Sculpture "Defenders of Hellenism in Pontus"

The sculpture "Defenders of Hellenism in Pontus" is an impressive piece created by sculptor Efthymis Kalevras, located in Agia Sofia Square in Thessaloniki. Installed in 1979, the monument is dedicated to the Pontic community and was donated by the Black Sea Club of Thessaloniki, a society founded in 1933 to promote Pontic culture and heritage.

The sculpture depicts six human figures, harmoniously and inseparably connected: a Pontic lyra player, a frontier guard (akritas), a priest, a teacher, a boy, and a girl. These figures symbolize the core values and aspects of Pontic Hellenism: frontier origins, Orthodox faith, culture, education, and the passing of tradition to younger generations.

The sculpture stands out for its unique three-dimensional form, with the figures extending along the length and width of the statue, creating a multi-dimensional and visually striking experience. With its distinctive artistic aesthetic, the monument is an important reference point for the Pontic community and its cultural heritage.