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Back in 1984 the Hellenic Philotelic Society established the honorary distinction of a silver medal in order to honour persons or institutions who have offered distinguished services to Hellenic philately. During the past thirty-two years, the list of the medal recipients has been enhanced by certain individuals as well as by collective bodies. Their long-term activity and overall contribution have left their mark on the Hellenic philatelic framework. The recipients list can be found on the HPS website (hps.gr/en/society_medal.htm).The HPS Medal is awarded each year, but its presentation takes place at a special ceremony every five years.

On Saturday 21 May 2016, we were privileged to attend the HPS Medal Awards Ceremony for the years 2011-2015. The event took place at the “Anthony Tritsis” Amphitheatre of the Culture, Sports and Youth Organization of the Municipality of Athens, in front of a vibrant audience andthe St. Basil’s Choir of Piraeus which performedpopular works of Hadjidakis, Theodorakis and of foreign composers. The newhonourees were:

Significant services to Hellenic philately:

–          Long-standing active presence

–          Research and advancement of numerous philatelic subjects

Significant services to Hellenic philately

–          Fifty years of philatelic activity

Distinguished services to the Hellenic Philotelic Society:

–          Valuable long-term service

Significant services to Hellenic philately:

–          Philatelic educational activity – Authorship

Significant promotion and spread of the Greek stamp:

–          Representation of Greece to international philatelic fora

Distinguished services to the Hellenic Philotelic Society:

–          Valuable long-term service

Significant services to Hellenic philately:

–          Philatelic educational activity – Authorship

Distinguished services to the Hellenic Philotelic Society:

–          Valuable long-term service

Significant promotion and spread of the Greek stamp:

–          Authorship of studies

Significant promotion and spread of the Greek stamp:

–          Participation in the Court of Honour of world exhibitions with aGreek collection

Significant services to Hellenic philately:

–          Distinguished services to the Olympic Philatelic Movement

Significant services to Hellenic philately:

–          Distinguished participation at international exhibitions

Significant promotion and spread of the Helladic area postal history:

–          Authorship of studies

Significant promotion and spread of the Greek stamp:

–          Participation in the Championship Class of world exhibitions with Greek collections

In his brief greetings and remarks at the closure, the HPS President, Akis Chalvatzidopoulos, asked the audience to join him for a glass of wine at the foyer, and to make sure they mark their calendars to get back in five years’ time in order to celebrate the future honorees.

Costas Chazapis, AIJP