13 ΜΑΙ '19

9 May: 2019 Europe Day Reception at Hellas House!

A great honour for Hellas House to be the venue for the celebration of Peace, Unity and Friendship in Europe!

Marking the occasion of Europe Day, the successful reception, organized by the European Chamber, was attended by prominent figures from the political, diplomatic, economic, social, and media circles.

The Consulates General of the Member States of the European Union to China, the German Chamber of Commerce in China (Shanghai), and major European companies CEOs were among the distinguished guests.

From left to right: Managing Director RroHR International (Shanghai), Mr. Roy Gao, President of Hellas Group, Mrs. Sophia Kontomichalou, Dr Ioana Kraft, Shanghai Chapter General Manager, European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and Founder and CEO of Hellas Group, Mr. Pavlos Kontomichalos.

17 ΑΠΡ '19

“Richest Women in Shanghai”, an initiative to educate, enlighten and inspire held, at Hellas House

Delighted and proud to be the venue where the first “Richest Women in Shanghai” event took place. On Thursday, April 11th, a very special event took place at Hellas House, an initiative to educate, enlighten and inspire women, was organised for the first time by Olivar & Greb Capital Management firm based in Shanghai.

For a Healthier & Happier Life!
Hellas House, the Greek Culture & Lifestyle centre and strong supporter of a holistic approach to personal betterment engaging mind, body, environment and nutrition was chosen by Oliver & Greb company to hold the specific event which was officially sold out. “The venue’s inspiration and passionate dedication towards empowering a healthier and happy life was the perfect setting for our event ‘Richest Women in Shanghai – Saving & Investing Your Way to Financial Freedom.’ Pointedly, self-empowerment toward a healthier and happier financial life.” as per company’s statement in their official blog.

Thankful and proud for their official testimonial as published in below link : http://www.olivar-greb.com/blog/richest-women-in-shanghai-event-recap

16 ΑΠΡ '19

“Meditation of Dao”, Painting Exhibition at Ziller’s Art Space

The art exhibition ”Meditation of Dao” presents 5 Chinese contemporary artists introducing Chinese philosophy ‘’Dao’’ by  exhibiting their paintings. The exhibition which has been organised by My Odyssey Travel and curated by Ioanna Lin inaugurated on Wednesday 10th of April with great success at Ziller’s Art Space in the centre of Athens.

”Meditation of Dao” comes from the philosophical thought of ”Dao de Jing” which means that the law of ”Dao” reaction is natural. It is similar to Christianity ( I am who I am), because ”I” or the ”Dao” itself is the ultimate existence.

”Dao” is the origin of everything in heaven and earth.  ‘’Dao’’ is the ultimate of the universe. Man’s body is the temple of ”Dao”. Artist’s portraits express the complex emotions of human nature, whether it is joy or sorrow. A man encounters various experiences in their life, can these lead them to the ”Dao” ?

My Odyssey Travel along with curator Ioanna Lin co – worked for this exhibition in an effort to strengthen the cultural understanding and connection between the two countries, as well as West and East.

Artists: Li Xiang, Wang Jieshan, Ioanna Lin, Zhang Peng, Guan Hong Chen                                                          Curator: Ioanna Lin

Art Space Ziller. 1 Vassilikis Str.
Ag. Irinis Square, 1st floor
Duration: 10 – 24 April 2019
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday

28 ΜΑΡ '19

March 25th : Celebrating the 198th Anniversary of the National Day of Greece!

On the occasion of the 198^th Anniversary of the National Day of the Hellenic Republic, the Ambassador of Greece to China Mr. Leonidas Rokanas and the Consul General of Greece to Shanghai Mr. Vassilis Xiros held a warm reception at the Grand Ballroom of Wanda Reign Hotel on the Bund.

Chinese Government representatives were the Vice-Chairman of Shanghai People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr. Li Yiping, (李逸平), Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress (SMPC), Mr. Tian Chunhua (田春华), Vice Chair of the Committee for Handing Proposals of Shanghai CPPCC, Mrs. Su Rongjuan (苏蓉娟) and Deputy Director of Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office, Mr. Fu Jihong (傅继红).

Ambassador Rokanas pointed out the good bilateral relations that connect the two historic countries while Consul General Xiros presented an overview of the important developments which took place during the last year in Shanghai. 

The reception was attended by government and military officials, ambassadors, Dignitaries,  several academics, Chinese and Greek scholars, people from the arts, businessmen, and friends of Greece.

Hellas Group President, Mrs. Sophia Kontomichalou and Hellas Group Vice President, Mr. Theofylaktos Skolarikis were among the distinguished guests as well as the Greek Marathon Delegation who participated as honorary guests to the first Shanghai International Women’s Half Marathon Race.

