Order of the Phoenix (Greece)

Order of the Phoenix Τάγμα του Φοίνικος
Grand Cross and Star of the Order of the Phoenix, III. type
Awarded by the President of the Hellenic Republic
Type	Order
Motto	Εκ της τέφρας μου αναγεννώμαι
Awarded for	excellence in the public sphere or raising Greece's international standing
Status	Currently constituted
Grades (w/ post-nominals)	Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Golden Cross, Silver Cross
Established	13 May 1926
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of George I (Kingdom) Order of Honour (Republic today)
Next (lower)	Order of Beneficence
Ribbon bar of the Silver Cross of the Order of the Phoenix

The Order of the Phoenix (Greek: Τάγμα του Φοίνικος) is an order of Greece, established on May 13, 1926, by the republican government of the Second Hellenic Republic to replace the defunct Royal Order of George I. The Order was retained by the revived Monarchy after 1935, and continues to be awarded by the current Third Republic.

The Order is bestowed by the Greek government to Greek citizens who have excelled in the arts and literature, science, public administration, shipping, commerce, and industry. It is also awarded to foreigners who have helped raise Greece's international prestige.

Grades

The Order has five classes:

• Grand Cross ('Μεγαλόσταυρος') - wears the badge of the Order on a sash on the right shoulder, and the star of the Order on the left chest;
• Knight Commander or Grand Commander ('Ανώτερος Ταξιάρχης') - wears the badge of the Order on a necklet, and the star of the Order on the left chest;
• Commander ('Ταξιάρχης') - wears the badge of the Order on a necklet;
• Officer or Gold Cross ('Χρυσούς Σταυρός') - wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest;
• Member or Silver Cross ('Αργυρούς Σταυρός') - wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest.

Insignia

Silver Cross of the Order of the Phoenix, I. type (1926–1935)

Star of the Order of the Phoenix with swords.

The badge of the Order is a white-enameled cross, in silver for the Silver Cross class, in gold for the higher classes, with the Phoenix (symbolizing the rebirth of the Hellenic nation) at the centre. A five-pointed star is at the upper arm of the cross. The first version of the Order (1926–1935) featured the letters "E-T-T-A" in Byzantine uncial on each arm of the cross, the initials of the motto Εκ της τέφρας μου αναγεννώμαι ("From my ashes I am reborn"). During the Monarchy (1935–1974) the letters were removed and the badge was topped by a crown, while the badge's reverse side featured the monogram of the reigning monarch. The current version (since 1975) omits the crown, while the reverse features the Greek National Emblem with the words ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ ("Hellenic Republic").

The star of the Order is a silver eight-pointed star with straight rays, with the phoenix at the centre; during the Monarchy it was topped by a crown.

The ribbon of the Order is orange with black edges.

Crossed swords on the insignia indicate that the award was given in the military division of the Order.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Order of the Phoenix (Greece).

• Presidency of the Hellenic Republic – The Order of the Phoenix
• The Greek Royal Orders
• George J. Beldecos, "Hellenic Orders, Decorations and Medals", pub. Hellenic War Museum, Athens 1991, ISBN 960-85054-0-2.