Fundraiser for the Restoration of Panagitsa Greek Orthodox Church

Park Extension residents were overwhelmed on Friday, April 17 when local priest Nikolaos Papageorgiou performed the liturgy in the chapel of Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, commonly known as Panagitsa, which survived the fire that destroyed the church interior on Monday.

However, in response to various rumors about arson the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal made the following announcement:

“Since last Monday’s disastrous fire, several disturbing and groundless rumors and speculations have been circulating.

Although we have yet to receive the Ville de Montreal Police Department’s (SPVM) Fire investigation report, the authorities have indicated that there is no evidence of arson or criminal intent.

Furthermore, they confirmed the following facts:
-The Fire Department and the SPVM thoroughly inspected the scene for hours after the fire;
-Although the source that caused the fire is still not known, the investigating officers are presently in the process of determining if the cause was accidental.

The Community president Nicholas Pagonis had stated that given the above, the rumors and speculations that have been circulating are unfounded and without merit

The Hellenic community of Greater Montreal will receive insurance compensation, however the organization is also planning a fundraiser in order to raise the money needed to restore the historic Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church.