Hellas Group President, Mrs. Kontomichalou and Hellas Group Vice President, Mr. Skolarikis with the Consul General of Greece to Shanghai, Mr. Vassilis Xiros and the Greek Marathon Delegation.

Hellas Group Vice President, Mr. Skolarikis with the Greek General Manager of Wanda Reign Hotel in Shanghai, Mr. Nikolas Chatzipetros, and the Greek Marathon Delegation.

General Manager of Wanda Reign Hotel in Shanghai Mr. Nikolaos Chatzipetros, Jadeitte Alliance CEO of Vanke, Ms Mercedes Yao, Consul General of Greece to Shanghai, Mr. Vassilis Xiros, Hellas Group President Mrs. Sophia Kontomichalou, Hellas Group Vice President, Mr. Skolarikis.

Historical Facts: 25^th of March 1821 Greek Independence Day

“Freedom or Death” (Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος)

These are the words that come in the mind of every Greek in the sound of this date. Every year on the 25^th of March, Greeks and Cypriots around the world honour and celebrate Greek Independence Day, commemorating the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821 against the Ottoman rule, which lasted nearly 400 years.

Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since  the fall of Constantinople in 1453. With hostilities having started two months earlier, the Greek revolt was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras (Παλαιών Πατρών Γερμανός) raised the Greek flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese and the cry “Freedom or Death” became the motto of the revolution.

The outcome of the long and bloody struggle for freedom (1821 – 1830) was the establishment of an independent Greek state that continues to stand to this day, making thus March 25^th the most important date in the history of Modern Greece.

27 ΜΑΡ '19

Hellas Group supports the First International Women’s Half Marathon 2019 held in Shanghai!

Hellas Group spared no effort to assist wherever needed, as a bridge between China and Greece, for the first Shanghai International Women’s Half Marathon which was successfully held on March 24^th, by Changning District government, jointly with the Chinese Athletic Association and Shanghai Sports Federation with 4,000 participants. On this occasion, the Greek Marathon Delegation arrived at Pudong International Airport in March 22, as honorary guests of Changning District Government.

The 6 members were welcomed by Director Wang Renwei of Changning District Sports Bureau along with Hellas Group members, Ms. Archodia Balioukou Hellas House Head of Culture and Education, and Ms. Jenny Huang, Hellas Group Head-Office Manager.

The Greek Marathon Delegation also visited Hellas House, where they were welcomed by the President of Hellas Group, Mrs. Sophia Kontomichalou.

From left to right: Mr. Panagiotis Melachrinos, Member of Athens Marathon, the Authentic Organizing Committee and Head of Minister’s Office in the Greek Ministry of Digital Policy Telecommunications & Media, Anthy Koraini Kiriakopoulou (Greek National Champion, 1500m and 800m), Mrs. Maria Sevdali wife of Mr. Melachrinos, Mr. Dimitrios Chachamis, Member of SEGAS Executive Board, Zoi Anita Andrikopoulou (Gold Medal 3km in the 8th Athens Half Marathon 2019), Mrs. Kontomichalou and Mr. Athanasios Chaskis, President of EAS SEGAS Ipirou (Regional Athletics Union Association).

All the members congratulated Mrs. Kontomichalou for the importance of Hellas House in the heart of Shanghai as a great symbol of Greek Culture in China.

Later in the evening the Vice Mayor of Changning District, Mr. Meng Qingyuan hosted a Welcome Dinner for the Greek Delegation in the presence of the Director of Medical Health Care Committee, Mrs. Ge Min, Director of Sports Bureau, Mr. Wang Renwei, Director of Foreign Affairs Office, Mrs. Huang Yingru, General Manager of Donghao Lansheng Co., Mr. Zhou Jin, Deputy Director of Sports Bureau, Mrs. Zhang Xiaolei and Hellas Group President, Mrs. Sophia Kontomichalou.

The two sides exchanged gifts to symbolize the long-lasting friendship between China and Greece and expressed their optimism in further developing cooperation on Culture and Education between the two nations under the Belt and Road initiative.

Mr. Dimitrios Chachamis, Member of SEGAS Executive Board receives a symbolic present by Mr. Meng Qingyuan, Vice Mayor of Changning District.

From left to right: Director Wang Renwei of Changning District Sports Bureau, Mrs. Kontomichalou, Mr. Chachamis, Mr. Meng and Mr. Melachrinos holding their gifts from the Greek Marathon Delegation.

The Secretary-General of Changning District Committee of the CPC, Mr. Wang Weiren (second from right), the Mayor of Changning District, Mr. Gu Honghui (third from left), the Vice Mayor of Changning District, Mr. Meng Qingyuan along with Mr. Chachamis participated in the Shanghai International Women’s Half Marathon opening ceremony.

