Between 1822 and 1978, this flag was flown on Greek vessels and also used for foreign service.
In 1978, it was established as the sole National Flag of Greece, and as the war and civil Ensign, and has been used in that capacity ever since.
Nine horizontal stripes of equal width; five blue alternating with four white. Number stands for the nine syllables of Greece's National Motto.
Blue canton (rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner of the flag) of square shape, five stripes wide, bearing a white Greek cross at its center, with the arms of the cross being one stripe wide. Canton and stripe elements combined properly, in a harmonious and complementary fashion.
Flag ratio is 2:3 and color shade is traditionally intermediate, neither light, nor dark, although its precise shade is not officially stipulated by law.
Same as above. Particular shade of blue introduced in 1970.
Same as above.
Variant of the Greek National Flag in 2:3 aspect ratio and in a "midnight blue" shade. Although legally valid and fully equivalent to the version depicted above, flag variants in darker shades of blue are reminiscent of the flag variant which was used between 1970 and 1975 (i.e. by the Regime of the Colonels, although in a 7:12 rather than a 2:3 aspect ratio at that time).
Presidential standard
Flag
Date
Use
Description
since 1979
Distinguishing flag of the president of the Hellenic Republic (president of Greece). Used to show the presence of the President of the Republic (in vehicles, buildings etc.). This flag also used as a Rank flag in the Hellenic Navy's ships mainmast when the President of the Republic is aboard (according to Article 45 of the Greek Constitution, the President of the Republic is the head of the Armed Forces, so as Rank flag this flag is regarded as equivalent to the flag of an Admiral of the Fleet or superior).
A square field of blue color, with an escutcheon encircled by a golden laurel wreath (consisting of two laurel branches) placed at its center. An escutcheon of French 17th Century Style; (near square with rounded lower corners and a gentle tip at its bottom middle) its color azure; (blue of a shade identical to that of the field surrounding it) its border line golden, continuous, discreet; bearing a Greek Cross argent (cross with arms of equal length and of white color) at its center.
Cross formed thus: regular perpendicular lines perform 3x3 division of the escutcheon surface area; corner squares azure; all others argent.
In short, Greek Cross argent, escutcheon azure, laurel wreath or, field azure. (items centralized)
The standard is usually produced in four sizes (1st 1.70m (5.58ft) sides, 2nd 1.10m (3.61ft) sides, 3d 0.65m (2.13ft) sides and 4th 0.23m (0.75ft) sides).
1973–1974
Presidential flag during the republican phase of the Regime of the Colonels (June 1973 - July 1974).
A golden phoenix rising from the flames on a dark "midnight blue" background.
Standard used by the crown prince, adopted in 1914.[2] The flag was made redundant after the abolition of the monarchy in 1924. Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1935, the 1914 decrees regarding Greek flags and those of the royal family were reinstated by decree of 7 November 1935.[3] This flag was replaced in 1936 with a new design.
Like the Navy jack, but in a light blue field. In the first and third quarter is a royal crown.
1914–1924 1935–1936
Standard of the queen of Greece (in this case, showing the arms of Sophia of Prussia), adopted in 1914.[2] The flag was made redundant after the abolition of the monarchy in 1924. Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1935, the 1914 decrees regarding Greek flags and those of the royal family were reinstated by decree of 7 November 1935.[3]
1914–1924 1935–1936
Standard used by the other members of the royal family, adopted in 1914.[2] The flag was made redundant after the abolition of the monarchy in 1924. Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1935, the 1914 decrees regarding Greek flags and those of the royal family were reinstated by decree of 7 November 1935.[3]
1914–1917, 1920–1922
Royal standard of the king, adopted in 1914.[2] The crossed marshal's batons refer to King Constantine I, who was raised to the rank in 1913. The flag was in use during Constantine I's two reigns, 1913–1917 and 1920–1922.
Like the Navy jack, but in a light blue field with the Arms of King Constantine I at the center. Behind the arms are two crossed Field Marshal's batons.
1913–1914
Personal flag of Queen Olga of Greece as Queen Mother, as specified in the Royal Decree of 3 June 1914
The flag consists of a square plain cross version of the flag with the monogram of King Otto of Greece in the middle.
