We cultivate virtue, inspire brotherhood, and illuminate the path to truth.
The National Grand Lodge of Greece is committed to the pursuit of Masonic principles rooted in ancient traditions and modern relevance. Established through the vision and dedication of our founding Brothers, we strive to foster a community where the free practice of Freemasonry flourishes, honouring the core values of integrity, respect, and enlightenment.
Our Ethos is to uphold and propagate the timeless principles of brotherhood, moral integrity, and intellectual growth. We are dedicated to creating an environment where each Brother can advance his Masonic knowledge and experience, contributing positively to society.
We aim to preserve the rich heritage of our Masonic traditions while adapting to contemporary needs, ensuring that Freemasonry in Greece remains a beacon of both ethical and philosophical guidance. Thus, through our collective efforts, we seek to inspire and cultivate leadership, community service, and personal development, making a profound impact on the world around us.
Establishment of the National Grand Lodge of Greece
The National Grand Lodge of Greece was founded on 7 June 1986 by Master Masons, members of the Grand Lodge of Greece, the sole Masonic authority in Greece till then. Although, the creation of this new Grand Lodge had been a necessity, no one could predict the magnitude of its validation. It is important to note that the founders did not initially intend to establish a new Grand Lodge. Instead, these Brothers believed in the free practice of Freemasonry, as is the case in all other countries. However, such freedom was not present in Greece under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Greece, thus necessitating the creation of a new body. To understand the events of that period and the necessity for a new Grand Lodge, it is helpful to outline the general circumstances.
Evolution of Freemasonry in Greece
The contemporary form of Freemasonry in Greece began in 1940. Until then, the Masonic body was known as the “Serene Grand Orient of Greece,” controlled by the “Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree,” representing the Scottish Rite. In 1940, the Supreme Council theoretically withdrew its control over the first three degrees, which then took the name “Grand Lodge of Greece.” The Grand Lodge of Greece, as the sole body of Symbolic Masonry, received recognition from the United Grand Lodge of England in 1948, but under specific conditions. These conditions required the Grand Lodge to gradually distance itself from the practices of the Grand Orient of France and strictly adopt the Ancient Landmarks of the Order. Despite these requirements, the new body continued to operate in the same manner. In the early 1970s, the leadership of the Grand Lodge repeatedly demonstrated a lack of willingness to conform to proper practices, leading to significant discontent among some members.
Emergence of the National Grand Lodge
In March 1976, a group of enthusiastic Brothers, dedicated to aligning Greek Freemasonry with the Ancient Landmarks, were initiated into the higher degrees of the York Rite by Grand Officers from Germany. This vision of creating a Regular Masonic System in Greece, with global recognition and extending beyond Symbolic Masonry, materialised with the establishment of the “Grand Chapter of Greece.” This effort rapidly gained international recognition, attracting many Brothers who desired to advance and complete their Masonic knowledge, particularly within the Royal Arch. However, such progression was not possible within the Grand Lodge of Greece, as its General Regulations did not recognise the Royal Arch, which was controlled by the
Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree. The leadership of this new Masonic body sought to strengthen relations among the three Masonic bodies in Greece: the Grand Lodge of Greece, the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree, and the Grand Chapter of Greece. In October 1978, a letter of intent was signed by the respective authorities, signalling hope for better cooperation.
The Formation and Recognition of the National Grand Lodge
June 7, 1986: Inauguration of the National Grand Lodge of Greece, which was formed by six (6) Lodges (approx. 250 members) previously under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Greece. The inauguration ceremony was led by the late R.W. Bro. William R. J. Eve, Past Grand Deacon of the UGLE and first Deputy Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Greece in the city of Athens.
1993 - 1999: UGLE decided to withdraw its recognition from the Grand Lodge of Greece and recognise instead the National Grand Lodge of Greece, as did Grand Lodge of Ireland and Grand Lodge of Scotland.
1999: UGLE decided to reverse the 1993 decision. The recognition was withdrawn from the National Grand Lodge of Greece. In the decision it is stated that UGLE considers both Greek Grand Lodges to be regular. As referred in the page UGLE’s external relations book 1950 -2000, with title: Policy and Practice, page 33:
“…. to withdraw recognition from the National Grand Lodge of Greece despite its continuing Regularity.“
The recognition was withdrawn from the NGLG in an effort of the UGLE to encourage the two Grand Lodges to discuss mutual recognition. Our Grand Lodge on January 2, 2019 declared the sharing of the Greek Territory and emailed the declaration to all Regular European Grand Lodges, and did also the same on March 23, 2019 in the European Grand Masters Conference in Monaco. Till now the Grand Lodge of Greece has not accepted mutual recognition with Our Grand Lodge , the National Grand Lodge of Greece.
National Grand Lodge of Greece is a Regular Grand Lodge.
Leadership of the National Grand Lodge of Greece
The first Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Greece, elected in 1986, was the late Most Worshipfull Brother Stefanos Paipetis, a Professor of Engineering at the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering of the University of Patras succeded by Most Worshipfull Brother Efsthathios Liakopoulos, a Lawyer in profession.
Τα Γραμματόσημα της Εθνικής Μεγάλης Στοάς της Ελλάδος
The Brotherly Love of Freemasons embodies mutual support, respect, and solidarity, fostering unity and moral growth among the Brethren.
Truth in Freemasonry is a fundamental value, symbolizing the quest for knowledge, moral integrity, and the sincere self-awareness of the Brethren.
Charity in Freemasonry represents selfless giving, compassionate assistance to others, and support for the less fortunate, guided by a spirit of solidarity and brotherhood.
Become a Freemason – Discover Wisdom, Strengthen Brotherhood, Illuminate Your Path, and Become the Best Version of Yourself.
Ιδιαίτερες ευχαριστίες αποδίδονται στον Πσεβ. Αδ. Ι. Ρ. Πρώην Αναπληρωτή Μεγάλο Διδάσκαλο, δημιουργό και εμπνευστή της παρουσίας της ΕΜΣΤΕ στον διαδικτυακό χώρο.
English 
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