Dr Eusebio Leal Spengler The Philhellene Historian of Havana Another blessed day has passed- that of July 31, 2020, leaving numerous people on their way to heaven, such as Eusebio, a late dear friend aged 77. He was the man who saved Havana’s historical heritage. For four consecutive decades, driven by his love for aesthetics, he worked eagerly as the director of the restoration program of old Havana and its historical center, thus preventing the collapse of buildings-structures of high architectural value. Today, the entire Old Havana has been cited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eusebio received numerous international awards and medals for his contribution as a doctor as well. He visited Greece privately several times to admire the ancient Greek and Byzantine monuments. His last visit was when he was invited by the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Orthodox Missionary Fraternity welcomed him with fervent love and due respect. In a message he wrote to me: «You welcomed me like St. Paul the Apostle when he came to Thessaloniki…» Then, accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras 46
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.