FEPA Certificate of Appreciation 2025
Philatelic Society of Lesvos, Mytilene (Greece)
Φιλοτελική Εταιρεία Λέσβου
The Society, based in Mytilene (the capital of Lesvos Island, Greece), has been active since 1944. Its activities include student essay competitions on philately, celebrations of Greek Stamp Day, stamp auctions, lectures on new stamp issues, the publication of philatelic books, and the organisation of philatelic exhibitions.
In September 1944, following a proposal by the Society, the Prefecture of Lesvos approved the overprinting of Greek stamps with the inscription «ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΗ ΛΕΣΒΟΣ 10 ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΗ 1944» (FREE LESVOS 10 SEPTEMBER 1944) to commemorate the liberation from German occupation.
After years of the Society’s efforts, a postage stamp dedicated to the Petrified Forest of Lesvos (part of the Lesvos UNESCO Global Geopark) was issued in 2022 by the Hellenic Post.
The Society has organised numerous local philatelic exhibitions, most recently in 2019, 2022 and 2024, as well as two national-level exhibitions in 1984 and 1991. It also conducts educational visits to schools, promoting philately and the role of the postal service. The Society cooperates with local authorities and receives partial financial support for its activities.
Since 1976, the Society has published the journal Φιλοτελική Λέσβος (Philatelic Lesvos), which has received numerous distinctions at national and international level, most recently being awarded a Vermeil medal at Balkanfila XX (2024).