1858–1862
Royal standard for use on ships during the late reign of King Otto, adopted in 1858.[6]
The flag consists of the plain cross version of the national flag in 3:2 proportions,[6] with the Bavarian arms of the Wittelsbach dynasty superimposed in the center of the cross, topped by a crown. The blue color is of a lighter shade than usual today.
1833–1858
Royal standard for use on ships during most of the reign of King Otto, adopted in 1833.[7]
The flag consists of the plain cross version of the national flag in 10:7 proportions,[7] with the Bavarian arms of the Wittelsbach dynasty superimposed in the center of the cross, topped by a crown. The blue color is of a lighter shade than usual today.
A square flag with a white cross on a blue field. A golden crown was added in the centre during the periods of monarchy (1833–1924 and 1935–1973).
1822–Present
Commissioning pennant (Greek: Επισείων Πολεμικού Πλοίου, i.e., "Warship Pennant") flown by all Hellenic Navy's ships and establishments in commission, unless displaced by a senior officer's rank flag.
"Warship pennant, blue coloured, has shape of isosceles triangle elongated, bearing a white cross near the base of the triangle". The flag has typically base to length (height of triangle) 1 to 20. The cross has arms width 1/5 base length and each arm length 3/5 of base length. The pennant flown on the top of mainmast.
Fifteen vertical blue and white stripes with two blue anchors crossed and a white canton in the upper left corner with the national emblem of Greece in the centre.
The flag is blue with an inner gold and outer red border, like the flag of the region of Attica. A white Greek cross lies in the middle, charged with a disc with a white border featuring gold olive branches. The blue disc in the center features the head of the goddess Athena.
The flag of Corfu had a dark red/maroon/purple large outer border, a dark gold thin inner border and a very dark blue field with the seal in the centre in dark gold. The seal shows an ancient Greek Corfiot sailing ship. ΔΗΜΟΣ (Municipality) is written above the seal, ΚΕΡΚΥΡΑΣ (of Corfu), below the seal. The flag, on which the image shown above is based, had a ratio of 11:19.
Dark green with an orange depiction of Zakynthos with the island's motto "Freedom needs virtue and courage" (ΘΕΛΕΙ ΑΡΕΤΗ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΛΜΗ Η ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ, from Andreas Kalvos' The Lyre).[citation needed]
White cloth bordered with red with a large red cross and the inscriptions of the motto Eleftheria i Thanatos (Liberty or Death) in capital red letters. The cross is standing on an upside down crescent, symbolizing the Ottoman Empire, flanked on one side by a lance, on the other by an anchor, around which is coiled a serpent eating a bird.
The flag consists of a white cross on a field of blue with a golden royal crown superimposed in the center of the cross.
1822–1970 1975–1978
In January 1822, the First National Assembly at Epidaurus adopted this design to replace the multitude of local revolutionary flags then in use. Since 1828, this flag was flown inside the country, while the current flag was flown on naval vessels and abroad.
White cross on a blue field. During the periods of monarchy (1833–1924 and 1935–1973), a golden crown was often added in the centre of official flags (see examples below).
1955-1959
Flag of EOKA, the Cypriot Greek nationalist guerilla organisation from the 1950s.
White cross on a blue field. The inscription reads: "Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος, Ζήτω η Ελλάς" (Freedom or Death, Long live Greece).
1945–Present
Known as the Flag of Athenian Liberty, it was first hoisted on the Acropolis of Athens on the liberation of the city from Nazi occupation on 12 October 1945, a ceremony which is repeated every year on the anniversary of liberation.[10]
The old national flag, with a depiction of the seal of the Athenian association in the centre.
Resembles the land flag but with a black two-headed eagle in the middle. Beneath it are the Greek letters "Α" and "Η" that stand for "Αυτόνομη Ήπειρος" (Autonomous Epirus) and the year 1914, the year of its foundation.
The flag consists of the plain cross version of the Greek national flag, with the canton in red with a white five-pointed star, symbolizing Ottoman suzerainty. It was not popular during its period of official use, as Cretans wanted union with Greece, and was de facto abolished following the island's unilateral proclamation of union with Greece in September 1908.
The design of the flag above is a series of 5 stripes, the blue ones only stretching to 4/5 of the flag. The banner contains the words "ΗΤΑΝ ΗΕΠΙΤΑΝ" (expression of the Spartan women, when they would send off their sons into war implying: [I will wait for you] either with this [the shield, victorious], or on this [wounded or dead]) on the second white stripe, followed by a likely date of the rebellion, August 16, on the third white stripe. On the first two stripes, on the extreme right corner, a Greek cross is displayed.
