The Rhodes Public Central Library expressed its heartfelt thanks to Theophilos Skevofylakas for the significant donation of materials from the collection of his late father, Michael Skevofylakas. The donation includes 24 books on the Dodecanese, issues of the newspaper “Dodecanese 1945–1950,” as well as a framed sketch dedicated to the incorporation of the Dodecanese.
As noted by the Library’s administration, this gesture greatly contributes to the enrichment of the institution’s Dodecanese collection and to providing more comprehensive information to researchers of local history as well as the general reading public.
Who Was Michael Skevofylax?
The late Michael Skeuophylax was born in Panormitis, Symi, in 1912, the son of Theophilos and Irene (née Themistokleous Georgiadis or Kranidis). After completing his general education on Symi, he moved to Athens to further his studies. In 1934, he graduated from the Higher School of Economics and Commercial Sciences and subsequently transferred to the Law School of the University of Athens.
After the liberation of the Dodecanese, he worked to organize the local economy on a cooperative basis. As a special envoy of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Bank, he founded the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of the Dodecanese, as well as the cooperatives of sponge divers, fishermen, shipbuilders, and farmers of Symi.
At the same time, he distinguished himself for his participation in the national struggle and worked tirelessly for the liberation of the islands. During the Occupation, he served as President of the National Association of Dodecanese Islanders, and also served as Secretary-General of the Association of Symians of Athens and President of the Association of Symians of Piraeus.
As part of his prolific writing and publishing career, he published books, magazines, and the newspaper “Dodecanese 1945 – 1950,” with Symi occupying a central place in his writings. In recognition of his multifaceted contributions, the Municipality of Symi, in a special session, expressed its gratitude and, through a resolution, proclaimed him an “Honored Son” of the Homeland.
The Deputy Director of the Rhodes Central Public Library, Christos Ternezis, also publicly expressed his warmest thanks and deep appreciation to Mr. Theophilos Skevofylakas for this valuable contribution.