The Last Farewell to a True Fighter

Nikitas Georgakopoulos, son of Alexios and Athina, née Kiape, from the village of Rapsomatis in the Province of Megalopolis, Arcadia Prefecture (1932–2025)

(By Tassos Theodoridis, Mng. Editor, “The Greek Press”)

In Memory of Nikitas Georgakopoulos

(1932–2025)

I was truly blessed to have crossed paths with Nikita—a free spirit, a stubborn fighter who never took “no” for an answer, and a kind and caring soul. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, relative, friend, co-worker, and a pillar of his community.

A Life of Resistance and Resilience

Nikita’s first book, Reminiscences of a Whole Life (2007), reads like a story of courage and survival. But it is more than just his story—it is the story of a whole generation of Greeks who, despite rivers of tears and blood shed to free their country from Fascism and Nazism, were betrayed by collaborators who were never brought to justice.

Life tested Nikita in ways most of us could never imagine. From his childhood under occupation, through constant flight from danger, his courageous fight for freedom and equality with the ranks of E.P.O.N., to his later years as a ship engineer and navigating life as an undocumented immigrant, Fate seemed determined to break him. Yet Nikita refused to be broken. He never gave in, never gave up.

A Fighter Who Rebuilt His Life

Instead, he rose. He fought back with quiet strength, rebuilt his life from the ruins, and gave his family a future. That was Nikita—a man who turned pain into purpose, carried himself with dignity, and showed us what it truly means to fight for what matters.

His daughters, relatives—both near and far—and everyone privileged to know him should feel deeply proud. He touched so many lives with courage, kindness, and an unwavering spirit. His love for family, passion for justice, and determination to move forward will continue to inspire us all.

Legacy of a True Fighter

Today, we say goodbye to a true fighter. Though we will miss him dearly, his strength, wisdom, and spirit will live on in every life he touched. May his memory remain a guiding light for all of us.

Nikita’s Final Article: “Shame and Disgrace, Gentlemen of the Government”

From his last writings, Nikita penned the following article in Greek, titled:

“Ντροπή και Αίσχος Κύριοι της κυβέρνησης”

(“Shame and Disgrace, Gentlemen of the Government”)

In this poignant piece, he reflects on his life’s journey, the struggles he faced, and the lessons he learned, while boldly critiquing the errors, omissions, and arrogance of the most recent Greek Conservative government.

Shame and Disgrace, Gentlemen of the Government

What democracy are you talking about when none of you respect the Temple or the Constitution? You have killed Democracy, and it was buried in the same place where it was born, screaming in vain. What I saw on a Greek TV channel took me back to 1945–1946, when the right-wing paramilitary ruled. Even at 91 years old, remembering those times still hurts. I will not dwell on every detail of that era.

During the occupation, I fought for the liberation of my homeland, along with my entire family, under the flags of E.A.M. (National Liberation Front), E.L.A.S. (Greek People’s Liberation Army), and E.P.O.N. (United Panhellenic Youth Organization). That was my “crime,” for which the right-wing paramilitary punished me with imprisonment, beatings, and mock executions. My father was murdered, as were my uncle, a cousin, and a brother-in-law.

After liberation, I searched for work, but whenever I found a job, within a week or two the Security Police would come and tell my employer to fire me because I was a communist. This happened at least ten times. Most employers required a certificate of “acceptable political beliefs,” issued by collaborators of the occupiers—the German-dressed right-wing traitors. This forced me to emigrate to Canada, where I became a permanent resident.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, today’s Greek government does not uphold democratic ideals and is not the government of the old democratic right. Greece is now governed by the far-right, which holds key ministries. Mr. Prime Minister, you have often called yourself a “Governor,” but you are not a governor—you are a Prime Minister. The true governors are the people, who elect those who serve them—not a government whose Prime Minister serves only their own interests and those of their friends, paying propaganda outlets to glorify themselves.

Mr. Prime Minister, your government and you personally seek to impose yourselves on the people, especially the youth, fearing that you might lose power. But that depends on whether the people awaken from their slumber.

After the occupation, the right-wing paramilitary dismantled E.P.O.N., whose youth had sacrificed thousands for the liberation of our homeland. After Lambrakis was assassinated, the Lambrakis Youth was founded, only to be dissolved by the establishment. The 1967 Junta crushed the Polytechnic student movement, leaving many injured and countless arrested. Today, your government has militarized universities. Why? Are you afraid of the youth? By these actions, you show that you do not care about the country’s future.

It is said that Lycurgus ate his children to prevent them from taking power. Gentlemen, you give crumbs to the gullible and historically betrayed Greek people, promising hares with collars—but the hares you promise have no collars. The people will provide them when the time comes at the ballot box.

And one more thing: the elders in my village used to say, “The saint may lie, but the child tells the truth.” In this case, the “child” is the PEOPLE—and their voice will not be silenced forever.

Toronto, 24/9/2022

Nikitas Georgakopoulos

P.S. Mr. Prime Minister, forgive me, but I must ask: During your many trips to Brussels, surely you have met Mr. Viktor Orban and gained some idea of governing our country.

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