The flag consists of the plain cross version of the Greek national flag, featuring the initials of the motto Κρήτη, Ένωσις, Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος ("Crete, Enosis, Freedom or Death"), and the cross with the inscription ΙΣ ΧΣ ΝΙΚΑ ("Jesus Christ Conquers").
The flag is a variation of the British colonial Blue Ensign, with red bordering. It is defaced with the islands' emblem, a variant of the Venetian "Lion of St. Mark" holding seven bundled arrows, representing the unity of the seven Ionian Islands, with the Bible superimposed on them.
The flag depicts the "Lion of St. Mark", the symbol of the Republic of Venice, under whose rule the Ionian Islands were until 1797. The lion holds seven bundled arrows, representing the unity of the seven islands, with the Bible superimposed on them.
1807
Flag of captain Ioannis Stathas, designed in the island of Skiathos. It resembles the old flag and the Jack of the Hellenic Navy.[11]
White cross on an azure field.
1807
Flag of Central Macedonia designed by chieftain Nikolaos Tsamis against the Ottoman Empire.
An azure Greek cross on a white field. The flag also bore the inscription: "Σημαία Ελληνική, Νικόλαος Τσάμης" (Greek Flag, Nikolaos Tsamis).
The flag shares a lot of similarities with the current flag and bears the phrase "EN TOYTΩ NIKA" (In hoc signo vinces, eng: In this sign thou shalt conquer). Heraldic ensembles containing the Kallergis family coat of arms (bendy argent and azure) can be found all over the island of Crete, in churches and other monuments.
c.a 1793
Flag proposed by Rigas Feraios for his envisioned pan-Balkan Federation.
Three red, white and black horizontal stripes. Red stands for the imperial purple, white for the righteousness of the fight against tyranny, and black for the death in the struggle for liberty. It also features three crosses for the Christian nations of the Balkans, and the club of Hercules in the middle.
1774-?
This flag, the so-called "Graeco-Ottoman" ensign (Γραικοθωμανική παντιέρα), was allowed for use by Greek merchant ships during the latter stages of Ottoman rule.
The flag consists of three horizontal stripes in the colours red (for the Ottoman Empire), blue (for the Greeks) and red.
1769–1821
This design appeared in the 1769 uprising, based on older patterns. Used among others by the Kolokotronis family, this flag, with variations, was the most widely used throughout Greece during the initial stages of the 1821 revolution.
The flag consists of three vertical stripes in the colours green, white and black. The cross stands for Orthodox Christianity, the flaming heart for the will to fight for independence, and the anchor for the steadfastness of purpose.
Three red, white and black horizontal stripes with a golden phoenix rising in the middle and reads in Greek: "Εκ της κόνεώς μου αναγεννώμαι" (From my ashes I am reborn.)
Flag of the revolutionaries from Naousa, in Macedonia during the Greek war of Independence.
Azure cross on a white field with a golden the phoenix rising from the flames. The flag bears the inscriptions: "ΕΝ ΤΟΥΤΩ ΝΙΚΑ" (In hoc signo vinces, eng: In this sign thou shalt conquer) and "ΜΑΧΟΥ ΥΠΕΡ ΠΙΣΤΕΩΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΤΡΙΔΟΣ" (Fight in favor of faith and fatherland) which was the title of the Declaration of the Greek Revolution by Alexander Ypsilantis.
The Greek sipahi cavalry units serving with the Ottoman army were allowed to use this flag during the first centuries of Ottoman rule, when within the territory of Epirus and the Peloponnese. Similar flags were used during the Greek Revolution.
A blue cross over a white field, with an image of St. George slaying the dragon in the middle.
Imperial banner of the Palaiologos dynasty, as recorded by pseudo-Kodinos and one of the Byzantine flags depicted in the Castilian Conosçimiento de todos los reynos. The flag is presented as the flag "of the real Greece and Empire of the Greeks (la vera Grecia e el imperio de los griegos)".
A quartered flag, I and IV, white with a red cross, II and III, red with a yellow cross couped, with each of its quarters taken by yellow fire steels which are corrupted Greek Betas.
