Photographer Pantelis Xystros has documented the Presidential Guard in Greece for 15 years, transforming his 1970s service into a visual legacy. As an Evzones photographer, his lens captures the pride of Athens’ elite unit at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Acropolis, and the Presidential Palace. On SKAI’s "The Dekatians," with Giannis Pittaras and Giorgos Grigoriadis, Xystros shared his journey. This article explores how this Halkidiki veteran became a chronicler of Greek heritage.
Pantelis Xystros: Evzone Photographer’s Early Service
In 1975, Pantelis Xystros joined the Greek Presidential Guard, serving 30 months in the Hellenic Armed Forces and 22 Months with the "Frourá" (Guard) in Athens. From Arnea, Halkidiki, he trained rigorously to become an Evzone. "We used to dress up as Tsoliades at school," he told SKAI, reflecting on the cultural significance of the uniform, and that’s where his desire to become an Evzone Guard began. Pantelis recalls his first shift at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier watchtower as a nerve-wracking experience. For Xystros, the Evzones represent sacrifice, a concept he weaves into his work as a Greek Guard photographer.
15 Years as an Evzones Photographer
Since 2010, former Evzone Pantelis Xystros, a photographer, has volunteered to capture Evzones' events, from the Sunday Changing of the Guard to family portraits. "This photography equipment only photographs Evzones," he quipped, emphasizing his focus. His images preserve moments of "manliness, pride, love for the motherland." Parents seek his photos to archive their children’s service, making Xystros a bridge between generations. His work is shared on platforms like Facebook, where families download pictures of loved ones serving in the Greek Presidential Guard.
Personal Milestones Through the Lens
Xystros’s SKAI interview revealed personal ties to his craft. At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier watchtower, he met his wife during a school visit. "One telephone, and it happened," he laughed. His 140th row in 1979 remains "shamelessly engraved." As a Greek Guard photographer, he views the Unknown Soldier Monument as a "sanctuary" to honor ancestral values. "We must keep these deeply engraved in memory," he urged, teaching youth through his images. His work counters the passage of time since 1975.
Evzones’ Cultural Impact by Pantelis Xystros
The Evzones, formed in 1868, guard the Presidential Mansion and Tomb, their uniforms symbolizing the 1821 War of Independence. For Pantelis Xystros Evzone, photographer, each ceremony feels like the "first time," stirring pride. "The Evzones are Athens’ soul," notes Greek City Times.
Pantelis Xystros, Evzone Photographer: A Personal Mentorship
On a personal note, Pantelis guided me in documenting the Greek Presidential Guard for the photo exhibition titled "The Evzone Collection," permanently displayed in the Presidential Palace and Garrison, and showcased around the world to educate adults and children about their history and the symbolism of what the Evzones represent in Greek history. Pantelis mentored me for over 10 years, teaching me about the uniform, protocols, and the history of becoming an Evzone. He shared perspectives that helped me capture their essence and the love we all share for Greece's history.
Photos copyrighted by Nick Bourdaniotis for Bourdo Photography.
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