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People
Greek War Of Independence (1821-1829)
Paleon Patron Germanos (1771-1826)
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Paleon Patron Germanos {Παλαιών Πατρών Γερμανός} (1771-1826) [Flags]. Greek Orthodox Eparch {Mitropolitis ~ Μητροπολίτης} of Patras (Patre ~ Πάτραι}. His secular name was Georgios Gkodjias {Γεώργιος Γκότζιας}. A priest, a Friend [Society Of Friends] and a prominent figure in the Cause, he was active in both intellectual and social affairs. He had studied at the renowned Dimitsana {Δημητσάνα} School before going on to study at Argos {Άργος} and at the Smyrna {Σμύρνη} School.
At the secret assembly of Vostitsa {Βοστίτσα} (January 26th-January 30th) he declared himself in favour of delaying the start of the War of Independence and became entangled in a dispute with Papaflessas [People] whose passion and eagerness to rebel he considered dangerous. In Saint Georgios {Agios Georgios ~ Άγιος Γεώργιος} square in Patras {Patre ~ Πάτραι} on March 23rd, 1821, he blessed the flag and the weapons of those who were to fight for the Cause and mediated between the Greeks and Ottomans during the surrender of Tripolis (Tripolitsa) {Τρίπολις} ({Τριπολιτσά}).
The 1st National Assembly charged him with a diplomatic mission to Italy to secure financial help from the Pope in support of the Cause, but his mission was without success. During the time of civil strife [Civil Wars] he tried to reconcile the rival sides and played an active role in the 3rd National Assembly (1826) as "President of the Assembly's Committee".
He was unrelenting in his activities until his death on May 30th, following a short illness. His memoirs are regarded as among the best sources of the history of the Greek War of Independence.
Paleon Patron Germanos (1771-1826)
(German chalcography)
04-23-2004