December 31

Events

• 1822: Omer Vrioni and Kutahye end the first siege of Mesolonghi
• 1836: Gymnastics are introduced to Greek schools
• 1945: Athens Archbishop Damaskinos becomes the Regent for King George II who has not yet returned to Greece.
• 1989: Private television station ANT1 ("Ant-ena") broadcasts for the first time.
• 2005: The Greek Section of the BBC World Service ceases broadcasting after 66 years on air. According to an announcement, the BBC cut 10 language services to pay for a new Arabic TV channel. The 15-minute long last program included a flashback on the 66-year course of the Greek section of the BBC World Service.

Sports

• 1952: With the 14374 directive of the Athens Primary Court, the Union of Sports Journalists (SAS) is recognized as an official body. In 1971 it will be renamed to SAT and on the 17th of April 1981 to PSAT.
• 1999: It is the last day white balls are used in the Greek volleyball championship. From next year balls will bear yellow and blue stripes.

Births

• 1923: Yiannis Dalianidis, film director
• 1930: Kostas Karapatis, football player and coach.
• 1931: Kostas Voutsas, actor.
• 1963: Petros Filippidis, actor.