Want Want Group chairman Cai Yanming led a high-level delegation visiting Hellas House to discuss potential avenues of cooperation. Also attending the exclusive private lunch was our old friend Russell Flannery, Senior Editor of Forbes China.
Hellas House was pleased to host an exquisite Louis XIII Auctions Exhibition and dinner.
Hellas House, a landmark Greek culture and lifestyle center in Shanghai, celebrated its 3rd anniversary, and unveiled its designation as an official year-round ”6+365” China International Import Expo Trading Service Platform. Attending the gala event in Hellas House’s Eros Garden were senior Changning District government officials, Greece’s Consul-General in Shanghai, other members of the international diplomatic community, leading International and domestic CEOs, VIP clients, and strategic partners and friends of Hellas House and the Hellas Group.
The event, which featured speeches by Hellas House and Hellas Group founder & CEO Pavlos Kontomichalos, Hellas Group President Sophia Kontomichalos, and Greek Consul-General Vasileios Koniakos, also included musical performances, singing and poetry recitals in Greek by Chinese staff of Hellas House and Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) students, and an art exhibit highlighting similarities between Ancient Chinese Oracle Bone Script and Ancient Greek Linear B characters.
In addition to the unveiling of its “3+365” CIIE designation plaque, the event showcased Hellas House and the Hellas Group of companies’ collective goal to promulgate a healthy and happy lifestyle that adheres to four key elements first proposed by Hippocrates, the father of western medicine: Mind, Body, Environment, and Nutrition. Embodying these elements were experiential display stations of quintessentially Greek core products and services offered by the Hellas Group’s companies, encapsulated by the acronym “EBIT”: E (Eat) – food, olive oil, wines – B (Beautify) – natural skin care products – I (Improve) ideals, culture, philosophy, history, mythology, cross-cultural sporting activities -, and T (Travel) – tourism and hospitality with a purpose. The event featured brands and products of the Hellas Group, comprised of Hellas House, MyOdyssey Travel, EroSantorini and Eros Cyprus, Agave, Elaion, Tselepos Winery, Amphora, Korres, Milos Restaurant, H Kitchen, and HOW.
Prior to the unveiling of Hellas House’s prestigious “3+365” CIIE designation plaque, speeches were given by Hellas House and Hellas Group founder & CEO Pavlos Kontomichalos and President Sophia Kontomichalos, who expressed their gratitude to Greek and Chinese government officials, strategic and business partners, VIP clients, friends of numerous nationalities, whose support and belief in the vision and values of Hellas House and the Hellas Group since their inception have been crucial to the success of this three-year journey.
Also addressing the assembled guests was Greek Consul-General Vasileios Koniakos, who praised Hellas House for its impressive contributions to furthering and deepening friendship, understanding, and mutually beneficial cultural and economic ties between Greece and China, and the world, poignantly stating that, despite the burdens of the pandemic, his homesickness has been mitigated by the comforts of home provided by Hellas House, its founders and friends, and its embodiment of all that Greece represents.
Their statements were followed by the ceremonious unveiling by Mr. and Mrs. Kontomichalos, Standing Committee Member Yang Yuanfei, and Greek Consul-General in Shanghai Vasileios Koniakos, with Changning District Commercial Committee Director Chen Ying and Changning District Foreign Affairs Office Director Chen Feng looking on, of Hellas House’s “3+365” CIIE Trading Service Platform designation plaque, officially establishing Hellas House as a year-round flagship exhibition hall for Greek products and services, and its role as a vital cross-cultural bridge for Greek and European companies seeking to establish a presence in Changning District and China, and for Chinese companies to enter the Greek and European markets.
Since first opening its doors on May 15, 2018, marking its and the Hellas Group of companies’ official entry into the Chinese market, Hellas House has served as a vital hub and driver for important Greece-China political, economic and cultural activities, events, initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
To date, Hellas House and the Hellas Group’s many highlights include:
Hellas House’s new official designation as a year-round “6+365” China International Import Expo exhibition hub and venue is but the latest example of the success of both Hellas House and the Hellas Group in continuing to identify, create, promote and strengthen the important cultural, trade, and economic synergies and opportunities between China, Greece, and Europe. Χρόνια πολλά!
