ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ
Official
Launch of the120th Anniversary Celebrations
of
the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal
Montreal,
Quebec — January 2026.
Today, the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) returned to its
historic roots, the grounds of Hotel10, where a press conference was held for
Canadian and Greek media to mark the official launch of the events celebrating
the 120th anniversary of its founding. The venue was chosen for its profound
symbolism: it is the very site where the Church of the Holy Trinity once stood,
as well as the historic Godin building, which housed the Community’s first
offices.
This space—now
part of Hotel10—continues to radiate sacred memories for the Greek community of
Montreal, preserving the living imprint of the earliest days of organized
Hellenic presence in the city. It offered the ideal setting to honour this
historic milestone.
In the
presence of official guests, former Presidents, and friends of the Community,
the President of the HCGM, Mr. Basil Angelopoulos, stated:
“The history of our Community is a story of faith, hard work, devotion, and
progress. Today we return to the place where it all began, to honour those who
paved the way and, above all, to reaffirm our commitment to continue with the
same sense of responsibility toward our generations to come, our language, our
culture, our faith, and the society in which we live.”
From her side,
Ms. Justine Frangouli-Argyris, Chair of the 120th Anniversary Committee, noted:
“This anniversary is not merely a reflection on the past; it is an
invitation to the entire hospitable city of Montreal. With a clear and
substantial events planning, we call upon the people of Montreal—Greek and
non-Greek alike—to celebrate with us and to share the future we are building
together for the generations to come.”
Since 1906,
the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal has stood alongside the Greek
diaspora, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the preservation and promotion
of the Greek language, Orthodox Christian faith, history, and culture across
many generations, while also contributing meaningfully to the economic, social
and cultural life of Montreal and Quebec.
Today, the
HCGM proudly operates the largest network of private elementary schools in
Quebec, with five campuses across Greater Montreal and more than 1,000
students. It also has a secondary school campus, three supplementary education
campuses, six churches, and two community centres, offering a wide range of
services to its members.
With a rich
and multifaceted program of events throughout the year, the anniversary
celebrations begin in January with the annual MONTREAL FOLKLORE WORKSHOP
DIMITRI’S TZOTZIS dance.
In February, the event “Our Roots, Our Journey” luncheon—dedicated to the
founding families of the Hellenic Community of Montreal—will follow, along with
the celebration of International Greek Language Day.
In March,
which is the month of the Greek National Day, the program includes a reception
at the Parliament of Canada, an event for the Greek National Anniversary at
ICAO headquarters, and an official recognition by the City of Montreal with the
opening of a photographic exhibition at City Hall. The month culminates with
the National Anniversary Gala at Château Royal, the annual parade on Jean Talon
and subsequent reception, as well as the formal recognition of the HCGM’s
historic milestone by the National Assembly of Quebec.
For more information, news updates, and the
full calendar of events, please visit 120.hcgm.org.
Calendar of Events 2026
January 2026
·
January 27 | HOTEL10 –
Official Press Conference Launching the HCGM 120th Anniversary.
·
January 31 | Centre de Congrès Palace –
Annual Winter Dance of the Montreal Folklore Workshop “Dimitris Tzotzis”.
·
Starting in January (monthly) – Youth
Educational Program: International Diplomatic Relations and the role of the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Monthly series at ICAO
Headquarters, under the guidance of Ambassador Mr. Dimitris Azemopoulos, in collaboration
with the Consul General of Greece in Montreal, Mr. Nikolaos Karalekas.
February 2026
·
February 8 | HOTEL10 – “Our
Roots, Our Journey” Inaugural Event - Honorary Luncheon in tribute to the
Founding Families of our Community.
·
February 15 | Hellenic Community Centre of
Montreal – Celebration of International Greek Language Day.
·
February 24 | Bistro Grec Philinos Parc –
Cocktail Reception in honour of the local Greek Media.
March 2026
Hellenic Heritage Month – Bill sponsored by Hon. Senator Tony Loffreda
and supported by Hon. Senator Leo Housakos
·
March 16 | Souvlaki Bar VSL –
Cocktail Reception in honour of local Greek Associations and Organizations.
