Orders, decorations, and medals of Greece
Orders of chivalry and other honours of the Hellenic Republic
The Greek honors system goes back to 1829 and the establishment of the Order of the Redeemer at the Fourth National Assembly at Argos . However, the relevant decree was signed in Nafplio by King Otto on May 20, 1833. The Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer remains the highest honor of Greece to this day.
Hellenic Republic
Orders
Kingdom of Greece
Ranks
As with most European orders, the Greek orders have the following ranks, in order of precedence:
Grand Cross
Grand Officer
Commander
Knight of the Gold Cross
Knight of the Silver Cross
Transmission of honors
In the past, the insignia of the order were to be returned to the State. However, in recent years, the rule has changed and the heirs of the honoree may keep the insignia.
Grand Master
The Grand Master of the Greek orders is the head of state of the country. Since 1975, Greece is a republic and the head of state is the President of Greece who is also responsible for awarding them, according to article 46, paragraph 2 of the Constitution of Greece and law 106/1975,[ 1] upon the recommendation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs .
Selection criteria
According to Law 106/1975, all proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs are reviewed by the Council on Honors (Greek : Συμβούλιο Ταγμάτων Αριστείας ) when it applies to Greek citizens, the Greek diaspora , military officers, and government workers. Individuals are selected to reward their contributions to Greece, be it the state, its culture, sports, arts, language, etc.
The Council on Honors, which comes together by decision of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, serves for a two-year term:[ 1]
Medals
Gallantry and merit medals
Military medals (since 1974)
Military commendations[ 2]
Police medals (since 1985)
Police Medal for Gallantry
Police Cross
Medal of Police Merit
Long Service and Good Conduct Police Medal
Commendation for Leadership of the Hellenic Police
Star for Merit and Honour
Commendation for Meritorious Command
Commendation for Meritorious Staff Service
Commendation for Meritorious Staff Service as a Special Duty Officer
Fire Service medals (since 1998)
Fire Service Medal for Gallantry
Fire Service Cross
Medal of Fire Service Merit
Coast Guard commendations[ 4]
Commendation for Leadership of the Coast Guard
Star for Merit and Honour
Medal for Merit and Honour
Commemoration for Leadership of a Regional Coast Guard Command
Commendation for Meritorious Command
Commendation for Service as a Staff Officer
Commendation for Meritorious Staff Service
Commendation for Long Service
Medals no longer awarded
Medal of Valour
Medal for Gallantry
Medal for Self-Sacrifice
War Cross
Medal for Outstanding Acts
Medal of Military Merit
Medal of Merit
Medal for Long and Meritorious Service
Cities Police (1946[ 6] –1985[ 5] )
Police Medal
Medal for Police Merit
Police Cross
Commemorative and campaign medals
Honorees
Those that have been honored by one of the Greek State Orders are given the right to wear their insignia for life, provided they have not been stricken from the rolls of their respective order, as per the penal code or by decision of the Council on Honors. The latter group may take such a decision if it deems that the person retaining the honor causes public discomfort or negatively affects the prestige of the Order. After the death of the honoree, the insignia may be kept by his or her heirs.[ 1]
References
Further reading
Dēmakopoulos, Geōrgios D. (1961). Greek Orders and Medals . Athens: Mavridis. OCLC 870294502 .
Beldecos, George J. (1991). Hellenic Orders, Decorations and Medals . Athens: Hellenic War Museum. ISBN 960-85054-0-2 .
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Orders
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Gallantry and merit medals
Commemorative and campaign medals Commendations
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Commendation Medal for Chiefs of a General Staff
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Commendation Medal for Merit and Honour
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Commendation Medal for Meritorious Command
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Commendation Medal for Staff Service
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