220 × 295 SPINE: 22
The painting depicts Riva’s harbor in Kamara, featuring the stone-arched Venetian bridge that connects Riva with the Enetian Castle of Chora Andros. This bridge, a landmark of Andros, was restored by my father, architect Antonis D. Kriezis, between 1955 and 1958. Both the bridge and the Embirikos houses of Riva were destroyed during the German bombardment on September 23, 1943.
ISBN: 978-618-205-624-0
Vatatzi 55, 114 73 Athens Τel.: +30210 6431108 e-mail: ocelotos@ocelotos.gr www.ocelotos.gr
9 786182 056240
The haven of life
The painting on the front cover is by Fofi Kriezi, 1989 (oil on canvas). It belongs to the private collection of Demetris Criezis.
HAROULA KRIEZI-SVIRIADI
“T
he Haven of Life” refers to the family history of the author’s mother, through the very history of each place. All events that have happened through the centuries are real, proved by documents and archives found, which were researched in different places. In the book we follow the roots and the course of the family, from Chios and Siphnos islands, in the beginning of the 19th century, the transition to Constantinople, life there and the consequences of the Greek population’s removal form the beautiful Poli, the prewar Athens and up to the 21st century in 2024, following the roots and the course of the family. Recording nearly 200 years of history and family life. The family serves as the foundational cell of human society. From the family unit, larger groups of people emerged, forming the basis of the first settlements. As communities grew and developed, they laid the foundations for cities and states. Throughout this process, humans have perfected social aggregates, which are strongly bound by fundamental laws and principles. As the smallest unit of society, the family plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ moral, cultural, spiritual, and humanitarian values. It is within the family that we find guidance, support, and strength, and it is from the family that we learn essential life skills and values. Throughout history, humans have recognized the impermanence of life and have understood the importance of self-preservation and the continuation of their species. The instinct of self-preservation and the drive for reproduction are deeply ingrained in human nature and have been essential for the survival and perpetuation of the human race. The concept of descendants and the desire to leave a legacy are inherent in human beings. This innate drive to pass on our knowledge, values, and experiences to future generations is a testament to our understanding of the impermanence of life and the importance of ensuring the continuity of our species. I refuse to let the people I have met, and even those whom I haven’t, fade away into obscurity with the passing of time. It is my ardent desire to immortalize their stories in written form, so that future generations can discover and learn from them. With my pen, I have documented the enchanted places that were the birthplace of my ancestors, for the departed live on in our memories. Unravelling the biography and family trees of the ancestors, it focuses on the peculiarities of each era, that were analogous to the events of the times mentioned. By offering a glimpse into the past through the places where my ancestors once lived, I invite you to share in their experiences and journey alongside me. As our contemporary culture increasingly embraces the past, this book serves as an ode to our heritage.
FLAPS: 90
Haroula Kriezi was born November 1956 in Athens, where she grew up. She graduated from the Moraitis School in 1974 and from the Vakalo School in 1977, where she studied interior design. She married Nikos Sviriadis, a business hotelier, in 1979, with whom she had two children. She was at the side of her husband in the hotel business until 2003, the year that Nikos died. She continued to work in hotels until the end of 2008. She was a volunteer at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, with an active role at the opening and closing ceremonies. From 2004 to 2006 she was the General Secretary of the Board of Directors of the SASM (Moraitis School Alumni Association). From 2006 to 2008 she was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SASM. As President, she was the publisher of the journal “Syndetiras” (Paper Clip). From 2005 to 2009 she was the General Secretary of the Board of Directors of the NOA (Andros Yacht Club), being responsible for the editing of the “Album for the 50 years of the Andros Yacht Club” in 2007. Today, having four grandchildren to continue her family, she divides her time between Athens, Andros and Arahova. “The Journey of Life” was her first writing experience in 2012 and had a distinction in “Kriezotia 2014” by the “Filomousos Organization of Karystia” of the Municipality of Kymis-Aliveri in 2014. Her first book was followed in 2017 by her second book “The Haven of Life” and in 2019 by the “The Journey of Life”, in an English edition translated by the same. In 2024 also “the Haven of Life” was translated by the same. All of her books were published by “OCELOTOS” publications..