The flags shown in the manuscript vary widely in appearance and no singular pattern can be discerned, apart from a relatively restricted range of colours (red, white, and blue) used either monochromatically or in alternating bands. Their veracity is open to question, as the Madrid manuscript was painted in 12th-century Sicily, but is supposed to represent events of the 9th–11th centuries.
Other historical flags
Flag
Date
Use
Description
1822–1828
First flag of the Greek Merchant Navy, adopted in January 1822. In 1828 it was discontinued, as it was decided that the cross-and-stripes naval flag (today's national flag) should be flown by both military and merchant ships.
Blue flag with an inverse state flag on the canton (Blue cross on white field).
1833–1858
War ensign at sea during most of the reign of King Otto, adopted in 1833.[7]
The flag consists of the naval version of the national flag in 25:18 proportions,[7] with the Bavarian arms of the Wittelsbach dynasty superimposed in the center of the cross, topped by a golden royal crown superimposed in the canton. The shade of blue is undefined, but was usually of a lighter shade.
1858–1862
War ensign at sea during the late reign of King Otto, adopted in 1858.[6]
The flag consists of the naval version of the national flag in 3:2 proportions,[6] with the Bavarian arms of the Wittelsbach dynasty superimposed in the center of the cross, topped by a golden royal crown superimposed in the canton. The shade of blue is undefined, but was usually of a lighter shade.
The flag consists of the plain cross version of the national flag, with a detailed golden royal crown superimposed in the center of the cross. The field is bordered by a gold fringe.
A square flag with a white cross on a blue field with the Hellenic Royal Crown in the centre. The crown was added during the periods of monarchy (1833–1924 and 1935–1973).
The naval version of the national flag, with a golden royal crown superimposed in the centre of the cross in the canton and two silver anchors crossed in the upper left corner.
1973-1980
Service flag of the Hellenic Coast Guard.
The naval version of the national flag, with two golden anchors crossed in the centre of the cross in the canton.
Current and historical variants used outside of Greece
Misrepresentation and misclassification of flags belonging to various subsets of Greek Nationals from specific regions. All individuals of Cappadocian, Pontic and/or Sarakatsani identity who honor those three flags have the exact same ethnic origin, as well as national identity, as Macedonians, Thracians, Epirotes, Thessalians, Cretans, Dodecanesians, Cycladites, Heptanesians, Athenians, Peloponnesians, etc. who honor one of the Regional Greek Flags depicted in the respective section above. They are all Greek people by right of birth, more than simply citizens of the Greek State. They are not ethnically distinct from the rest of the Greeks. The same may not be readily said about the Aromanians, who constitute a separate ethnic group, although they too are Greek Citizens. Furthermore, those flags are as official as the flag of Greek Macedonia. Had it not been for the loss of Greek Territory in Asia Minor, they would represent the respective Regions of the Greek State, had it included Cappadocia and Pontus. Drawing details often vary by version.
The national flag of Greece, popularly referred to as the Blue-and-White or the Cyan-and-White, is officially recognised by Greece as one of its national symbols and has 5 equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white. There is a blue canton in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white cross; the cross symbolises Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The blazon of the flag is Azure, four bars Argent; on a canton of the field a Greek cross throughout of the second. The official flag ratio is 2:3. The shade of blue used in the flag has varied throughout its history, from light blue to dark blue, the latter being increasingly used since the late 1960s. It was officially adopted by the First National Assembly at Epidaurus on 13 January 1822.
The Hellenic Army, formed in 1828, is the land force of Greece. The term Hellenic is the endogenous synonym for Greek. The Hellenic Army is the largest of the three branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces, also constituted by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and the Hellenic Navy (HN). The army is commanded by the chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff (HAGS), which in turn is under the command of Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS).
Psara is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Together with the small island of Antipsara it forms the municipality of Psara. It is part of the Chios regional unit, which is part of the North Aegean region. The only town of the island and seat of the municipality is also called Psara.
The Evzones or Evzonoi were a type of light infantry units in the Hellenic Army. Today, they are the members of the Presidential Guard, a ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion in Athens. An Evzone is also known, colloquially, as a Tsoliás. Evzones are known for their distinctive uniform, which evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The most visible item of this uniform is the fustanella, a kilt-like garment. Their distinctive dress turned them into a popular image for the Greek soldier, especially among foreigners.
