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Message from the President – August 2018

Dear friends,

The last thirty days were a very emotional period of time; the horror and grieve we felt for the victims of the wildfires in Greece, the pride and confidence we felt by responding immediately, offering our community’s solidarity to all those affected by this disaster. I am proud of our paroikia who responded to Magic Mission’s call to support the families of the victims of this catastrophe.

I am grateful to all the donors and the volunteers who put together the remarkable concert at the Hellenic Community Centre Adrian Maris to raise funds for Magic Mission’s important campaign. So far the funds raised exceed $50,000. If you haven’t had the opportunity to help yet, I invite you to make your donation to this vital fundraising effort by visiting magicmission.org

La flamme hellénique Festival (Πανηγύρι Δεκαπενταύγουστου) comeback at Park Extension was a tremendous success. On the occasion of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary feast, this annual gathering with friends and families to celebrate our traditions is the most significant event that underlines our unique identity in the multicultural palette of Park Extension. I want to thank the members of the Organizing Committee, our sponsors, and above all our tireless volunteers for their time and efforts to have a successful event.

After four years of distinguished service, the Consul General of Greece in Montreal, Mr. Nicolas Sigalas will be departing within the next few days to undertake his new duties in Beijing, China. Mr. Sigalas is a great diplomat who worked diligently and with a praiseworthy dedication in serving the Greek citizens in Montreal and promoting Greece’s matters. We wish him the best of luck in his new endeavours.

In closing, I want to wish to our children and educators a fantastic new school year as École Socrates-Démosthène will open its gates next Monday, August 27, 2018, to welcome our students back to school. They will meet their old friends, learn new things and have the guidance and support from their terrific teachers. Kali proodo!

Best regards,
Nicholas T. Pagonis
President