Gallery of Post-Byzantine Visual Arts "Ioannis Mitrakas"

Ioannis Mitrakas, Archon Hagiographer of the Great Church of Christ (the Ecumenical Patriarchate), left his personal mark on the art world by bridging the Byzantine tradition with the modern era. Focusing on cultural heritage—and through keen observation of a society in flux—he highlighted compassion, industriousness, and courage as timeless values ​​expressed through his work.

During his lifetime, he enjoyed well-deserved recognition—most notably the distinction awarded to him by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 2000, as well as recent honors in his beloved Thrace, specifically in the Evros region: the establishment of the "Ioannis Mitrakas" Post-Neo-Byzantine Visual Arts Gallery (with the kind support of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis) and the naming of the 7th Primary School of Alexandroupolis as the "Ioannis Mitrakas" 7th Primary School by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.

The work of Ioannis Mitrakas has had the honor of being exhibited in many distinguished venues—including the Benaki Museum, the Museum of the City of Athens (Vouros-Eutaxias Foundation), the Byzantine and Christian Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, as well as dozens of other locations across Greece and abroad (in Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the USA, etc.)—driven by the inspiration he drew from the public's engagement with his art.

A pioneer in painting, Ioannis Mitrakas drew upon the insights gained from his other role as a trailblazer in social work—a field where, at the time, needs far outstripped the available capacity for assistance. He influenced the lives of thousands who came into contact with him—whether through the YMCA camps, juvenile rehabilitation, or social security (particularly for the Public Power Corporation)—helping them find their way; he was especially active on the front lines, working in close solidarity with the exceptionally courageous lignite miners of Aliveri, Euboea.

The Board of Directors of the Association of Friends of the Ioannis Mitrakas Post-Neo-Byzantine Visual Arts Gallery, based in Alexandroupoli, expresses its sorrow and sincere condolences to the family of its President, Ioannis Mitrakas, upon his passing.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Cemetery of the Municipality of Athens. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of wreaths, donations be made to a charitable organization of your choice or to the Association of Friends of the Gallery of Post-Byzantine Visual Arts "Ioannis Mitrakas".

May the earth rest lightly upon him.

For further information

Vasiliki Pantelidou Vice President, Association of Friends of the Gallery of Post-Byzantine Visual Arts "Ioannis Mitrakas" Email: pantelidou47@gmail.com

Andreas Mitrakas: amitrakas@hushmail.com

Account Number: CREDIABANK GR2201608780000000180799087