The coat of arms of Greece or national seal of Greece comprises a white Greek cross on a blue escutcheon, surrounded by two laurel branches. It has been in use in its current form since 1975. Prior to the adoption of the current coat of arms, Greece used a number of different designs, some of which were not heraldic; the first heraldic design was introduced in 1832 and its main element, the blue shield with the white cross, has been the base for all other national coats of arms since then. The design is a heraldic representation of the Greek national flag adopted in 1822, which featured a white cross on a blue field.
Duke of Sparta was a title instituted in 1868 to designate the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Greece. Its legal status was exceptional, as the Constitution of Greece forbade the award or acceptance of titles of nobility for Greek citizens. Consequently, it was mostly used abroad, and only occasionally and unofficially within Greece.
Channel 9 was a Greek television channel broadcasting in the region of Attica. Despite being declared to be a news-based channel, the majority of the channel's programming since the early 2010s, has consisted of telemarketing.
Hellenic Seaways is a Greece-based ferry company founded in 1984. Hellenic Seaways is a subsidiary of Attica Group along with Blue Star Ferries and Superfast Ferries.
The Cross of Valour is the second highest military decoration of the Greek state, awarded for acts of bravery or distinguished leadership on the field of battle. It has been instituted three times, first on 13 May 1913 during the Balkan Wars but not issued until 1921 during the Greco-Turkish War of 1919–1922, then on 11 November 1940 shortly after the outbreak of the Greco-Italian War and finally in 1974.
Pylorio is a village and a community of the Voio municipality. Before the 2011 local government reform it was part of the municipality of Neapoli, of which it was a municipal district. The 2021 census recorded 43 inhabitants in the village.
Anavryta is a village and a community of the Grevena municipality. Before the 2011 local government reform it was a part of the municipality of Theodoros Ziakas, of which it was a municipal district. The 2021 census recorded 18 residents in the village. The community of Anavryta covers an area of 11.104 km2.
Kentro is a village and a community of the Grevena municipality. Before the 2011 local government reform it was a part of the municipality of Ventzio, of which it was a municipal district. The 2021 census recorded 161 residents in the community. The community of Kentro covers an area of 42.42 km2.
Kivotos is a village and a community of the Grevena municipality. Before the 2011 local government reform it was a part of the municipality of Irakleotes, of which it was a municipal district. The 2021 census recorded 331 residents in the village. The community of Kivotos covers an area of 25.281 km2.
Klimataki is a village and a community of the Grevena municipality. Before the 2011 local government reform it was a part of the municipality of Irakleotes, of which it was a municipal district. The 2021 census recorded 81 residents in the village. The community of Klimataki covers an area of 13.628 km2.
Kyrakali is a village and a community of the Grevena municipality. Before the 2011 local government reform it was a part of the municipality of Grevena, of which it was a municipal district. The 2021 census recorded 109 residents in the village. The community of Kyrakali covers an area of 9.277 km2.
Elatos is a village and a community of the Grevena municipality. Before the 2011 local government reform it was a part of the municipality of Grevena, of which it was a municipal district. The 2021 census recorded 164 residents in the community. The community of Elatos covers an area of 23.305 km2.
The Presidential Guard is a ceremonial infantry unit that guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion in Athens, Greece. The unit is distinguished as the last unit of Evzones in the Hellenic Army, and is closely associated with the traditional Evzone's uniform, which evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts in the Greek War of Independence. The most visible item of this uniform is the fustanella, a kilt-like garment. In 1868–1914 and 1937–1973, the guard also included a cavalry company.
Zisis Oikonomou, also spelled Zisis Economou, was a Greek poet and prose writer. In 1977 he received the poetry award from the Academy of Athens for all his work and especially for his book Cloudless Silence. In 1995, he was honoured with the Greek National Prize of Poetry.
The celebration of the Greek Revolution of 1821, less commonly known as Independence Day, takes place in Greece, Cyprus and Greek diaspora centers on 25 March every year, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation.
The Kallikratis executions refer to the mass execution, by German Army and Greek collaborationist paramilitary forces, of some 30 mostly male civilians of Kallikratis, in southwest Crete, on 8 October 1943. Kallikratis was declared a martyred village in October 2018.
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