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People
Greek War Of Independence (1821-1829)
Papaflessas (1788-1825)
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Grigorios Dikeos or Flessas (Papaflessas -- Papas {Παπάς} is the Greek word for "Father" or "Priest", hence Papaflessas = "Father Flessas") {Γρηγόριος Δικαίος ή Φλέσσας (Παπαφλέσσας)} (1788-1825) [Paleon Patron Germanos] [Nikitaras]. The ordinary people called him Papaflessas because he was an Archimandrite {Arhimandritis ~ Αρχιμανδρίτης}. He had studied at Dimitsana {Δημητσάνα} School before taking monastic vows.
His fervent convictions resulted in his being declared an outlaw by the Ottomans and having to flee to Constantinople {Konstandinoupolis ~ Κωνσταντινούπολις}. There he became one of the key figures in the Society Of Friends [The Society] and Aleksandros Ipsilandis [People] charged him with the task of inciting the Peloponnese {Peloponnisos ~ Πελοπόννησος} to rebellion. His heroic self-sacrifice at Maniaki {Μανιάκι} elevated him to the status of a new Leonidas {Λεωνίδας}.
He recruited 1,000 men in Nafplion {Ναύπλιον} and made his way towards Pilia {Πυλία}. On the way his troops were swelled to twice that number with men from Arkadia {Αρκαδία} and Messinia {Μεσσηνία}. At Maniaki near Pilia he dug in with three makeshift fortifications. On May 20th, 1825, Ibrahim Paşa attacked his position with 6,000 Egyptian troops. Many of Papaflessa's men deserted in the face of the Egyptians' fierce onslaughts. Only 300 brave fighting men remained true to their duty and did not desert their leader. But Maniaki did not fall until Papaflessas and these few courageous men had held Ibrahim Paşa's regular army off for many long hours. Ibrahim Paşa lost approximately 600 men.
After the battle the victorious Egyptian commander ordered that Papaflessas' body should be found, bathed and placed upright against a tree. Then Ibrahim Paşa approached the body respectfully and kissed Papaflessas on the forehead.
Papaflessas was one of 27. Some of his brothers also fought for the Cause. Nikitas {Νικήτας} Flessas fought in numerous battles and rose to the rank of General. Ilias {Ηλίας} Flessas was the first to set foot in Tripolis (Tripolitsa) {Τρίπολις} ({Τριπολιτσά), was wounded and died three days later. Giannis {Γιάννης} Flessas was wounded outside Kalamata {Καλαμάτα}. He was taken prisoner in his wounded state, thrown onto a fire and burnt alive.
Grigorios Dikeos or Flessas (Papaflessas) (1788-1825)
04-23-2004