Initiators of building the monument were Culture Ministry of Russia, Russian military and historical community and Charitable Foundation of Ivan Savvidi, who took over all the works on manufacture and establishment of the monument.
In a sign of memory and respect to the an outstanding historical figure — Queen Olga, made an invaluable contribution to the strengthening of good-neighborly relations between Russia and Greece, at the opening ceremony were present: Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Arkadiy Dvorkovich, Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Mrs. Maria Coll’ya-Tsaruha, Mayor of Thessaloniki Yiannis Butaris, a member of the Council on International Relations at the President of the Russian Federation, President of the Federal National and Cultural Autonomy of Greeks of Russia Ivan Savvidi, representatives of the Russian and Greek public and the media.
Opening ceremony of the monument began in the presence of a Thessaloniki garrison’s company of soldiers, representatives of Pontian Federations in their national costumes and the sounds of a brass band.
— Commemorating of Queen Olga — is, first and foremost — a tribute to history — said the Mayor of Thessaloniki Yiannis Butaris in his speech.
— Historical and spiritual ties between our nations have their roots in the century — addressed to the audience Deputy Prime Minister of Russian Federation Arkadiy Dvorkovich, — today’s event is a one more proof of how strong those links.
Prefect of Central Macedonia A. Tzidzikostas has noted that setting of the monument to the Queen Olga will further strengthen the good relations between Russia and Greece, will contribute to their development in the future.
The ceremony of the monument’s blessing was made by Thessaloniki Metropolitan Anthimus.
At the end of the blessing, the Metropolitan expressed his personal gratitude to Ivan Savvidi — the founder of the Charitable Foundation, for the noble cause of the setting the monument.
— I am happy to be here this day, I am proud to be Russian, I am proud to be Greek, — said Ivan Savvidi, — and that we were able to realize a great cause to perpetuate the memory of Queen Olga, the Grand Russian Princess.
For us, for Russian Greeks — Queen Olga is a fine example to follow, her life and good deeds — something that should been equal on.
All the speakers emphasized the significant contribution of Queen Olga to the development of philanthropy and charity traditions, both in Greece and in Russia, the strengthening of friendship between Russian and Greek nations. After the announcement of all the words of welcome, were performed hymns of Russia and Greece, and then was held a wreath-laying ceremony, which was attended by the military garrison soldiers of Thessaloniki, as well as public and political figures of the two countries.
Grand Princess Olga Konstantinovna (Queen Olga) — the granddaughter of Emperor Nicholas I, the niece of the Russian Emperor Alexander II, the wife of the Greek King George I, entered in the history of Greece and Russia not only as a person of royal blood. She was known for her extensive charity work, she became a true example of an Orthodox service to people. On her account was the opening of hospitals, orphanages, infirmaries, hospitals. During the Balkan wars Queen Olga headed «hospital movement» in Greece and led the Greek Red Cross affairs. Under her special patronage were the sailors of the Russian fleet.
It is symbolic that the monument of the Greek ancestors of the last royal dynasty, set in the same square where there is a bust of Queen Olga’s husband — the Greek King George. It is symbolic that the monument of the Greek ancestors of the last royal dynasty, set in the same square where there is a bust of the wife of Queen Olga — the Greek King George Ι. The monument height is 3.56 m, made of granite and bronze by sculptor Andrey Korobtsov and architect Konstantin Frolov joined the list of attractions of the northern capital of Greece.
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