·
March 23 | Parliament of Canada –
Official Reception for the Proclamation of Greek Independence Day organized by the Interparliamentary Canada-Greece Friendship
Group.
·
March 24 | Montreal City Hall –
Proclamation celebrating Greek Independence Day.
·
March 26 | ICAO Headquarters –
Reception hosted by ICAO in honour of Greek Independence Day for the Diplomatic
Corps of Montreal. Hosts: Ambassador Mr. Dimitris Azemopoulos and Consul
General Mr. Nikolaos Karalekas.
·
March 27 | Montreal City Hall –
Recognition Ceremony and Opening of Photo Exhibition. Golden Book Signing and
Reception.
·
March 28 | Laval City Hall –
Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Laval Cenotaph. Golden Book Signing and
Reception.
·
March 28 | Salles de réception et congrès Château
Royal – Official Anniversary Gala Dinner for Greek National
Independence Day. Tribute to the Exodus of Messolonghi.
·
March 29 | Annunciation of the Theotokos
Church – Doxology for Greek National Independence Day.
·
March 29 | Jean‑Talon Street –
Official Greek National Independence Day Parade.
·
March 29 | Salles de réception et congrès Château
Royal – Official Reception for Greek National Independence Day in
collaboration with the Consul General of Greece in Montreal, Mr. Nikolaos
Karalekas.
·
March 31 | National Assembly of Quebec – Official
recognition of the HCGM within Quebec society through the submission of a
related motion to the National Assembly.
April 2026
·
April 13 –
Cocktail Reception in honour of the 120th Anniversary Committees.
·
April 18 | Centre de Congrès Palace –
Official Gala Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Saint George Cathedral.
May 2026
·
May 1
| Salles de réception et congrès Château Royal – “Viva, Hellenic Community!” Festive
Gathering and Fundraising Event hosted by Local Greek Associations in Honour of
the HCGM.
·
May 9 | Saint George Cathedral –
Byzantine Music Concert by the School of Byzantine Music of Montreal, featuring
Dimitrios Katsiklis, Protopsaltis of Saint Nicholas Church (New York), and his
son.
·
May 23 | Salles de réception et congrès Château
Royal – Official Gala Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Saint
Nicholas Church.
June 2026
·
June 7
- HCGM Fundraising
Committee Annual Lottery Draw
·
June 14 –
Charity Fundraiser in support of the Hellenic Library of Montreal, featuring a
screening of the film “Kapodistrias”.
·
June 20–24 | South Shore Hellenic
Community Centre – Annual South Shore Outdoor Greek Festival.
·
June 26–29 | Holy Cross Church Courtyard –
Annual Laval Outdoor Greek Festival.
·
June – HCGM Soccer Tournament.
July 2026
August 2026
·
August 20–23 – “Hellenic
Flame” Montreal Outdoor Greek Festival.
September 2026
·
September – Golf
Tournament and Fashion Show.
·
September - Gala
of Socrates–Demosthenes School Alumni and Former Students
·
September 26 –
Tribute Concert featuring Local Musicians.
October 2026
·
October 4 | Laval Junior Academy Theatre – “The
Courtyard of Wonders” by Iakovos Kambanellis, produced by the Greek Theatre
Workshop “Thespis”.
·
October 30 | Place des Arts – Grand
Concert by renowned musician George Dalaras.
·
October 31 | Laval Cenotaph –
Wreath-Laying Ceremony for the Greek National Holiday (OXI Day).
November 2026
·
November 1 | Saint George Cathedral –
Doxology and Festive Luncheon for the Greek National Holiday (OXI Day).
·
November 14 | Salles de réception et
congrès Château Royal – Recognition Gala and Medal Award Ceremony
honouring distinguished contributors to the Community.
December 2026
·
December 31 | Newly renovated Hellenic
Community Centre of Montreal – New Year’s Eve Anniversary
Gala and Official Closing of the 120th Anniversary Celebrations.
Calendar subject to
change
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