Maria Moscholiou, High Priestess of the Olympic Flame ceremony, dies

·

Maria Moscholiou, the legendary High Priestess of the Olympic Flame ceremony at Ancient Olympia, has died in Athens, local media reported on Wednesday.

Moscholiou born in Athens and studied the art of drama at the National Theatre, where she performed for many years. 

She supervised the dramatic Olympic Lighting Ceremonies four times in total — in 1968, 1972, 1976 and 1980.

Maria Moscholiou, the legendary High Priestess of the Olympic Flame ceremony at Ancient Olympia, has died in Athens.

She was presented with the City of Athens Medal in recognition of her extensive contribution to the dissemination of the Olympic Ideal.

“Creating the Olympic Light is an unbelievable feeling. Watching what happens next in the countries where the Olympic Flame is travelling is unbelievable,” Moscholiou said in a rare interview.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Radioactive Pictures brings ‘The Aegean’ to cinemas nationwide from May 16

Radioactive Pictures is pleased to announce The Aegean is coming to cinemas around the country from 16 May 2025.

Fronditha Care residents find comfort and connection through pet program

Greek seniors in Melbourne’s Fronditha Care homes have experienced a powerful lift in wellbeing thanks to a unique pet therapy program.

Greece and Australia shine in list of world’s best beaches

Greece and Australia have made a splash in the World’s 50 Best Beaches list, with several entries showcasing their coastal beauty.

Greece faces sharp population decline and ageing crisis by 2050

The 20–64 group will shrink by about 1.7 million, mainly due to falling fertility rates across generations and a steady decline in births.

Mass grave discovery in Thessaloniki unearths painful memories of Greece’s civil war

While installing benches near the Yedi Kule fortress, workers unearthed a mass grave—33 skeletons, some with bullets in their skulls.

You May Also Like

National centres and the Greek diaspora

The Race (Genos) of Hellenes, both within its ethno-linguistic geographical boundaries and in the Diaspora, for three thousand years now, has been intensely religious.

Stefania to bring back 80s pop with ‘Last Dance’ at Eurovision 2021

The song is said to replicate an 80s pop style, yet will bring in modern acoustics similar to recent songs released by Dua Lipa.

Professor Mattheos Santamouris awarded $570,000 for heat mitigation project

Professor Mattheos (Mat) Santamouris from UNSW has secured $570,000 in funding from the Australian Research Council.