An online lecture by Mr. Loukas Christodoulou, President of the Center for the Study and Promotion of Asia Minor Culture of the Nea Ionia Municipality, for the students of the Elementary, Junior High and High Schools of Athens College and Psychico College titled “100 Years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe” took place on Monday, April 4, 2022. The lecture was organized by the Direction of Social Welfare and Diversity to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.

Mr. Christodoulou discussed all the different aspects of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, in an attempt to present both the historical events of the time, and what happened next. The Ionian civilization, he noted, despite all the hardships it faced, succeeded in establishing itself in Mainland Greece, and to spread its rich civilization in literature, the arts and the sciences. It also made a significant contribution to economic development.

High School students’ presentations followed the lecture:

Athens College High School presentation: “The catastrophe in Smyrna through the eyes of literary authors”

Eva Konstantoulaki, Eleni Kousiounelou, Marilena Lykiardopoulou and Anna Stathopoulou

Psychico College High School presentation: “The role of the Church and of the Great Powers”

Vasilis Topaloglou, Giolanda Pandi, Giannis Yfantis and Marina Kouvari

Students from all school units addressed their questions to Mr. Christodoulou: Ioanna Pappa, Athens College High School, Vasilis Topaloglou, Psychico College High School, Eirini Patera, Athens College Junior High School, Lambrini Melina Papazacharia, Psychico College Junior High School, Marianna Polemi, Athens College Elementary School and Pavlos Passias, Psychico College Elementary School.

A few words about Loukas Christodoulou

Mr. Loukas Christodoulou is a researcher-author. He holds a degree in Economics from the Athens University of Economics and Business and he has 33 years of work experience in the private sector, until his retirement. Between 2011-2013 he was the Vice President of the Center for the Study and Promotion of Asia Minor Culture of the Nea Ionia Municipality, and since 2013 he is the President of the Center.

He has authored several books on the Asia Minor Catastrophe and he collects archive materials and documents regarding Asia Minor. He has delivered lectures in cities across Greece and participated in school educational programs regarding modern History.