A deeply emotional memorial event took place on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, at the Megaron — Athens Concert Hall, marking one year since the passing of Vardis I. Vardinogiannis. Organized by his family, the ceremony honored the life, work and multifaceted career of the emblematic businessman and Greek philanthropist.
Key attendees included H.E. President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas and his wife Fani Stathopoulou; Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski; His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece; Leader of the Opposition Nikos Androulakis; Speaker of the Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis; former Presidents Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prokopis Pavlopoulos; former Prime Ministers Kostas Karamanlis, Panagiotis Pikrammenos and Alexis Tsipras; political leaders, the full leadership of the Armed Forces, cabinet ministers, members of parliament, prominent business figures, public personalities, and executives and employees of the Motor Oil Group.
The ceremony opened with remarks by Giannis V. Vardinogiannis, President of the Motor Oil Group. He recalled his father’s character and career, saying in part: “Today we honor the memory of an extraordinary man, a true Cretan who loved his homeland above all. A patriotic Greek who served the Hellenic Navy with honor. Discipline, persistence and devotion to duty accompanied him throughout his life. After the Navy he devoted himself to the business struggle, working hard, with foresight and prudence. He never sought publicity, but saw entrepreneurship as a responsibility. Behind every success there was his humanity. He always helped discreetly, spontaneously, without many words. For him, giving to others and to the homeland was a duty of the soul. As his son I feel deep gratitude and pride. He was and is a model of life for me.”
President Konstantinos Tasoulas also delivered a tribute, emphasizing Vardinogiannis’s humility and solidarity: “The stature, prestige and reach of a powerful person are judged by the hand they extend to the weak. Vardis I. Vardinogiannis knew all this, and he also knew that giving should not be ostentatious but frugal — always with humility and seriousness. He also believed that concern for the homeland is inextricably linked to concern for one’s neighbor.”
The program traced the major facets of Vardis I. Vardinogiannis’s life and personality: the Cretan, the Naval officer, the entrepreneur, the benefactor, the father, and the human being. The artistic direction and staging of the event were by director Giorgos Nanouris, with narration by actor Dimitris Lalos.
Symbolic contributions included a performance by the Hellenic Navy band honoring Honorary Rear Admiral Vardis I. Vardinogiannis; expressions of Cretan tradition by singers Vasilis Skoulas and Nektarios Bouchlis; and a presentation by the Cretan Vrakofores (traditional costume) Group. Testimonies from figures connected to his life — from the Church, the arts and letters, the sciences, the Navy, business circles, Crete and the international community — illuminated his multifaceted career and contributions.
The event concluded in a mood of deep emotion, highlighting the enduring legacy, humanitarianism and work of a major Greek figure who left a strong imprint on the country’s business, economic and social life.
