National Grand Lodge of Greece (original) (raw)

Welcome to the National Grand Lodge of Greece. As the 14th Grand Master since the foundation of the Grand Lodge in June 7, 1986, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all brethren and visitors exploring our esteemed fraternity. Our Grand Lodge is deeply rooted in the timeless principles of Freemasonry, emphasizing integrity, brotherhood, and the pursuit of enlightenment. We, the National Grand Lodge of Greece, strongly believe in the power of unity and the transformative impact of collective wisdom. Our doors are always open to those seeking for the betterment of humanity and themselves. Together, let’s illuminate the path of virtue and knowledge, embodying the true spirit of Freemasonry.

Allow me introduce you a matter that could transform Freemasonry and strengthen our community: the need to expand our membership. We all know that the strength and influence of Freemasonry lie not just in the number of our members but in their quality. Yet, increasing our ranks with worthy and capable men will allow us to enhance the light we offer society and accomplish our work with greater impact.

Imagine what we could achieve if each one of us here today took a simple step: to recommend a worthy man from our environment to join our Grand Lodge. It’s not difficult. It requires nothing more than intention and thought. I am certain that each of us knows someone who meets the criteria, someone with moral integrity, spiritual curiosity, and the heart to participate in our work.

Consider how quickly our Brotherhood could double if we all took this initiative. Every new Brother we bring into our fold is not just an addition to our numbers. He is someone who can enrich our work with fresh ideas, a passion for service, and the renewed energy that we all know is so vital.

But, dear Brothers, this requires action. It requires each of us to take responsibility and propose the most worthy man we know. We must choose carefully, but we must not hesitate. The history of Freemasonry is filled with examples of men who brought significant change to society through the light they received from our Lodges. Think of how many more men out there are searching for this light, without knowing where to find it.

It is our duty, then, to offer it to them. To give them the opportunity to live the unique Masonic way of life, to grow spiritually and morally, and to contribute, in turn, to our society.

Let us all commit to taking this small step. Because it may be a small step for each of us individually, but it is a giant leap for our Brotherhood and its future. Let us all be the torchbearers who bring this light to another worthy man. Let us strengthen our Grand Lodge with new members, with new souls who will join us in our common journey.

Thank you, and I hope to see our fraternal ranks grow and strengthen thanks to your actions and initiatives. For Brothers, this is not just a step towards growth but a step towards enhancing our work and our mission.

Long live Freemasonry!

MW.Bro Ioannis Benetatos

Establishment of the National Grand Lodge of Greece

The National Grand Lodge of Greece was founded on 7 June 1986 by Master Masons, members of the Grand Lodge of Greece, the sole Masonic authority in Greece till then. Although, the creation of this new Grand Lodge had been a necessity, no one could predict the magnitude of its validation. It is important to note that the founders did not initially intend to establish a new Grand Lodge. Instead, these Brothers believed in the free practice of Freemasonry, as is the case in all other countries. However, such freedom was not present in Greece under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Greece, thus necessitating the creation of a new body. To understand the events of that period and the necessity for a new Grand Lodge, it is helpful to outline the general circumstances.

Evolution of Freemasonry in Greece

The contemporary form of Freemasonry in Greece began in 1940. Until then, the Masonic body was known as the “Serene Grand Orient of Greece,” controlled by the “Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree,” representing the Scottish Rite. In 1940, the Supreme Council theoretically withdrew its control over the first three degrees, which then took the name “Grand Lodge of Greece.” The Grand Lodge of Greece, as the sole body of Symbolic Masonry, received recognition from the United Grand Lodge of England in 1948, but under specific conditions. These conditions required the Grand Lodge to gradually distance itself from the practices of the Grand Orient of France and strictly adopt the Ancient Landmarks of the Order. Despite these requirements, the new body continued to operate in the same manner. In the early 1970s, the leadership of the Grand Lodge repeatedly demonstrated a lack of willingness to conform to proper practices, leading to significant discontent among some members.

Emergence of the National Grand Lodge

In March 1976, a group of enthusiastic Brothers, dedicated to aligning Greek Freemasonry with the Ancient Landmarks, were initiated into the higher degrees of the York Rite by Grand Officers from Germany. This vision of creating a Regular Masonic System in Greece, with global recognition and extending beyond Symbolic Masonry, materialised with the establishment of the “Grand Chapter of Greece.” This effort rapidly gained international recognition, attracting many Brothers who desired to advance and complete their Masonic knowledge, particularly within the Royal Arch. However, such progression was not possible within the Grand Lodge of Greece, as its General Regulations did not recognise the Royal Arch, which was controlled by the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree. The leadership of this new Masonic body sought to strengthen relations among the three Masonic bodies in Greece: the Grand Lodge of Greece, the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree, and the Grand Chapter of Greece. In October 1978, a letter of intent was signed by the respective authorities, signalling hope for better cooperation.

The Formation and Recognition of the National Grand Lodge

June 7, 1986: Inauguration of the National Grand Lodge of Greece, which was formed by six (6) Lodges (approx. 250 members) previously under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Greece. The inauguration ceremony was led by the late R.W. Bro. William R. J. Eve, Past Grand Deacon of the UGLE and first Deputy Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Greece in the city of Athens.
1993 -1999: UGLE decided to withdraw its recognition from the Grand Lodge of Greece and recognise instead the National Grand Lodge of Greece, as did Grand Lodge of Ireland and Grand Lodge of Scotland.

1999: UGLE decided to reverse the 1993 decision. The recognition was
withdrawn from the National Grand Lodge of Greece. In the decision it is stated that UGLE considers both Greek Grand Lodges to be regular. As referred in the page UGLE’s external relations book 1950 -2000, with title: Policy and Practice, page 33: “…. to withdraw recognition from the National Grand Lodge of Greece despite its continuing Regularity. “The recognition was withdrawn from the NGLG in an effort of the UGLE to encourage the two Grand Lodges to discuss mutual recognition. Our Grand Lodge on January 2, 2019 declared the sharing of the Greek Territory and emailed the declaration to all Regular European Grand Lodges, and did also the same on March 23, 2019 in the European Grand Masters Conference in Monaco. Till now the Grand Lodge of Greece has not accepted mutual recognition with Our Grand Lodge , the National Grand Lodge of Greece.

National Grand Lodge of Greece is a Regular Grand Lodge.

Leadership of the National Grand Lodge of Greece

The first Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Greece, elected in 1986, was the late Most Worshipfull Brother Stefanos Paipetis, a Professor of Engineering at the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering of the University of Patras succeded by Most Worshipfull Brother Efsthathios Liakopoulos, a Lawyer in profession.