Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis headlines THI’s Acropolis Candlelight Dinner as leaders from Greece and the global Greek diaspora reaffirm their shared commitment to Hellenism, philanthropy, and the homeland.
By Aphrodite Kotrotsios
ATHENS, Greece — Beneath the illuminated Acropolis, where democracy, philosophy, and Western civilization first took shape, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) welcomed hundreds of leaders from Greece and the global Greek diaspora to its annual Acropolis Candlelight Dinner on Wednesday, July 22. Headlined by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the evening brought together government officials, philanthropists, business executives, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders in a celebration of Greece’s remarkable progress and a shared commitment to its future.
Held at the Acropolis Museum with the Parthenon overlooking the city, the gathering reflected far more than an elegant evening of philanthropy. It demonstrated the enduring bond between Greece and its worldwide diaspora, a relationship rooted in shared history, strengthened through generations of perseverance, and renewed by a collective determination to help build an even brighter future for the homeland. Since its founding in 2012 during Greece’s financial crisis, THI has become one of the most influential philanthropic organizations connecting Hellenes around the world with meaningful opportunities to strengthen Greece through education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, disaster relief, workforce development, and economic development.
The Acropolis Museum welcomed an extraordinary assembly of leaders from government, business, philanthropy, education, and civil society. Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis; Minister of Labor and Social Security Niki Kerameus; Minister of Tourism Harry (Haris) Theoharis; Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy Maira Myrogianni; Member of Parliament Pavlos Geroulanos; former Greek Ambassador to the United States Alexandra Papadopoulou; George Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group and a member of THI’s Board of Directors; THI Board Members George Anderson and Nikos Stathopoulos; THI Ambassador Tatiana Blatnik; and THI Greece Country Head Michael Printzos, along with many other distinguished leaders from Greece and the international Greek diaspora. Their presence underscored THI’s unique ability to convene influential voices from across government, business, philanthropy, and civil society in support of Greece’s continued growth and global engagement.
Opening the evening, THI Executive Director Mike Manatos reflected on the organization’s remarkable journey since its founding, when members of the Greek diaspora united to support Greece during one of the most difficult chapters in its modern history. What began as an emergency response has grown into a global movement that has raised more than $44 million, generating an estimated economic and social impact exceeding half a billion dollars through investments that continue to improve lives across Greece.
Manatos reaffirmed THI’s mission of uniting Hellenes around the world into a collective force dedicated to Greece, describing the organization’s work through its three guiding pillars: Sending Help, Building Bridges, and Lighting the Future. He emphasized the importance of inspiring younger generations to embrace their Hellenic identity while remaining actively engaged in Greece’s future through leadership, innovation, and service. His remarks set the tone for an evening centered on optimism, collaboration, and the enduring connection between the homeland and the diaspora.
Introducing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, THI Co-Founder and Board President George Stamas reflected on Greece’s remarkable transformation over the past decade. He spoke of a nation that has regained confidence, restored its international standing, and once again become a place of opportunity, crediting not only the resilience of the Greek people but also the steadfast support of the global Greek diaspora.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Mitsotakis offered a confident vision for Greece’s future while reflecting on the country’s extraordinary recovery. He highlighted Greece’s restored investment-grade status, record foreign investment, declining unemployment, a growing innovation ecosystem, and the encouraging return of talented young professionals who once believed opportunity could only be found abroad.
Yet while celebrating these accomplishments, the Prime Minister made clear that Greece’s greatest strength cannot be measured by economic indicators alone.
“Our greatest asset is the Greek people,” Mitsotakis declared.
The statement resonated throughout the evening, capturing the very spirit of The Hellenic Initiative’s mission. The Prime Minister praised the resilience, creativity, and determination of Greeks both at home and abroad while expressing gratitude to the diaspora for its unwavering support. He encouraged Greeks around the world to continue investing not only their financial resources, but also their knowledge, professional expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation in helping shape Greece’s future.
His remarks reinforced a central theme that echoed throughout the evening: that the relationship between Greece and its diaspora is no longer defined by distance, but by partnership. Whether through philanthropy, business, education, public service, or innovation, Greeks around the world continue to play an essential role in the country’s continued success.
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came with the presentation of THI’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to founding board member Nikos Koumettis, recognizing decades of visionary leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering service to Greece and the global Greek community. Widely respected for his distinguished international career and commitment to charitable causes, Koumettis accepted the honor with humility, reminding attendees that meaningful leadership is measured by the opportunities created for others. His lifelong commitment to giving back embodied the timeless Greek value of philotimo—a spirit of honor, generosity, and selfless service that has long defined communities throughout the diaspora.
The evening also honored The American College of Greece for more than 150 years of educational excellence and its enduring contribution to preparing future generations of leaders. Accepting the award on behalf of the institution, President Dr. William McGrew Buck reflected on the College’s remarkable legacy while emphasizing the transformative power of education, innovation, and international collaboration in strengthening Greece for generations to come.
As the formal program concluded, the atmosphere shifted from reflection to celebration. THI Board Member Nikos Stathopoulos welcomed acclaimed Greek recording artist Thanos Petrelis to the stage for a special guest performance that brought attendees to their feet. The lively musical finale transformed the elegant evening into a joyful celebration of Greek culture, as old friendships were renewed, new partnerships were formed, and guests reflected on both the remarkable progress Greece has achieved and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Against the timeless backdrop of the Acropolis, the evening served as a reminder that the strength of Greece has never rested solely in its history, its monuments, or its breathtaking landscapes. It has always rested in its people, their resilience, generosity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to one another. That spirit was evident throughout the Acropolis Candlelight Dinner, where leaders from across the world gathered not simply to celebrate past accomplishments, but to reaffirm a shared responsibility for Greece’s future.
As Greece continues to write its next chapter, The Hellenic Initiative remains a powerful example of what can be accomplished when Hellenes around the world unite with purpose. Beneath one of civilization’s greatest monuments, the evening offered more than inspiration—it demonstrated that the future of Greece will continue to be shaped by the enduring partnership between the homeland and the global Greek diaspora, whose shared vision, generosity, and love for Greece remain among the nation’s greatest strengths.
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