Their president, “soul of the Cultural Capital and its sparkling light, who identified her life with modern Greek culture for decades” say goodbye on behalf of the 2023 Elefsis Cultural Capital of Europe, Nana Spyropoulou, CEO and artistic director Michael Marmarinos.

The following is the announcement posted on the Elefsina Cultural Capital website.

“It is with indescribable pain that we say goodbye to Despina Geroulanou, our President, soul of the Cultural Capital and its shining light, who identified her life with modern Greek culture for decades. Thanks to its ingenuity, openness, commitment, education, kindness and smile, the city of Elefsina managed to attract worldwide cultural interest. Her imprint will forever remain identified with the institution of this Cultural Capitalbut also with the future of Elefsina, a city that Despina loved deeply, with respect and selflessness.

All of us who have worked with her owe her immense gratitude.

Devastated, we extend our sincere condolences to her family.

PS

Before we move on to an indeclinable second singular direct address to you our dear Despina,

Today, World Heritage Day commemorates the loss of its unique herald: You.

Time is unfair when it doesn’t stop even for a while!

So, in case he realizes what happened to us…

From this moment, let this unspeakable mourning of ours become a song and an epic in honor of you, our priceless one. This Capital of Culture acquires from today a historical uniqueness: it dedicates itself wholeheartedly to a city and a man!

In honor of you, our beloved, all of us together, will make this unspeakable mourning strength and debt. Eleusis, your constellation and you smile!

And may the songs find you wherever you are,

To shine wherever you are!

A toast to Despina

“I can settle for nothing less than the resurrection”

On behalf of 2023 Elefsis Cultural Capital of Europe

Nana Spyropoulou

CEO

Michael Marmarinos

General Artistic Director”.