Standing motionless, proud, and with an expressionless gaze, as he had learned so well during his tough training in the Presidential Guard, 24-year-old mathematician Giorgos Tsioulos moved the entire nation of Greece when he couldn’t hold back his tears during his final duty as an Evzone, something he had dreamed of since childhood and finally achieved. Throughout his service, his sister had been posting TikTok videos of him during parades and guard duties. Giorgos didn’t realize that this particular video would gain more attention, going viral as his teary eyes during his last service drew widespread praise, with many people leaving emotional comments about him.

“I teared up because it’s a unique feeling to wear this uniform that so many people before you have worn and honored. I was visibly emotional because at that moment I was thinking about everything I experienced during my service, my achievements, and the support I received from my loved ones. You feel an overwhelming sense of awe as an Evzone, and knowing that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do it again, I couldn’t hold back my tears,” Giorgos Tsioulos said in his statements, expressing the deep honor he felt for being part of the Presidential Guard.

He went on to describe his service as an Evzone, explaining the selection process, noting that candidates express interest and are then evaluated by a special team. A key criterion is height, as Evzones must be taller than 1.87 meters, but the order of selection also plays a role. He also revealed that Evzones run and work out twice a week, while parade rehearsals take place three times a week.

The video was posted by the Evzone’s sister, with the caption: “Last duty as an EVZONE! Thank you, OUR GIORGOS, for making us so, so proud.”

The Prime Minister’s Meeting with Giorgos Tsioulos

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed Giorgos Tsioulos, the Evzone who went viral on social media, to his office. The photo of Giorgos shedding tears during his last service had touched many across the country.

“Giorgos’ tears during his last watch as an Evzone moved us and filled us with pride! This is the Greece we want,” the Prime Minister wrote in an Instagram post, accompanied by the photo.