On January 21, 2021, at Hellas House, the Hellas Group capped an eventful 2020 with a year-end gathering of clients and friends, and laid out its ambitious vision for 2021. Among the many guests were both the Greek and Italian Consuls General in Shanghai. This year’s appreciation event’s theme was “innovation,” and embodied the determination and dreams of the Hellas Group, guiding by its corporate vision of “bringing the best Greece to China and the world.”
The Hellas Group is incredibly grateful to our clients, partners, and friends at all levels of leadership for their enduring trust and support!
This past year, we faced unprecedented challenges due to the epidemic, and the resultant severe setback to globalization. It was a complex and difficult year which, although fraught with danger, offered encouraging signs of a brighter future ahead.
While acknowledging that 2020 was a uniquely challenging year for the Hellas Group, founder andCEO Pavlos Kontomichalos also noted that “innovation” has been the hallmark of this exquisite “Chinese Chapter.” Hellas House has become a spiritual landmark among so many highly distinguished, influential, and fashion-forward people. It was a most bountiful year, and its most precious harvest was togetherness. Now, in the year 2021, the founder wishes each and every guest a very healthy and happy life!
To the melodious strains of live guzheng and pipa music on stage, the mood at Hellas House was light and full of laughter. Guests happily raised and clinked their glasses to the promise of a new and better year. There was a genuine feeling of affection in the air, and the excitement was palpable. Taking it over the top, there was a three-round lottery drawing that saw the winners claiming Hellas House vouchers worth 10,000 yuan and 50,000 yuan, respectively, and with one very lucky winner taking home the grand prize: a 200,000 yuan voucher for a two-night stay at Hellas Group’s spectacular Eros Mansion on Santorini.
Naturally, every guest came away a winner, taking home carefully-prepared gift bags of Elaion Olive Oil and Rose Honey as tokens of the Hellas Group’s appreciation, along with our best wishes that the healthfulness and happiness they symbolize are fully enjoyed.
The Hellas Group’s year-end customer appreciation was a high-level gathering of our partners, customers and ever-expanding circle of friends. It was the shining capstone of the past year’s work and accomplishments, with the goal being to convey to our customers the company’s profound gratitude, and to celebrate its positive energy going forward as we continue our quest to build a platform for enduringly warm Greece-China friendship. This year’s gathering marked our third opportunity to thank our customers. Three whole years, across both mountains and seas, and our hearts are brimming with love as we joyfully look to the future. Thanks to you, Hellas Group will endure forever!
#annualdinner #annualdinnerparty #HellasHouseShanghai #funtime #HHall #ErosLounge #HistoryHall #greekgastronomy #greekwines #HellasGroup #laughter #happytimes #togetherness #creative #memorable #sharethefeelingofgreece #creatingmemories #culture #hospitality #beauty #elegance
The Vasilopita Lucky Coin winner, Mr. Christos, won a two-night stay in EROSANTORINI private estate!
“Jewelry, like any other work of art, refers to the meeting of the human entity and the universe.”
Mary Samoli, Founder of AJMIG
On Friday, December 6th, Hellas House ushered in another significant moment – the Opening Ceremony of the “Fruits & Symbols” Jewelry Art Exhibition by the A Jewel Made In Greece platform, which was a complete success!
This exhibition marks the official entry of A Jewel Made In Greece into the Chinese market. Jewelry from Greece at its best, began to shine in China starting from Shanghai and Hellas House. This event, aside being the first exclusively Greek Jewelry Exhibition in Shanghai, is also considered to be an “Art Bridge” further strengthening Sino-Hellenic cultural ties and friendship.
The registration desk in History Hall during the opening ceremony.
The AJMIG x Hellas House collaboration brochures and the 6th Annual Designers’ Meeting 2019 book edition by AJMIG.
Greek actress Tonia Sotiropoulou, the ambassador of AJMIG.
Sophia Kontomichalou was honoured to welcome the Vice Mayor of Changning District, Mr. Meng Qingyuan(孟副区长), the wife of the Greek Consul General in Shanghai, Mrs. Emilie Marinova Koniakou and many other distinguished guests at Hellas House on Friday.
Sophia Kontomichalou welcomes Vice Mayor of Changning District, Mr. Meng in Hellas House.
Mrs. Kontomichalou (President of Hellas Group) with Emilie Marinova Koniakou (wife of the Greek Consul General in Shanghai) in Sophia Room before the opening ceremony.
