Ariston Foundation Publishes Portes No. 11 The Nostalgia Issue, Hosts Event in Athens


ATHENS – The Ariston Foundation for Hellenic Culture & Art has unveiled ‘Portes No. 11: The Nostalgia Issue’, a striking celebration of Greece’s post-war decades— the 1950s, 60s, and 70s— a period that saw the nation flourish culturally, socially, and artistically. This special edition of ‘Portes’ Magazine transports readers to a time when Greek cinema, music, and the arts captured the imagination of the world, shaping modern Hellenic identity.

The issue’s celebratory reveal on September 20 drew some 200 guests to the Ellinikon, where the event was held under the preserved Olympic Airways Boeing 727-200, known as Mount Olympus. The aircraft, once part of Aristotle Onassis’ luxurious airline fleet, was saved from scrapping by businessman and Zela Aviation CEO Andreas Christodoulides, and now stands as a symbol of Greece’s cultural history.

Portes Magazine founders Vasiliki and Anthe Mitrakos, and Zela Aviation CEO Andreas Christodoulides at the launch of Portes No. 11, the Nostalgia issue at the Ellinikon, September 20. Photo: Courtesy of Ariston Foundation

“We, the Greeks of the diaspora community, feel Hellenism significantly,” Christodoulides said at the event. “I lived 37 years in London. It’s been only three years that I have lived in Greece… we are patriots… the efforts of the Hellenic community of the diaspora are certainly tremendous.”

Distributed via donation, Portes No. 11 recalls the era of Alexander Onassis, whose luxurious Olympic Airways flights helped make Greece an international destination. It celebrates a time when Greek cinema gained acclaim, musicians composed the soundtrack of a nation, and artists captured the vibrancy of a society in transition.

“These young Greeks keep traditions alive. ‘Portes’ is a significant asset for our country, culture, and history. What you have done demonstrates the enduring spirit of Hellenic culture,” said Mayor of Elliniko-Argyroupoli Giannis Konstantatos at the event.

Elena Agapitou, Mr. & Mrs. Giorgos Hatzinassios, Portes editor Anthe Mitrakos. Photo: Courtesy of Ariston Foundation

Actress (‘Moonraker’, ‘Koritsia ston Ilio’) and musician Anne DePasquale, reflecting on her years in Greece from 1966 to 1970, said: “Living in Greece, experiencing its warmth and hospitality, changed my life. It wasn’t just cinema— it was destiny.”

Portes No. 11 represents over 1,000 hours of collective work by 42 featured contributors, including historians, artists, filmmakers, photographers, musicians, and academics. Their efforts document Greece’s post-war transformation— from urban development and cinema to music and visual arts.

“Each Portes No. 11 featured contributor shares their unique story and passion for Hellenic culture through their life’s work. Some are discovering and preserving historical artifacts, others capture Greek life through their lenses, and others create artwork celebrating their roots. Their work is important, incredible, and truly inspiring,” said Portes Editor Anthe Mitrakos.

The issue’s visual richness is highlighted by four cover artists: Yiannis Moralis, celebrated for public works across Athens; Robert McCabe, capturing the simplicity of 1950s Greece through photography; Antonia Iroidou, whose dreamlike digital art celebrates Hellenic ideals; and Theodora Miller, whose paintings evoke love, hope, and happiness. Posthumous tributes honor Alekos Fassianos, Panos Valsamakis, Ilias Lalaounis, Yannis Moralis, and Stephen Antonakos, preserving Greece’s artistic legacy for future generations.

Portes No. 11 (this issue featuring art legend Yiannis Moralis) revealed before the stunning backdrop of Aristotle Onassis’ legendary Boeing 727. Photo: Ariston Foundation

“Through the pages of ‘Portes’, we see a country that remains a timeless muse, combining memory and inspiration. The Ariston Foundation promotes and preserves Hellenic culture with love, and this magazine is a testament to that mission,” said former Greek National Tourism Organization President Angela Gerekou.

The evening featured live music by Gigi & the Comets and signature cocktails from ROOTS Premium Spirits.

About Ariston Foundation for Hellenic Culture & Art: Established on Greek Independence Day in 2011, Ariston Foundation is a U.S.-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote, celebrate, and preserve Hellenic culture, art, and history by enabling projects and programming including cultural publications, educational material, and special events.

About Portes Magazine: Published for over a decade by U.S.-based Ariston Foundation, Portes Magazine, portesmagazine.com is distributed to supporters of Hellenic culture, history, and art. An annual print and digital publication, Portes Magazine is an artistic expression of fine Greek ideals and aesthetics – a collection of curated stories written by renowned scholars, authors, photographers, artists, and people to whom Greece is a muse.



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