Greek poet Stratis Haviaras, passes away aged 85

Stratis Haviaras, a bilingual writer of literary works in English and Greek, has passed away at the age of 85, after a long health battle.

Haviaras was a prominent and well-known in Greece and America, where he had lived and taught for over 40 years.

He has served literature all his life passionately, both from his various positions at Harvard University and as a publisher of literary magazines, such as the Harvard Review.

Haviaras was also the author of “When the Tree Sings”, which was shortlisted for the National Book Award and won the American Library Association Notable Book award.

Haviaras, who held a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), had started his career as a builder on construction sites in Greece, before publishing poetry collections which caught the attention of distinguished translator and philologist Kimon Friar, who invited him to work with him in the United States.

His funeral, will be held at his home town in Nea Kios, near Nafplio in the Peloponnese.