Many distinguished guests from the artistic, political and business circles of the city attended the opening ceremony of the “Fruits & Symbols” Jewelry Art Exhibition on Friday at Hellas House.
Sophia Kontomichalou (right), Vice Mayor Meng (middle) and Emilie Marinova Koniakou (left) during their speeches at the opening ceremony in -H- Hall.
Sophia Kontomichalou during her speech.
The President of Hellas Group, Sophia Kontomichalou delivered a welcome speech on behalf of Hellas Group during which she first welcomed the distinguished guests, Vice Mayor Meng and the spouse of the Consul General of Greece in Shanghai, Mrs. Emilie Marinova and thanked all friends and attendees for being present on a work day beside their busy schedules and added, “You made it and you all made my day!” Later she continued, “A Jewel Made In Greece is under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Development and Enterprise Greece. Founded in 2013, its mission as a creative platform is to collect all the talented and passionate contemporary Greek jewelry designers in order to make the most beautiful and meaningful Greek jewelry. In the past 6 years they have made outstanding achievements and have had very positive influence for the Greek jewelry overall. The founder of AJMIG, Mary Samoli is a very talented Greek jewelry designer and she takes the leadership to promote the image of Greek jewelry. She followed the footprints of the Greek Prime Minister and the Greek delegation to participate in the 2nd China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the feedback was very positive. Today we have AJMIG in Hellas House which means that the jewelry have found a new home here in China; a home called Hellas House.”
She continued by saying that “In front of you, maybe you only see just jewelry, or maybe just a piece of art but for me it’s more than that. They are alive and vivid. Because behind them I saw a face and the sparkles in their eyes; I saw the brightness and the inspiration of more than 5,000 glorious years of history and civilization. A reflection of the ancient wisdom combined with the healthy, sunny and positive Greek lifestyle. So, they have a life inside of them and they may want to talk with you. I know
you are all busy since Shanghai is one of the busiest cities but I hope everyone will take this chance to
come and peacefully have a dialogue with these beautiful pieces! And if you like them, you can take them home with you. I could not be happier for the A Jewel Made In Greece platform and all participating designers.”
Mrs. Kontomichalou also mentioned that “we have a long way to go” since Hellas Group’s mission is still continuing by integrating valuable resources and promoting exquisite art and cultural products to the public of Shanghai. Concluding her speech she added, “Upholding the principle of The Best of Greece to China and the World, I strongly believe that the successful holding of this exclusive Greek Jewelry Art Exhibition will be another starting point for the in-depth expansion of cultural exchanges between China and Greece. Thank you all and may you have a beautiful time in Hellas House today.”
Vice Mayor, Meng Qingyuan during his speech.
Before delivering his speech Vice Mayor, Meng Qingyuan first thanked Sophia Kontomichalou and Hellas Group for holding this unique exhibition on behalf of the Changning District government and wished it a complete success. He continued by adding, it is known to all that both China and Greece are two countries with ancient civilizations, both being the source of eastern and western culture respectively. “This exhibition not only shows the charm and beauty of Greek art and culture, but also further promotes the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.”
Mrs. Emilie Marinova Koniakou, wife of the Greek Consul General in Shanghai during her speech.
Emilie Marinova Koniakou, wife of the Greek Consul General in Shanghai, underlined the importance and presence of AJMIG in the Greek Pavilion during the 2nd China International Import Expo and other major international exhibitions. She also pointed out that there would be no other place more fitting to showcase this unique exhibition than Hellas House in Shanghai and congratulated Mrs. Kontomichalou and Hellas Group for this highly important collaboration. She concluded by saying that she wishes people to experience Greece’s real treasures as they are a hidden goldmine that is both profound and stunning.
Dia Balioukou (Hellas House’s Head of Culture & Education) during the presentation of the film “The Odyssey of Materials”.
Hellas House’s Head of Culture & Education introduced AJMIG to the guests as well as the inspiration and profound meaning behind the “Fruits & Symbols” exhibition as a creative dialogue between the present and the ancient Greek jewelry making. She later presented the film “The Odyssey of Materials”, inspired by Mary Samoli and made by the platform A JEWEL MADE IN GREECE with the contribution of the National Archaeological Museum on the occasion of the Exhibition Odysseys so as the guests could have a more in-depth understanding of the rich jewelry art culture of Greece spanning throughout the centuries.
