They were then printed and distributed to bookshops in Athens and the port of Piraeus​—even displayed at Hestia, the well-known bookstore on Stadium Street in Athens. Brother Kossyfas also did “street work,” setting out the volumes on the low wall around the Greek parliament building and answering questions for pedestrians.

In Athens, one of the first to show interest was a paralyzed man named Ekonomou, who lived in Exarhia. About 1910 he also eagerly accepted the truth and was zealous in sharing it with others. But he was confined to his bed. So he would write Bible verses on pieces of paper and throw them out the window, hoping that some passersby would find them. He would also send tracts and write letters to interested persons. Then Michael Triantafilopoulos, a young man who had just learned the truth, traveled to towns and villages distributing more tracts and helping interested persons to get in touch with one another.

The first meetings were held at Brother Ekonomou’s home. Soon another group was organized in Piraeus at the home of Brother Kossyfas. They used Studies in the Scriptures and other literature of the faithful and discreet slave class for their discussions. (Matt. 24:45-47) No doubt they were thrilled to learn that Brother Russell planned to visit Greece.

Brother Russell Visits Greece

In the course of his world tour, Brother Russell visited Athens and Corinth in 1912. There were only about 12 publishers in Greece then. He gave a talk at the Businessmen’s Club Hall in Athens, the very city where Paul had been irritated by rampant idolatry some 19 centuries earlier. (Acts 17:16) So many came to hear the talk that a second one had to be arranged. But this time many Greek Orthodox priests attended, interrupted the talk, and raised an uproar. Later, sitting at the bedside of Brother Ekonomou, Brother Russell answered many Bible questions.

In the course of his world tour, Brother Russell visited Athens and Corinth in 1912. There were only about 12 publishers in Greece then. He gave a talk at the Businessmen’s Club Hall in Athens, the very city where Paul had been irritated by rampant idolatry some 19 centuries earlier. (Acts 17:16) So many came to hear the talk that a second one had to be arranged. But this time many Greek Orthodox priests attended, interrupted the talk, and raised an uproar. Later, sitting at the bedside of Brother Ekonomou, Brother Russell answered many Bible questions.

On September 28, 1920, the Simplon-Orient Express pulled into the station at Athens with the Watch Tower Society’s second president, J. F. Rutherford, aboard. The newspaper Athina announced his talk on the theme “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” He also spoke on the Areopagus, or Mars’ Hill, where Paul had given such an effective witness about 50 C.E. (Acts 17:22-34) Later, Brother Rutherford aptly wrote: “Greece is a priest-ridden country, but we believe the people are awakening to the fact that they have been duped and misled by their blind guides. We believe there is a wide field for a witness to the truth there.”

Brother Rutherford also saw the need for better organization in Greece. Before 1922 there was no official organization. In 1922 a branch of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society was established on Lombardou Street in Athens, with Athanassios Karanassios as the branch representative. As the work became organized, traveling speakers were sent to the main cities; others were sent to smaller towns and villages. In all, there were then about 20 tireless workers in the field.

Public Talks Spread the Good News

Public talks played a key role in spreading the good news in those early years. When the talk “All Nations Marching to Armageddon, but Millions Now Living Will Never Die” was to be given, the small Athens Congregation went into action. The Town Council permitted the use of the Athens Municipal Theater free of charge. The newspaper Athina advertised the talk in banner headlines. Brother Karanassios delivered the talk to a packed audience, and it was repeated in the Odeon Hall on Phidiou Street. Many obtained the booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die.