once a bustling medieval town during its peak.
• Wander through the village’s charming narrow streets, many of which are too small for cars, creating an ideal setting for walking.
• Visit its numerous Byzantine churches. According to legend, Geraki has as many churches as there are days in the year.
• Additionally, the mountainous village of Kosmas is just 16 kilometres away, and the historic site of Palaiomonastiro Vrontama is only 15 kilometres from Geraki

Celebrating Our History: The Historical Re-enactment Society of Sparta Leading the Way

Breathing new life into our rich heritage, bringing our storied past to vibrant life through community engagement and impactful events

The newly established Historical Re-enactment Society of Sparta (Σύλλογος Ιστορικής Αναβίωσης Σπάρτης) is making a powerful mark in its mission to honour and celebrate the rich heritage of Sparta and its surrounding region. Founded this year, the Society has swiftly become a dynamic cultural force, bringing Sparta’s storied past to life through impactful events and meaningful community engagement.

Foundation and Vision
Registered in April 2024, the Society is dedicated to highlighting the historical and cultural wealth of the Municipality of Sparta, spanning from antiquity to the modern era. Its mission, as outlined in its constitution, includes organizing events, creating museums, restoring monuments, and safeguarding local traditions.

A unique feature is the establishment of an Honour Guard, to represent the Association at parades and official ceremonies. This initiative adds an authentic historical element to community events while paying tribute to Sparta’s enduring legacy.

Membership is open to individuals over 18 who reside in or have origins in the Laconia region.  

Recent Highlights and Activities

 
1. Tribute to Konstantis Kolokotronis 

 
On July 20, 2024, the Society hosted a memorial service for Konstantis Kolokotronis, father of revolutionary hero Theodoros Kolokotronis, at the site of his death near the Prophet Elias Church in Kotsantina. Those attending were given excerpts from Theodoros Kolokotronis’ memoirs, bringing historical events vividly to life.

2. Honouring Spartan Heroes of WWII

In October 2024, the Society co-organised “The Laconians in the 1940 Epic” in collaboration with the Peloponnese Regional Authority. This event honoured Laconian soldiers of the Greco-Italian War, featuring personal stories like that of fallen aviator Evangelos Giannaris and the contributions of the Laconian Evzones. Rare wartime photographs and letters were displayed, offering a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the region’s heroes.
 

Call for Community Involvement

The Society actively invites contributions from the community, including historical documents, photographs, and personal anecdotes, particularly from the WWII era. These materials will serve as a foundation for future exhibitions and publications, ensuring Laconian history is preserved and shared with future generations.
 

Looking Ahead
With plans for annual commemorative events and a proposal for a Pan-Laconian Memorial honouring wartime heroes, the Society is set to become a cornerstone of cultural life in Laconia. Its work is a powerful reminder of the region’s indomitable spirit and its timeless legacy of valour and resilience.

 

A Legacy Renewed
As the torch-bearers of Sparta's history, the members of the Historical Re-enactment Society of Sparta prove that the past is not merely something to remember but a force to live by. Their efforts honour the voices of the past while calling on all Spartans to join in shaping a future rooted in pride and remembrance.

 

For more information or to join, follow the events on the official Facebook page of Σύλλογος Ιστορικής Αναβίωσης Σπάρτης, or contact the Society directly at anaviosispartis@gmail.com

A Little Slice of Laconia in Melbourne’s Brunswick: Sparta Place Celebrates Greek Heritage and Community

"Sparta Place isn't just a laneway; it’s a living tribute to the legacy and spirit of Brunswick’s Greek community."

In the heart of Brunswick in Melbourne, Sparta Place stands as more than just a street—it’s a vibrant homage to the Greek community, honouring the Laconian roots that helped shape Melbourne's diverse cultural tapestry. With its bustling cafes, eclectic boutiques, and iconic statue of the Spartan King Leonidas, this laneway offers a European charm that’s deeply rooted in Greek history and Melbourne's migrant story.

Nestled off Sydney Road, Sparta Place takes visitors on a journey back to Greece through its cobblestone pathways and Mediterranean ambiance. The laneway’s name pays homage to Sparta, the historic Greek city, celebrating the generations of Greek migrants who settled in Brunswick from the 1950s onward. Among them were many from the region of Laconia, who brought with them the culture and customs of our homeland, blending them seamlessly into their new lives in Melbourne.

The laneway’s centrepiece is the imposing statue of King Leonidas, the legendary warrior king who led 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae. Erected as a tribute to the resilience and tenacity of the local Greek community, the statue stands as a symbol of cultural pride and serves as a gathering point for festivals and community events. For many Greek Australians, Leonidas represents the courage and strength of their ancestors who made the journey from Greece to Australia, transforming communities like Brunswick along the way.

Sparta Place has also become a culinary and social hub, with a variety of cafés and eateries that keep the laneway lively day and night. Regular events, including Greek festivals, live music, and commemorations, create a dynamic gathering point for the community. A recent highlight was the wreath-laying ceremony organised by our sister club, the Pallaconian Brotherhood of Victoria, to commemorate the 28th of October. The event took place at the bust of Leonidas, located just 300 metres from the Pallaconian headquarters on Albert Street, across Sydney Road. This annual event commemorates the bravery of the Greek resistance as well as the Australian soldiers who fought on Greek soil during World War II. Attended by local officials, candidates, and State Members of Parliament, the ceremony attracted both locals and visitors, celebrating the Laconian spirit and the shared sacrifices that connect Greece and Australia. Surrounding shops offer a blend of local and Mediterranean products, reflecting both traditional and modern Greek influences.

For Melburnians and visitors alike, Sparta Place is more than just a stop along Sydney Road; it’s a testament to Brunswick's multicultural spirit and a cherished reminder of the resilience and unity within Melbourne’s Greek community. Adelaidean Laconians, in particular, might find a visit here to be a touching reminder of home. Next time they're in Melbourne, they can sip a Greek coffee, browse the local shops, and stand before Leonidas—an experience that offers everyone a small yet enduring taste of our ancestral homeland.