Angelis Govginas: Patriot and hero of Evia in Greek War of Independence

·

Angelis Govginas was a military commander and true patriot of Evia, defending his homeland against the Ottomans during Greece’s War for Independence in 1821.

Born in Evia as Angelis Tzoutzas in 1780, he adopted ‘Govginas’ or ‘Govios’ as a nickname. Govginas was known for having a pure character and strong sense of justice. Under the occupation of the Ottomans he felt compelled to serve in the garrison of Ali Pasha in 1817, being taught martial arts in the military school of the Albanian leader of Epirus.

He followed fellow independence hero Odysseus Androutsos to the battle of Hani of Gravia, where he was distinguished for his bravery and military skills.

In May 1821, he was called to command the local revolutionary bodies in Northern Evia, who were being desperately outmatched due to the failures of chief Verousi Moutsanas. 

Govginas gathered a camp in Vrysakia to devise a plan, and only a few days later attacked the Turks in Psachna. Reviving the morale of the revolutionaries, he killed the Ottoman commander Osman Hatzarakis.

Omer Vryonis, leader of the Ottomans in Evia, was determined to stifle any revolutionary movement. The next day he attacked the Greek camp in Vrysakia, but was repulsed by Govginas and his 300 men, killing 70 of his soldiers. 

In the battle, which lasted seven hours, Govgina’s personality and strategy were the difference. Vryonis returned to Vrysakia on July 18, but was again attacked by Govginas. The Ottoman leader was humiliated and forced to leave Evia and march against Athens.

In mid-February 1822, Govginas took over the command of all the Evian military corps. Govgina’s goal was remove the Turks from Chalkida and then march unhindered against Karystos. His plan was discovered by the Turks of Chalkida, who formed a military battalion of 1000 men and suddenly attacked the Greek camp in Vrysakia on the night of March 28, 1822.

In the ensuing battle, Govginas was seriously injured by a bullet in the back, later dying that same day. He was found dead by the Turks the next day and was beheaded.

Angelis Govginas is recognised for his persistence and incredible bravery in fighting for Greece’s independence, acting as a leader until his final breath.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Applications open for the Cultural Program of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney 2026

Submissions are open for the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney - artists, performers, writers and creatives are invited to apply by 21 November.

Greeks and Serbs unite in Sydney for 31st Annual Day of Friendship

The Greek and Serbian communities of Sydney came together for the 31st Annual Greek-Serbian Orthodox & Cultural Friendship Day.

When grammar meets glendi at Melbourne’s Greek School Celebration

The Stars International Reception Hall in Preston pulsed with music, laughter, and the sound of Greek on Saturday night.

‘It was fate’: Renos Haralambidis to attend Sydney Greek Film Festival milestone

Renowned Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis will be guest of honour at the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney this October.

Canberra’s Hellenic Youth Club brings back Bouzouki Night 2025

The Hellenic Youth Club of Canberra (HYC) has announced the much-anticipated return of its signature Bouzouki Night.

You May Also Like

Second person found dead as clean-up begins after flash flooding in Crete

Two people have died after flash flooding swept across the Greek island of Crete over the weekend. The clean-up has begun.

Turkey’s latest research mission sparks Aegean tensions

A new flashpoint has emerged in the Aegean after Turkey dispatched the research vessel Piri Reis for a ten-day mission.

Evangelos Goussis pursues appeal amid claims of withheld evidence in Moran murder case

Victoria Police and Victoria’s Office of Public Prosecutions have been accused of hiding information which could have altered a murder trial.