Friends of the Gennadeion

Friends of the Gennadius Library: U.S. and Abroad

The recently founded and rapidly expanding Friends of the Gennadius Library comprises supporters and users of of the Library residing in North America, Europe, and worldwide. In addition to the Gennadeion News, produced twice annually, the Friends receive invitations to special events in the U.S., including an annual Clean Monday event. The 2012 celebration will be held at Kellari Taverna in New York City. (See details.)

The Gennadius Library welcomes everyone to become a Friend of the Gennadius Library by contributing to its Annual Appeal. These funds provide unrestricted support for the ongoing operation of the Library. Find more information here, including making a gift online.

The Philoi: Association of Friends of the Gennadius Library in Greece

The Philoi is a non-profit association founded in 1983 with the aim of providing support to the Gennadius Library so that it can achieve its national and educational mission. The Association also pursues the educational aims of the Library’s founder, by organizing lectures and tours for its members around various institutions in Greece and abroad.

The main event organized by the Philoi is “The Day in Memory of Joannes Gennadius.” The highlight of this event is a lecture on the collections of the founder and his diplomatic career. In 2008, the Philoi organized another event in memory of the wife of Joannes Gennadius, Anthi, who helped Joannes to complete his work and his donation to the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. The Philoi raises the money that it donates to the Gennadius Library from membership fees, social events, donations, book sales, and other activities.

Nominations of new members are made by two former members or by the Director of the Gennadius Library. New members are voted by the General Assembly. The six-member Governing Council works with the Director of the Gennadion to guide the activities of the Association. The current members of the Governing Council are:

President: Ioannis Bourloyannis-Tsangaridis, ambassador (ret.)
Vice-President: Michael Kotinis, attorney-at-law
General Secretary: Ioanna Phoca, archaeologist and author
Treasurer: Spyridon Branis, financial analyst
Members: Evi Koranti,Nasi Papantoniou

Schedule of Philoi Events for 2013

Wednesday, January 16
18:00:  General Assembly
19:00: Visit to the Exhibition "Picturing Anatolia: The Photographs of John Henry Haynes". The Director of the Gennadius Library, Dr. Maria Georgopoulou will give us a guided tour of the Exhibition.
19:30: Pita cutting, refreshments.  (10 Euros)
Cotsen Hall, 9 Anapiron Polemou Street

Wednesday, January 30, 11.00 am:
Visit to the National Historical Museum. The General Secretary of the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece, Mr. Ioannis Mazarakis-Ainian will give us a guided tour of the Museum. (20 people)
Meeting point: Entrance of the Museum, 13 Stadiou Street. For participation, please contact our office no later than Monday, January 28 (limited to 25 people). Fee: 5 Euros. 

Wednesday, February 20, 19:00: 
DAY OF JOHANNES GENNADIUS, 
Lecture by Dr. Maria Georgopoulou, Director of the Gennadius Library: « Ο Ιωάννης Γεννάδιος και οι καλές τέχνες".
Cotsen Hall, 9 Anapiron Polemou Street

Wednesday, March 20, 19:00:
Lecture by Dr. Lila Marangou, Professor of Classical Archaeology,  "The Christian Amorgos".
Cotsen Hall, 9 Anapiron Polemou Street

Saturday, March 30
Day trip to Ancient Nemea. Visit to the Archaeological site and the Museum. The Director of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Dr. Jim Wright and Members of the School will give us a guided tour in greek. 
Visit to the winery of the Palyvou Estate. Tour to the vineyard and wine tasting.
Meeting point: Rigillis Place, 8:00 am.
For participation, please contact our office no later than Friday, March 15 (limited to 25 people). Fee: 35 Euros. 

Wednesday, April 17, 11.00:
Visit to the Conservation Laboratory of the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens.
Meeting point: Entrance of the Museum, 22 Vas. Sofias Avenue
For participation, please contact our office no later than Monday, April 17 (limited to 15 people). Fee: 5 Euros.

Saturday, October 19, 11:00 - 17:00: “DAY OF FLORENCE/ANTHI GENNADIUS,” BOOKFAIR in the gardens of the Gennadius Library.
Books are already being accepted. For further information, contact our office.