In 2011, by the Embassy of Ukraine to the Hellenic Republic was initiated collaboration with the Greek administrative region Mandra - Idillia, that is located on an area of 426.26 square km. at 40 km. from Athens and is a strong industrial hub of the region of Attica (in the district, which has more than 20,000 residents, is located more than three hundred companies of the energy sector, heavy, chemical and food industries).

Considering the strong interest in cooperation with Ukraine and brotherhood with one of its cities, in September 2013 the Embassy organized a journey trip of the Mayor of Mandra Mr. Georgios Drikos to Odessa, and his participation in the celebration of the Day of Odessa.

Inspired by a visit to Ukraine, Mayor of Mandra enthusiastically accepted the offer of the Ambassador of Ukraine H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Shkurov give to the one of the squares or streets of the city name "Greek-Ukrainian Friendship" and set there the monument of the great poet Taras Shevchenko  for him 200th anniversary.

After the decision of the Municipal Council of Mandra – Idillia about equipping the one of the central squares of the city Mandra and grand opening  its under the title "Greek- Ukrainian friendship", which was unanimously approved in January 2014, the Embassy continued work on the implementation the project of setting the monument of Kobzar in Mandra in the framework of the Year of Shevchenko.

 In particular, the Ambassador`s proposal has been supported by the Greek-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, which First Vice-President Mr. H.-N.Bougas took over the funding of  Taras Shevchenko`s bust.

On April 27, 2014 the monument of Great Kobzar by the Greek sculptor Mr. Altyn Patselis will be opened in the center of the Mandra`s square of "Greek-Ukrainian friendship".

After a festive liturgy in the Cathedral of Mandra, the opening ceremony of the square as well the monument of Great Kobzar, a concert, prepared by the Greek and Ukrainian participants, the folk festivals will be held.

 The representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of Parliament of the HellenicRepublic and Ukraine, representatives of the municipal and regional authorities, the Ukrainian community in Greece, the highest church hierarchy will participate at the event. At the invitation of the Embassy the folk dance of Ukraine "Youth of Donbass" will perform the concert in Mandra. Songs and poems of Taras Shevchenko will be performed by the Choir of Ukrainian Community and the students of the Ukrainian Sunday School of the Society "Trembita".

 

Embassy of Ukraine

to the Hellenic Republic