Orders, decorations, and medals of Greece explained

The Greek honors system goes back to 1829 and the establishment of the Order of the Redeemer at the Fourth National Assembly at Argos. However, the relevant decree was signed in Nafplio by King Otto on May 20, 1833. The Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer remains the highest honor of Greece to this day.

Hellenic Republic

Orders

Kingdom of Greece

Ranks

As with most European orders, the Greek orders have the following ranks, in order of precedence:

  1. Grand Cross
  2. Grand Officer
  3. Commander
  4. Knight of the Gold Cross
  5. Knight of the Silver Cross

Transmission of honors

In the past, the insignia of the order were to be returned to the State. However, in recent years, the rule has changed and the heirs of the honoree may keep the insignia.

Grand Master

The Grand Master of the Greek orders is the head of state of the country. Since 1975, Greece is a republic and the head of state is the President of Greece who is also responsible for awarding them, according to article 46, paragraph 2 of the Constitution of Greece and law 106/1975,[1] upon the recommendation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Selection criteria

According to Law 106/1975, all proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs are reviewed by the Council on Honors (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Συμβούλιο Ταγμάτων Αριστείας) when it applies to Greek citizens, the Greek diaspora, military officers, and government workers. Individuals are selected to reward their contributions to Greece, be it the state, its culture, sports, arts, language, etc.

The Council on Honors, which comes together by decision of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, serves for a two-year term:[1]

Medals

Gallantry and merit medals

Military medals (since 1974)

Military commendations[2]

Police medals (since 1985)

Police commendations[3]

Fire Service medals (since 1998)

Coast Guard commendations[4]

Medals no longer awarded

Hellenic Gendarmerie (1946–1985[5])

Cities Police (1946[6] –1985)

Commemorative and campaign medals

Honorees

Those that have been honored by one of the Greek State Orders are given the right to wear their insignia for life, provided they have not been stricken from the rolls of their respective order, as per the penal code or by decision of the Council on Honors. The latter group may take such a decision if it deems that the person retaining the honor causes public discomfort or negatively affects the prestige of the Order. After the death of the honoree, the insignia may be kept by his or her heirs.[1]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. [s:el:Νόμος 106/1975|Law 106/1975]
  2. Web site: Διαμνημονεύσεις Army gr . 2022-06-15 . army.gr.
  3. Web site: Προεδρικό Διάταγμα 141/1993 - ΦΕΚ 58/Α/15-4-1993 (Κωδικοποιημένο) . 2022-06-15 . e-nomothesia.gr Τράπεζα Πληροφοριών Νομοθεσίας . 4 June 2022 . el.
  4. Web site: Προεδρικό Διάταγμα 247/2006 - ΦΕΚ 261/Α/29-11-2006 . 2022-06-15 . e-nomothesia.gr Τράπεζα Πληροφοριών Νομοθεσίας . 16 January 2016 . el.
  5. Web site: Προεδρικό Διάταγμα 622/1985 - ΦΕΚ 231/Α/31-12-1985 (Κωδικοποιημένο) . 2022-06-15 . e-nomothesia.gr Τράπεζα Πληροφοριών Νομοθεσίας . 4 June 2022 . el.
  6. http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wEiJ_eYPESKJHdtvSoClrL8xOoRDBhPPoDtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6qSYtMQEkEHLwnFqmgJSA5UkHEKavWyL4FoKqSe4BlOTSpEWYhszF8P8UqWb_zFijKGXBkLNhNjfiW1IkFHsjDwXnGJv2JlKfsPJl-XeUDiP Emergency Law 922/1946

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