Simon Sinas
Simon von Sina or Simon Sinas was an Austrian banker, aristocrat, benefactor and diplomat of Greek origin.Biography
Simon Sinas was born on August 15, 1810 in Vienna. He was of Greek origin with his family originating from Moscopole, today Southern Albania. He served as Greek consul in Vienna, and later as minister to Austria, the Kingdom of Bavaria, and Germany. The son of Georgios Sinas, also a benefactor and diplomat, Sinas expanded his father's business. He also made major donations to various educational and scientific foundations in Austria, Hungary, and Greece. During his time as Greek Ambassador in Vienna, he hosted the "Greek Ball" in the Palais Sina for which Johann Strauss II composed the Hellenen-Polka op. 203.
Sinas became director of Austria's central bank Oesterreichische Nationalbank and established the Simon Georg Sina banking house in Vienna. Following the end of the Second Schleswig War in 1864, he funded the return transport of Austrian forces from the region of Schleswig-Holstein. From 1874 onwards, Sinas held a position in the Herrenhaus of Austria.
Sinas was the donator and founder of the Hungarian Academy of Budapest, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Vienna, the Athens Orthodox Cathedral, the Athens Academy, and others. His father had made the foundation of the National Observatory of Athens possible. Since Sinas was also a patron of astronomers, the crater Sinas on the Moon was named after him. Sinas died in Vienna on April 15, 1876.Citations
