LOUIS, MO – In 2004, the KYKLOS – Circle of Glory monument made history as the only American-created landmark permanently installed at the Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece. On November 15, the Hellenic Spirit Foundation invites the public to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this achievement— born in St. Louis.
The vision for KYKLOS began over 25 years ago with a group of Greek-Americans determined to unite Hellenes worldwide in the return of the Games to Greece in 2004. The KYKLOS Tribute honors the timeless circle of the Olympic Movement — its origins in the sacred grounds of Olympia in 776 BC, its rebirth with the inaugural Modern Games in Athens in 1896, and its triumphant return to Athens in 2004. Led by the Hellenic Cultural Foundation— now the Hellenic Spirit Foundation— and supported by national Hellenic organizations, the project culminated in the work of renowned Greek-American artist Euripides “Rip” Kastaris: a panoramic mural and circular bronze sculptures displaying olive leaves engraved with the names of contributors on all five continents.
During a recent visit to Greece, Kastaris met with Konstantinos Chalioris, Director General of the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA), who affirmed the profound and enduring impact of KYKLOS. He emphasized that each year thousands of schoolchildren and visitors from around the world encounter this monumental tribute in the Olympic Stadium Salon— they not only marvel at its beauty but also hear the story of how it was born in St. Louis and unites Hellenes across the globe. Chalioris expressed deep appreciation for the way KYKLOS continues to inspire pride, preserve heritage, and connect the diaspora to the homeland.
On Saturday, November 15, 3 PM, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis Millennium Center, the celebration, titled KYKLOS–Circle of Glory: 20 Years of an Athenian Olympic Landmark Born in St. Louis, will include the premiere of a feature length documentary film chronicling the project’s six-year odyssey from St. Louis to Athens, the unveiling of a tribute portrait honoring the late Nick Karakas, and an awards ceremony recognizing key contributors from the local to the international stage. Guests will also enjoy an exhibition of official Olympic art by Kastaris, representing the United States and Greece in four consecutive Olympiads; Greek music and dance performances, and a catered reception. A private VIP reception for donors, sponsors and special guests will be held at the Matsakis Center preceding the evening’s program.
Admission is free and open to the public with advance reservations only. No tickets will be available at the door.
This event is jointly presented by the Hellenic Spirit Foundation and the Hellenic Government–Karakas Family Foundation Professorship in Greek Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, as part of the Nicholas and Theodora Matsakis Speaker Series.
Please visit https://hellenicspiritfoundationstl.org to make advance reservations, learn more, donate or join the Hellenic Spirit Foundation.
A trailer is available online: https://shorturl.at/8bHQZ.
