The Evzones Collection: Greek-Australian exhibition pulls at the heart-strings of Greece

The Evzones Collection, a series of photographs of Greece's legendary Evzones - The Presidential Guard, was seen by Members of Parliament, high-ranking military officials, and other dignitaries at the War Museum in Athens.

The Evzones Collection, taken by renowned Greek-Australian photographer Nick Bourdaniotis, opened for viewing on 20 March 2023. However, it was on 24th March that the exhibition was given the grand and emotional opening it deserved.

Viewing the exhibition were Member of Parliament Mr. George Katrougalos, Director of the Military Office of the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic Vice Admiral Efthymios Mikros, President of the Board of the Military Museum, Anastasios Liaskos, Commander of the Presidential Guard Lieutenant Colonel Elias Karmiris.

The Evzones Collection photo exhibition director, Mr George Karantonis, spoke about "How no member of the exhibition team was born in Greece but raised in Australia. Wherever they go, they carry Greece in their hearts." He continued to say, "Without hearts, there is no life; without life, there is no soul; without Greece, there is no soul, Zito I Ellatha (Long Live Greece)."

Over 150 people, including friends and family of Bourdaniotis from Australia and around Greece, attended the inauguration. The afternoon concluded with many attendees commenting on how they had never seen photos of the Evzones in Greece or around the world shown with so much love and light.

The exhibition, being held under the patronage of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, ends on 31 March 2023.

The Evzones Collection will be on display in the ground floor foyer and will immediately greet and impress visitors to the museum.

Nick Bourdaniotis’ photographs of the Evzones will be compulsory viewing.

The Australian exhibition curator Ms Eirini Alligiannis also travelled to Athens to participate in this historical event, showcasing Greece’s favourite sons.

The primary sponsor of the exhibition at the Athens War Museum is the Kalymnian Association of NSW, the Kytherian Association of Australia, the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra and District Inc., St Basil’s NSW/ACT. Significant contributors are Athens War Museum, Greek City Times, Image Smart and the Hellenic Club Sydney.

See photos of the exhibition inauguration: