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A Message from the President – June 2015

Pagonis-2015-01Dear friends,

Our Greek Orthodox faith has always been an essential element of our Hellenic identity. Koimisis Tis Theotokou Church was a precious place; a place where we gathered to express our gratitude and at times our sorrow.  We all have fond memories and feel a special bond which makes “Panayitsa” part of our very soul.  In view of the community’s desire in mind to rebuild our beloved Koimisis Tis Theotokou Church, I urge you to attend and vote at the Special General Meeting, which will take place on June 17, 2015. As proud Canadians of Greek origin it is our duty to participate and make our voices heard.  Every single vote is extremely important.

I was greatly saddened by the passing of Orpheus Vosniades, President of the HCGM Fundraising Committee, a distinguished gentleman and good friend.  He was a very charismatic man, a visionary who wholeheartedly showed his dedication to the HCGM through his many years as a proud volunteer.

The HCGM Fundraising Committee’s annual “Radio-Marathon” whose goal is to raise funds to support our schools, is dedicated to the memory of Orpheus Vosniades this year.  I strongly encourage each and every one of you to support this great cause.

June is a very special month for the Hellenic Community, for it marks the end of the school year.  With their report cards in their hands, our children will leave behind their books, to enjoy their summer holiday.  Many students graduating from École Socrates-Démosthène will have the opportunity to spend the summer in Greece, through the educational trip organised every year by our school. They will be staying at the breathtaking fortress town of Monemvasia, and under the programme of the  Centre of Environmental Education of Molaoi, they will visit natural habitat sites, as well as, museums, landmarks and historical monuments.

The “St-Jean-Baptiste” Greek Festival, organised by the HCGM South Shore Regional Board, along with a large group of proud volunteers, marks the beginning of the HCGM’s anticipated summer «πανηγύρια», followed by Laval’s “Greek Summer Festival” and «Πανηγύρι Ευαγγελισμού-La flamme hellénique» in Park Extension.

In closing, I express the gratefulness of the Members of the HCGM Board of Directors, to all the unsung heroes, our dedicated volunteers, for their valuable time and effort which make our events and activities great successes.

Καλό καλοκαίρι to all!

Sincerely,

Nicholas T. Pagonis

President