HISTORY OF
GREEK FREEMASONRY
1.
The first lodges
Freemasonry began to take root in the broader Hellenic world around 1780. While early Masonic activity likely occurred in Constantinople and Smyrna, it was in the Ionian Islands—then under Venetian rule—where the Craft truly flourished, laying the groundwork for a distinct and sovereign Greek Masonic identity. This development was driven not only by the unique social and political climate of the region but also by the tireless efforts of Count Dionysios Romas.
2.
Dionysios Romas
Romas envisioned a unified Greek Freemasonry as early as the late 18th century. He found a key ally in Brother Mathieu de Lesseps, Napoleon’s Imperial Commissioner. With Lesseps’s support, Romas succeeded in unifying Corfiot Masonry in 1810 by establishing the Lodge Bienfaisance et Philogénie Réunies (“Charity and Philogeny United”). The lodge’s name itself reflected the aspiration of Greek Masonry to contribute to national awakening.
A pivotal moment came in 1811, when Romas, accompanied by a delegation of Brethren, traveled to Paris to petition the Grand Orient of France for recognition of a Corfu-based Hellenic Lodge. His passion was so great that he often referred to this body as the Grand National Lodge of Greece—a full decade before the founding of the modern Greek state. This took place during the period of French rule in the Ionian Islands (1807–1814), which followed the Septinsular Republic (1800–1807) and preceded British administration as the United States of the Ionian Islands (1816–1864). Upon receiving approval, Greek Freemasonry gained institutional legitimacy and began its dynamic expansion, earning respect among its European counterparts.
That same year, Romas returned triumphantly to the Ionian Islands with official Masonic charters, including a decree authorizing both him and Lesseps to establish and charter new Lodges.
3.
Before and during the Revolution
In the years that followed, Freemasonry spread across the Ionian Islands. The Lodge Enosis (“Union”) of Lefkada gained particular historical significance for initiating Emmanuel Xanthos, who would later co-found the Filiki Eteria—a secret society established in 1814 and inspired by Masonic ideals, dedicated to Greek liberation.
Romas did not rely solely on French recognition. After Napoleon’s fall, the Ionian Lodges sought alignment with English Freemasonry. On April 26, 1816, Greek Masonry adopted the title Serene Grand Orient of Greece, electing the Duke of Sussex—then Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England—as its own Grand Master. Brother Angelos Chalikopoulos was appointed Deputy Grand Master and served until 1823, when the Duke formally assumed the role, which he held until his death in 1843.
4.
After the Revolution
With the establishment of the modern Greek state, Freemasonry quickly expanded throughout the Hellenic world. During this period, the Grand Orient experienced dormancy; however, its societal presence persisted, and the Lodges gradually adopted the Greek language by translating Masonic texts and rituals.
Although the Serene Grand Orient ceased administrative activities around 1843, many Brethren continued their Masonic work within individual Lodges. In 1863, Lodge Panellinion was founded in Athens under the auspices of the Grand Orient of Italy. Soon, other Lodges followed: Poseidonia in Piraeus, Skoufas in Chalkida, Archimedes in Patras, Sons of Leonidas in Syros, Rigas Feraios in Lamia, and Proodos in Argos. In 1864, seven Lodges united to revive an independent Greek Masonic authority. Though the Grand Orient of Italy denied full autonomy, it approved the establishment of a Supreme Masonic Directorate in Athens, led by Brethren Damaskinos, Mavrokordatos, and Antonopoulos.
This triumvirate spearheaded the Craft’s rejuvenation, founding new Lodges and paving the way for the Grand Orient of Italy to recognize Greek Masonic independence in 1867. Consequently, in 1868, the Grand Orient of Greece was officially founded. Initially cautious about selecting a Grand Master, the newly formed body eventually elected Dimitrios Rodokanakis (Rodocanachi), whose presumed distinguished lineage and international reputation made him an ideal choice.
Throughout its history, Greek Freemasonry faced numerous challenges, including opposition from conservative forces and internal discord. Nevertheless, it emerged stronger and more resolute, establishing itself firmly within Greek society.
5.
In the 20th century
During the early 20th century, marked by wars and national upheaval, Greek Freemasonry aligned itself with national causes, offering both moral and material support. The Grand Orient expanded its charitable activities during this time, culminating in the founding of the Masonic Foundation in 1928. In 1936, the organization was officially renamed the Grand Lodge of Greece. The sacrifices of World War II were profound; the Grand Lodge was forced to suspend all activities and vacate its premises during the Nazi occupation (1941–1945).
From the Liberation until the mid-1980s, Masonic activity thrived across 36 cities throughout Greece, on both the mainland and the islands. In addition to its social and humanitarian work, educational and Masonic endeavors flourished, making members of the Grand Lodge of Greece exemplary citizens in their local communities.
6.
Solidarity Projects
After the war, the Grand Lodge swiftly resumed its operations and reaffirmed its commitment to charity, becoming a leading philanthropic institution in Greece. Its initiatives have included second-chance schools, orphanages, cancer support centers, and major blood donation efforts. It also maintains a close partnership with the National Transplant Organization, with many Freemasons and their families registered as organ and bone marrow donors.
7.
Disagreements
In 1986, internal disagreements led to a significant rupture. Several Brethren resigned from their Lodges under the Grand Lodge of Greece and formed a new organization—the National Grand Lodge of Greece (NGLG). However, this body was not established in accordance with the internationally accepted standards of Masonic regularity as defined by the “Basic Principles for Grand Lodge Recognition,” adopted by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) in 1929. The NGLG is today a part of the varied masonic landscape in Greece. Along with scores of other similar organisations of undoubtedly masonic inspiration styling themselves Grand Lodge, or Grand Orient, stemming from various sources and traditions. Some pulled out older titles from the mainstream vector to name their new bodies (such as national or serene Grand Orient) while others were more creative and crafted new names. The masonic landscape is varied with different bodies. Some are ladies organisations, some practice co-masonry, and some limit their membership to gentlemen only while following different alternative paths as regard towards tradition and regularity which implies some recognition by limited different networks scattered in various countries.
8.
Today
Today, the Grand Lodge of Greece of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons—officially named in 1988— operates 118 active Lodges throughout the Hellenic Republic. It is the sovereign authority for Regular Freemasonry in Greece and holds mutual recognition with over 200 Grand Lodges worldwide. Its long tradition of humanitarian service continues, and it remains open to all who seek to join Regular Freemasonry and work in alignment with Masonic principles for the common good.