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2020-09-10- George Bizos .Docx IN MEMORY OF GEORGE BIZOS Last night our Hellenic community, and indeed South Africa, lost a formidable figure with the passing of George Bizos, or as he was fondly called by the people, “Uncle George”. George Bizos was a proud Hellene and an equally proud South African. He never wavered in his belief in respecting human rights and preserving the dignity of all people irrespective of background, race, gender, political or religious belief. He was a driving force behind the establishment of the community’s dream of creating SAHETI School, the Hellenic community’s dream for a Greek School in South Africa, and one of the founder members that established the Modern Greek chairs at the University of the Witwatersrand. He was also a loyal supporter of the Greek Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen. He was a man of peace and a protector of the South African constitution and an advocate of human rights in South Africa. He was awarded the Order for Meritorious Service by the President of the Republic. He was also South African Ambassador to the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004. The Hellenic government awarded him the Order of Phoenix and made him an Honorary Ambassador of Hellenism which is a prestigious international recognition. In addition, George Bizos was honoured by our community by being named an Honorary Member of the Federation and an Honorary Life Vice President of SAHETI. The Patriarchate of Alexandria bestowed on George Bizos not only the cross of St. Mark but also the position of Archon of the Patriarchate. He was recognised by many different governments and organisations for his work and contributions to human rights. It is universally recognised that George Bizos was a hero of the common people, the epitome of ethical leadership, a humanitarian and a warrior for the rights of the individual. We salute the memory of this man. FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICES Currently arrangements are being made and we are in communication with the Bizos family and funeral organisers. The funeral service will be by invitation only as per the Covid-19 restrictions. A memorial service by Hellenic Federation of South Africa NPC: 2020/172028/08 Postal Address: Suite 107, Private Bag X 782, Bedfordview, South Africa, 2008 Email: [email protected] | Site: www.hellenicfederationsa.com | Facebook: hellenicfederationsa Office: +27 (0)11 827 9925 | Mobile: +27 (0)82 933 7119 John Philippou [President] | John Spyridis [Deputy President] | Michail Scholiadis [Vice President] Costa Kolatsis [Secretary] | Dimitri Koutakis [Treasurer] the Federation will be announced shortly. SAHETI will inform us of their arrangements in due course. The intention is to live stream the Federation memorial service on all social media services. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS The family have requested that members of the community should rather donate the funds they would use for flowers to THE GEORGE BIZOS SAHETI SCHOLARSHIP & BURSARY FUND, the details of which are listed below. Any donations from Hellenes or Hellenic organisations are similarly requested to be made to the bursary fund. The George Bizos SAHETI Scholarship & Bursary Fund Bank First National Bank Account 62842065155 Code 252155 Ref – (name of donor) G Bizos MESSAGES OR LETTERS OF CONDOLENCES Any Hellenic organisation or individual that wishes to send a message of condolence is asked to email these to John or Melissa Generalis at [email protected],or [email protected] or [email protected]. John and Melissa are the family’s liaison officers for all enquiries regarding the various arrangements being made. Alternatively condolence messages may also be posted directly on the George Bizos Facebook page which may be accessed at: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeBizosaSouthAfricanHero/ FLAGS A message was sent earlier today asking communities and societies to fly their flags at half-mast in honour of George Bizos. Please note this is only for flags within the community’s or societies grounds and not on public buildings. The President of the Republic will determine whether public flags are to be lowered. This is usually for a ten (10) day period or until the end of the funeral, the choice will be yours to make. We will keep you informed and up to date with details regarding all memorial events as discussed above. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal. Regards, HELLENIC FEDERATION OF SOUTH AFRICA John Philippou Costa Kolatsis PRESIDENT SECRETARY Information contained in this communication is intended solely for use by the individual(s) to whom it’s addressed. The content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced or disseminated without authority. The signatory is Not liable for the proper and complete transmission of the information contained in this communication nor for any Delay in its receipt nor for any special, incidental or consequential damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from The receipt or use of this communication. Hellenic Federation of South Africa NPC: 2020/172028/08 Postal Address: Suite 107, Private Bag X 782, Bedfordview, South Africa, 2008 Email: [email protected] | Site: www.hellenicfederationsa.com | Facebook: hellenicfederationsa Office: +27 (0)11 827 9925 | Mobile: +27 (0)82 933 7119 John Philippou [President] | John Spyridis [Deputy President] | Michail Scholiadis [Vice President] Costa Kolatsis [Secretary] | Dimitri Koutakis [Treasurer] .
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