Festival Evangelismos – Announcement

Announcement

Following last week’s announcement on the cancellation of the Festival “La flame hellénique”, the HCGM wishes to add the following clarifications on licensing, the new security measures required by the Montreal Police, as well as other factors that contributed to the non-realization of the festival.

In fact, according to the new guide issued by the Police, we have been informed that additional security measures must be taken to ensure maximum security for streets that give access to the festival site. These streets must be protected by concrete blocks which will be positioned on the days of the festival and removed at night to free the street. At the same time, a specialist team will have to be on standby at the festival site, to clear the blocks from the street for any emergency vehicles that would need access to the site.

As you can see, these new directives took us by surprise, giving us very little time to adjust accordingly, especially with the extra staff required and the additional expenses that will affect the budget plan of the festival. For the above reasons, HCGM did not apply for a permit. Thus, there is no reflection on the City.

The references made in connection with the lack of volunteers are a reality. The additional security requirements reinforce this lack of personnel, as additional volunteers required as we are already understaffed.

We would like to call on your understanding on this negative development and to inform you that as an interim solution, the Regional Council of Laval is preparing a two-day Festival: Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 in the courtyard of the church Timios Stavros where we will all have the opportunity to taste the Greek flavours with beautiful music with our friends and family. We call on volunteers to be able to better meet the needs of the event. Those who have the pleasure to offer us their help can contact Mr. Demetre Costopoulos at 514 382-6515.

In conclusion, on August 15, 2017, after the doxology, the Montreal Regional Council with the Church Committee and the Philoptochos of the Evangelismos tis Theotokou Church will prepare souvlakis and other dishes in the yard next to the church.

XRONIA POLLA

HCGM