The two Greek athletes, Anthy Koraini Kiriakopoulou and Zoi Anita Andrikopoulou crossed the finish line in first and second place (3 km).

Anthy Koraini Kiriakopoulou who finished first place in the 3km race talks about her win during an interview.

Zoi Anita Andrikopoulou who finished second place in the 3km race during her interview.

Mrs. Kontomichalou during her interview.

Historical Facts: The Marathon

The Marathon Race is commemorating the epic run of the Greek messenger and soldier Pheidippides in 490 B.C. from the battlefield in Marathon all the way to Athens with word that the Greeks have defeated the Persian army. Pheidippides ran the entire distance without stopping and burst into the Athenian assembly exclaiming «Νενικήκαμεν!» (“Nenikìkamen!”, “We have won”), before collapsing and dying.

Since then, the Marathon has become a universal message attesting to the human’s victory over life’s adversities, the commitment to values and goals against overwhelming odds and the harmony of body, mind and spirit. A symbol of determination, faith, courage, peace, and patriotism.

18 ΔΕΚ '18

MY ODYSSEY designs new travel products with Kite Stay Agency

How challenging: Designing new travel products with Kite Stay Agency, “La crème de la crème” of luxury travel!

A few days ago, My Odyssey and Kite Stay launched an inspiring event at Hellas House, showcasing Greece as a winter destination for “sophisticated” travelers.
Greek Consul General Vassilis Xiros, intrigued further the attendants with an inspiring speech highlighting the beauty of Greece all year round.

Among the 50 elite guests was the acclaimed actor Mr. Li Yapeng.

26 ΝΟΕ '18

HELLAS GROUP successfully attended the first Chinese International Import Expo ( CIIE).

Hellas Group successfully presented its companies at its booth visited by many Chinese buyers, governmental representatives and international visitors during the CIIE exhibition that it was held at the National Convention & Exhibition Center, in Shanghai from the 5th to the 10th of November.

According to the CIIE Bureau, which organized the event, the expo had over one million attendees hailing from 172 countries, regions, and international organizations, and more than 3,600 enterprises.
Many high-profile leaders and top officials from across the world joined the event, including some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, such as Alibaba’s Jack Ma, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, and Xiaomi’s Lei Jun.

For Hellas Group, this expo was a significant opportunity to showcase the unique and delicious Greek food&beverage products of Greece such as wine, olive oil, olives and honey as well as the Greek Hospitality. Among the vary many visitors of Hellas Group booth, The Secretary General of CCPC Changning District, the Mayor of Changning District and Mr. Vytenis Andriukaitis (EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety) were some of the distinguished ones.

26 ΝΟΕ '18

Traditional Chinese and Greek music @ Hellas House in Shanghai

When the musical pathways of traditional Greek and Chinese sounds meet, the feeling of “Harmony” captivates you instantly.

This unique concert was co-organized by the General Consulate of Greece in Shanghai and Meet Culture, with the support of Hellas House. An exceptional interweaving of traditional Chinese and Greek music, reminding us of their recent performance at Megaron Athens Music Hall “China meets Greece”.

The event took place with the participation of four talented artists: Mrs. Chang Jing (Guzheng), Mrs. Areti Miggou (Daouli), Mr. Zhang Di (Flute) and Mr. Pan Kaperneka (Lyre).

26 ΝΟΕ '18

Greece meets China and introduces the Liquid Gold and the wine growing wealth from Greece

Great initiative organised by Enterprise Greece.
Hellas House hosted an innovative Wine and Olive Oil Tasting event, for businesses and connoisseurs, in order to demonstrate the high quality and comparative advantages of the Greek products in the Chinese market.
For the Wine Tasting Masterclass, Grigoris Michailos Dip WSET gave an in depth presentation of the regions, the local varieties and other interesting topics.
This important event for introducing the Greek viticulture was also attended by Mr. Yannis Tselepos.
Mr. Tselepos has been producing wine in Greece since the 80s and now considered one of the pioneers of the “Moschofilero” grape.

26 ΝΟΕ '18

A warm reception of Enterprise Greece hosted successfully at Hellas House.

The reception attended 300 honorable guests and elites from all walks of life. Among them were the Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs Prof. Georgios Katrougalos, the chairman and CEO of Enterprise Greece Grigorios Stergioulis, the Ambassador of Greece to China Leonidas Rokanas, the City Councillor of Athens and Member of the Finance Committee Delegate for the Cooperation with China Alexandros Modiano, Athens International Airport’s Director of Communication and Marketing Ioanna Papadopoulou, the Vice Mayor of Changning District Mr. Weng Huajian (翁华建), Chinese government officials and several entrepreneurs.
The speeches that took place, were focused in the close relations between the two countries and the potential collaborations in the near future.