A snapshot from the film “The Odyssey of Materials” during the opening ceremony in -H- Hall.
After the end of the film and with the lights in -H- Hall switched off for creating a more theatrical effect, Mrs. Kontomichalou, Mr. Meng, Mrs. Emilie Marinova Koniakou and Ms. Dia Balioukou revealed the jewelry from the velvet black covers. Guests admired the exquisite jewelry, scanned the QR codes and received additional information for each piece by Hellas House’s personnel.
The Wreath 2019, by Mary Samoli. A synthesis of jewelry from AJMIG participating designers and the symbol of their collaboration.
Shanghai, November 5, 2019
Wrapping up his productive visit in China during the 2nd China International Import Exhibition CIIE, the Greek Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, attended a reception on November 5th, organized by Enterprise Greece and held in his honour at Hellas House.
Among the attendees at the reception were the Greek Government delegation and specifically the Minister of Culture and Sports, L. Mendoni, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, I. Plakiotakis, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Konstantinos Fragkogiannis, the Mayor of Athens, K. Bakoyannis, the Mayor of Piraeus, I. Moralis, the Attica Regional Governor, G. Patoulis, the business delegation of more than 60 companies representing the most dynamic sectors of the Greek economy as well as major Chinese investors and entrepreneurs.
Hellas House since its opening on May 2018 and up to today, it has already been a milestone in Shanghai’s social, cultural and business lifestyle, having hosted a variety of business, government and social events. It is a place of unique Greek aesthetics and at the same time a point of reference in the center of Shanghai for both Greek and Chinese entrepreneurs.
Pavlos Kontomichalos, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Sophia Kontomichalou and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Openness, Konstantinos Fragkogiannis a group photo during the reception.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was also warmly welcomed by the Secretary of CPC Changning District Committee, Mr. Wang and local government officials.
Opening his speech Greek Prime Minister congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Kontomichalou for Hellas House adding that “I could not imagine a better example of what Greece is really all about in Shanghai than this beautiful project” and thanked Secretary of CPC Changning District Committee, Mr. Wang for making it possible. He also expressed his gratitude to the Greek government delegation, Enterprise Greece, the Greek Embassy, the Consular Office and everyone who worked passionately for the success of their visit to China.
In his brief speech, he said that this trip was very productive and expressed his confidence that “Greece will become the success story of the Eurozone in the coming years”. He stressed that Greece wants to expand its reach into the agri-food market, where it offers – among other things – high quality wines, dairy products and olive oil, especially when the large Chinese middle class tries new gastronomic stimuli.
The prime minister referring to our country, as the first country on the way from China to Europe that can offer a unique experience thanks to its rich history, he made special mention on the fact that a second direct flight between China and Greece was added from Shanghai to Athens via Chinese airline Juneyao Air starting in June 2020, in order to increase the travel links between the two nations.
Mr. Kontomichalos during his welcoming speech said “I know Prime Minister has been in Shanghai many times but this is his first time as Prime Minister, and he has made a very deep and profound impression. And I say this because I have heard this, I have seen this and it is really a great honour for our country.” Concluding his speech Hellas Group Founder & CEO expressed his confidence that Greece will be the “Success Story” that everyone will hear about, and concluded by expressing how honoured he is to welcome Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the distinguished group that is leading the country to a new era
Prime Minister had the opportunity to meet with major Chinese investors during the reception. From left to right: Roy Gao (ProHR Shanghai), Philip Xiao (Chief Executive Officer Profex Inc.)
Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis with Pavlos and Sophia Kontomichalou
Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni (center), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Konstantinos Fragkogiannis with Hellas Group leadership.
Attica Regional Governor, Giorgos Patoulis presenting a gift to the hosts during the reception.
Greek Ambassador to China, Leonidas Rokanas, Greek Consul General in Shanghai,Vasileios Koniakos with his wife, and Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the reception.
From left to right: Founder & CEO of Hellas House Pavlos Kontomichalos, Athens International Airport’s Director of Communications and Marketing, Ioanna Papadopoulou, the President of Juneyao Air Mr. Zhao Hong Liang, and My Odyssey Travel CEO, Fokion Drossos taking a group photo.
Following the tradition of Greek hospitality Mr. Kontomichalos accompanied Greek Prime Minister for a tour around Hellas House (History Hall).
