A donation of 500,000 euros has been made by all Greek banks, members of the Hellenic Bank Association, for the seismic armouring and restoration of the historic building of the Zographioioe Lyceum in Constantinople, following a request from the Tax Committee of the Metropolitan Municipality of Stavrodromi and the Administration of the Zografion School.

This initiative aims to support the Homogeneity and Greek Education abroad, with particular emphasis on the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of Hellenism in Constantinople.

The Zographio Lyceum, founded in 1893 with a donation from the national benefactor Christos Zographou, is one of the most important educational institutions of the Ecumenical Hellenism, with a constant presence in the city for more than 130 years. The school building, due to its age and the seismic activity in the area, requires significant technical interventions to ensure the safety of students, teachers and visitors. The school currently has 74 students.

The President of the Ephorate Committee of the I. Community of Stavrodromiou, Mr. Georgios Papaliaris, said:

“The Stavrodromiou Community is following with great emotion and pride the progress of the restoration and seismic shielding works of the Zographio Lyceum, a historic and emblematic school of the Greek community, which is part of our Community. This is a project of multiple importance – educational, cultural and symbolic – that upgrades not only the infrastructure of the School but also the hope of the Greek Orthodox Community of the City for a future with continuity and quality.

On behalf of the Tax Committee of the Megalithic Community of Stavrodromiou, I express our sincere thanks to the Hellenic Union of Banks and its member banks for their generous sponsorship. Thanks to this valuable support, it is possible to proceed with an absolutely necessary and essential project, both for the safety of the building and for the maintenance of the operation of the Painting Museum as a beacon of Greek education in Istanbul.

The Zographio is a symbol of Education, History and the soul of Romanship. Support for this project is support for our identity, our presence, our dignity. I hope that this initiative will inspire others, institutions and individuals, so that we can continue with collectivity, transparency and consistency the great mission of our Education in the City.”

The President of the Hellenic Bankers Association, Gikas Hardouvelis said :

“All Greek banks – members of the Hellenic Bankers Association, with full awareness of their social responsibility and respect for the historical and cultural heritage of the Hellenism of the Diaspora, support the Zographia Lyceum of Constantinople with a donation of 500,000 euros.

Zographia, is an iconic educational institution with a long history and uninterrupted contribution to the Hellenes. It is a living symbol of Education and Culture. Its seismic strengthening and the restoration of its damage is not only technically necessary. For the Greek banking system, it is an act of historical responsibility and respect for our roots.

It is an honour for Greek banks to contribute to the preservation of the Zografion and to the continuation of its mission for future generations.”