The Prime Minister’s Eulogy
The Prime Minister delivered a eulogy for Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler, highlighting that he witnessed her journey from the neighborhoods of Vyronas to the center of the world.

“I think of the woman we are bidding farewell to as someone who succeeded in becoming what she wanted. A bridge between the refugee districts of Athens and the capitals of the world. Another bridge that elevated Byzantium as an integral element of Greek identity. And she did this far from ideological anchors and complexes, guided instead by experience and results, seeking truth through liberal thought,” he said.

“Her contribution cannot be treated either partially or selectively. Her presence embodies a whole: a love for history and the homeland, concern for her fellow human beings, and finally, a bold perspective and the courage to express it independently of the fleeting objections she might encounter.”

According to Mr. Mitsotakis, her vivid storytelling, combined with her restrained style, captivated people. Her narrative was unique because, as a historian, she saw her discipline, History, as a shared heritage, and as a citizen, she sought to pass on the baton of experience.

“With one lesson, I would like to say a personal farewell to this personal Greek woman. These were thoughts she had handwritten in polytonic script in 2015 when she encouraged me to pursue the leadership of New Democracy,” he said, quoting her note. “Have a good journey, my beloved Hélène,” he added.

20/02/2026 14:00 – Eulogy by Konstantinos Tasoulas
“She has entered the eternity of universal Greek women—a girl from Vyronas who set herself above measure. She was a historian who wanted to confront History. As she said, she had erased the term ‘impossible.’ She said complacency is the greatest cowardice. And she was far from cowardly. She subjected all truths, including the truths of others, to the process of rational inquiry. She did not merely settle into stereotypes; she advanced and conquered new ground. That is how she confronted the great, and that is how she made the impossible possible,” emphasized the President of the Republic.

He continued, saying she excavated and “brought to light truths that Europe and Greece had ignored and forgotten. She was among the most recognized figures in classical studies internationally, because she proved that Byzantium lies at the heart of the West.”

Tasoulas added that Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler demonstrated the unity of Europe and Greece, teaching that Byzantium is the bridge between antiquity and Greek history. She showed that Greece and Orthodoxy form the foundation of modern Greek identity. “She was a model of authenticity, courage, and freedom of thought. She triumphed over time in every way. Through her work, her long life, and her youthful determination, she confirmed that intellectual vigilance knows no age.”

The Funeral of Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler
The body of the distinguished Byzantinist was transferred to the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral, where the funeral service will take place at 13:00.

Funeral service will be presided by the Archbishop
The Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Ieronymos, will be presiding the funeral service.

President of the Hellenic Republic Konstandinos Tasoulas

The eulogy will be delivered by the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Mr. Kostis Xatzidakis has arrived

Former President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Skaellaropoulou

Maximos Xarakopoulos

Sevi Voloudaki

The Beacon of Byzantine Studies in France

Mr. Kakouris, speaking to the Orange Press Agency, warmly described the personality of the late scholar and the role she played at the heart of Europe.

“I am a Byzantinist in Paris, and today I came for the funeral of our beloved and modest sister, Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler, he said at the outset. He stressed that the academic “truly was the beacon of Byzantine studies in France for many years—indeed, for decades.”

Referring to his presence at the public viewing, the Byzantinist underscored the importance of paying tribute to such a distinguished figure. “Today, the least we can do is be present here,” he noted. He explained that his attendance also carried an institutional character, as “I represent the French Byzantinists and the Comité Français des Études Byzantines—that is, the Association and Federation of Byzantine Studies in France.”

The shipowner Thanasis Martinos

Mimi Denisi

20/02/2026 12:09

The family of Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler accompanies the coffin

The coffin of Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler is draped with the flags of Greece and France. It is accompanied by her daughter, Marie-Hélène, along with other relatives.

Greece today bids farewell to

, who passed away at the age of 99, leaving behind a great intellectual footprint.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis will deliver the eulogy.

The only eulogy at the Byzantinist’s funeral will be delivered by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Prokopis Pavlopoulos at the chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Prokopis Pavlopoulos: Her legacy will always remain close to us

“Her legacy for European and Greek civilization will always remain close to us. That is the eternity that belongs to human beings,” said former President of the Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos in his statement.

“Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler, left an indelible mark on the history of modern Greece.”

Speaking outside the chapel of the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral, where the public is paying their respects, Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis stated:

“I came to bid farewell with discretion and the utmost respect to a distinguished scholar, a truly significant woman, and a great Greek. Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler, through her iconic personality, left a profound legacy in the history of modern Greece. May her memory be eternal.”

The funeral of the distinguished Byzantinologist is being held at public expense, as a minimal tribute to her personality and work. The funeral service will take place today, Friday, at 13:00, at the Metropolitan Church of Athens, in the presence of representatives of the state, the academic community and numerous citizens.

Earlier, her body will lie in repose at a beloved pilgrimage site

Hélène Glykatzi Ahrweiler was an iconic figure in Byzantine historiography. In 1967 she became the first woman chair of the History Department at the University of Sorbonne, and subsequently took on the role of dean, making history as the first woman to hold the highest office in a historical university institution.

Her prolific writing and international reputation have been recognized with major awards. Among other honors, she was awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of Honor in France and received awards and honorary degrees from universities and academic institutions throughout Europe.