Kyriakos Mitsotakis showed particular interest in the Greek wine collection of Dionysus Wine Cellar.
Prime Minister during the tour at Sophia Room.
The Eros Garden at Hellas House during the reception
My Odyssey Travel organized an event for the promotion of all-year-round cultural travel to Greece, entitled “Ancient Wisdom – An Inspiration for Today” at Hellas House, in the presence of the mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis. Thematic travel products with emphasis on Culture and History are mainly addressed to sophisticated Chinese travelers, who are interested in combining leisure with experiential knowledge. In addressing the audience at the event, the mayor of Athens highlighted the momentum in the development of relations between Greece and China. He also emphasized the prospects that the direct flight between Athens and Shanghai will create. The new route is set to start from June 2020, via Juneyao Air airlines, in collaboration with Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”.
Fokion Drossos, co-founder and CEO of My Odyssey Travel, spoke about the characteristics of the Chinese traveler who enjoys visiting Greece all year round and who shares a special love and respect for the country and its heritage.
Other speakers at the event included: Mrs. Diggle Tian, editor of Travel + Leisure Magazine (China), Ms. Rania Katavouta, poet and lecturer of Greek Language and Literature in the Department of Greek Studies, University of International Studies (Shanghai), and Ms. Archontia Balioukou, Head of Culture and Education at Hellas House.
Speakers and attendees each held a glass of Greek red wine and shared their most personal travel experiences from Greece. Recreating a symposiac atmosphere, they reflected on those trips to Greece which are most deeply etched in their memories and still trigger introspection today. The dialogue also included an exchange of thoughts on the influence and possible applications of the ancient Greek spirit and wisdom in today’s urban life.
On Friday, November 1, 2019, the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Vassilis Digalakis, representing the Government and the Prime Minister as well as Mr. Weimin Guo, Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office PRC honored with their presence the opening ceremony of the book and art exhibition titled: “From the Silk Road to One Belt Road: 2019 China Publishing Culture Exhibition”.
Mr. Guo Weimin inaugurated the exhibition pointing out that ‘’ Greece and China are the cradles of the Western and Eastern Civilization respectively ‘’. In this spirit, he stressed that the ‘’One Belt One Road Initiative’’ aims to bring closer the two countries for a mutual cooperation and benefit in all fields.
Following Mr. Weimin, Mr. Digalakis referred to Culture and Education as the best and most efficient channel of communication between the two countries as these two fields are strongly linked and can contribute to a deep and mutual understanding, creating a friendly environment of mutual trust and cultural exchanges.
‘’In the effort to better understand the country and its citizens, the support of both governments is necessary. We will create shelves for Chinese books in Greece and we expect similar actions from Chinese side for the presence of Greek books in China, Mrs. Sofika Eleftheroudaki, co organizer of the exhibition, pointed out.
Quite many people, attended the opening ceremony including local and foreign government officials, people from the intellectual and cultural circles, the Chinese community in Athens and many friends. Amongst them, the Deputy Mayor of Athens City, Mr. Eleftherios Skiadas, the President of Athens Development & Destination Management Agency, Mrs. Melina Daskalaki, the Chairman of the Chamber of Greek – Chinese Economic Cooperation, Mr. Fotis Provatas and the General Director for Contemporary Culture from the Ministry of Culture & Sports, Mr. Marios Kostakis.
The exhibition was co – organized by the Chinese Publishing Company CNPIEC and Eleftheroudakis company, under the auspices of My Odyssey Travel, member of Hellas Group with head offices in Shanghai and Athens, and is open to public until Wednesday 6 November.
Ziller Art Gallery
Hrs: 10am – 6pm
Address: 1 Vassilikis str, 10560 Athens
Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Vassilis Digalakis
Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office, People’s Republic of China, Mr. Weimin Guo
From left to right: Deputy Mayor of Athens City, Mr. Eleftherios Skiadas, Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office PRC, Mr. Weimin Guo, Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Vassilis Digalakis, Co organizer of the exhibition, Mrs. Sofika Eleftheroudaki
Deputy Ministers, Mr. Weimin Guo and Mr. Vassilis Digalakis watching a Chinese artist demonstrating the art of traditional Chinese woodworking.
Invited deputy ministers and deputy Mayor of Athens city are guided throughout the exhibition
Co organizer of the exhibition, Mrs. Sofika Eleftheroudaki