According to the Foundation’s president, Dr. Yiannis Chatzinikolaou, the scholarships of the Foundation aim at awarding the efforts of those “who will excel in the scientific, academic and business fields and will represent and preserve the Hellenic heritage in future society”.

This year’s recipients were: Demetrios Koutsinos (postgraduate Medicine student at McGill University), Josh Debs (undergraduate Law student at the University of Montreal), Katerina Fragos (undergraduate Economics student at Concordia University), Aggelos Georgiou (undergraduate Philosophy student at the University of Montreal), Constantine Kapsis (postgraduate student at the Construction Department of the Concordia University), Aggeliki Makri (postgraduate Medicine student), Markos Maniakas (undergraduate student of Music at Concordia University) and Audrey Olin Sotiriades (undergraduate Communications student at Concordia University).

The key speaker of the event was Alexandros Argyris, a former Hellenic Scholarship recipient, who called on the new grantees to always remember the award ceremony and the Hellenic Scholarhips Foundation for awarding their excellent performance and investing in their national sentiment of pride.

Two additional scholarships have been announced to be awarded in the next academic year: a scholarship in memory of the late academic Constantina Fragkouli, which is open to female students from Greece studying in Montreal, and a scholarship by the Public Bill Committee announced by Mrs. Eleni Christodoulou.

The event was accompanied by the music of young violinist Markos Maniakas and attended by the provincial MPs of Laurier-Dorion, Gerry Sklavounos, and of Laval, Guy Ouellette.

President of the Evaluation Committee was Mr. Roussos Demetrakopoulos and Masters of the Revels for the evening were Mrs. Eva Kechaja and Dr. Yiannis Chatzinikolaou.

The focus this year will be the Giant Steps Foundation, which was founded in order to offer financial support to the Giant Steps school; the only educational and therapeutic institution in Quebec that caters exclusively to teaching children with autism.

The Giant Steps Foundation is a source of pride for many Montrealers and we are happy to announce that this event is being generously supported and held under the auspices of Senator Leo Housakos and the honorary Chairmanship of Tony Lofredda, Executive Vice president at the Royal Bank. Senators Jacques Demers, Jim Munson and Francis Fox are also assisting this great effort and are lending their support for this worthwhile cause.

“We are proud to partner with the AHEPA Family and thank them tremendously for their continued support of our school. We congratulate them for their continuous efforts in improving the lives of everyday citizens of Montreal” said Nick Katalifos, Chairman of the Board, Giant Steps Foundation.

AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Greece, Canada, Cyprus and with sister chapters in Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, the UK and Constantinople. AHEPA was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its’ history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B’Nai B’rith International to fight discrimination. The AHEPA Family includes the Order of AHEPA, the Daughters of Penelope, the Sons of Pericles and the Maids of Athena.

For more Information on this event:

Eleni Hiotis
514-213-5849
Nicholas Katalifos
514-816-9641

Montrealers with roots in Greece’s most-populous island have lived in their adopted country a long time, and are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.

The 7,000 Montrealers of Cretan heritage are hoping to perpetuate those time-honoured customs for many more generations to come.

One young person at the celebration Sunday told CTV Montreal that the anniversary is an important milestone in preserving a unique culture with deep roots in antiquity.

“We feel proud to continue our culture,” said Georgia Revelakis, of the Cretan Association Youth Group.

To her, that means remembering “Everything that our parents have taught us as well as our grandparents and our ancestors and everything that they’ve been through.”

The contribution of the hardworking Montreal Cretans includes not only building a strong community, but also building Greek Orthodox churches, Greek schools, and of course countless restaurants and other businesses and organizations that everybody can enjoy.

“We’re very strong for our traditions of Crete and our heritage,” said Emmanuel Revelakis of the Cretan Association. “And we try very hard to maintain them and to promote them here in Canada and in Montreal.”

(source:CTV News Montreal)

The exhibition, which opened its door to the public on Wednesday, December 2 and will be over by Sunday, December 4, is organized by the Greek-Canadian Community in financial support of the Hellenic Scholarship Foundation.

The paintings chosen to be displayed and sold during the event belong to widely known and recognized artists of Canada and have been selected by the Canadian Art Foundation, the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists, the Canadian Aquarelle Foundation and the Union of Quebec Artists.

A big part from the overall profits will be donated to the Hellenic Scholarship Foundation, whose current President is Dr. Yiannis Hatzinikolaou.

The Hellenic Scholarship Foundation is offering honorary scholarships and fellowships to Greek origin distinguished students of universities around Quebec.

This year, the Maria’s Opus team returns with a fusion of music, art, dance, and drama—this is a night you do not want to miss. Youth driven performances will take place under the attentive eyes of Natalia Pardalis, Johnny Kelto, and Angela Amici. This event promises to dazzle the audience. It will be a night to remember. When Natalia was asked what to expect, she answered with one word: “IMAGINE.” Team Maria’s Opus goal is to raise over $10 000 for the BC Cancer Foundation.

Tiickets are $20 and sold online on www.mariasopus.com. Past years have sold out so be sure to buy your tickets early. The event will include a silent auction and light reception to follow.

During the lecture many topics will be discussed such as new support package, haircut, drachmas or euros, perspectives for the exit from the crisis, political and social causes.

The event’s attendees will include among others Professor Kyriakos Matzorinis from McGill University, Professor Anastasios Anastasopoulos from Concordia University and the representative of Hellenic Canadian Federation of Québec Nikos Pagonis.

The discussion will provide many answers for Greeks abroad who are concerned of the poor economic circumstances in Greece.

The event aimed at presenting archaeological, historical, and geographical evidence that Macedonia of Alexander the Great is Greek.

The featured speeches were delivered in English, since the organizers are trying to inform the broader society of Quebec on the issue, inviting provincial and federal politicians as well as all level students to attend the events. One of the main speakers of the event was Dr. Chris Karatzios, recognized among community members for his deep knowledge of Greek national issues, and other prominent scholars of the subject.

The closing night of the festival was marked by the performance of the Greek-Canadian artist Nitza Melas, playing her own compositions with the bouzouki. She also stated: I am very happy when I sing for my compatriots”.

Moreover, Consul General to Israel Joel Lion underlined that the documentary film about Roza Eskenazy created a friendship-bridge between Greece and Israel, while Consul General to Greece Thanos Kafopoulos added that even the international relations between Israel and Greece reflect kindship between both countries.

In addition, Local Councillors of Montreal Mary Deros and Helen Fotopoulos referred to the harmonious coexistence of nations in Montreal under the policy of multiculturalism.

The festival was completed with the Award Ceremony, during which Greek director Pantelis Voulgaris was awarded. Greek director Sotiris Goritsas was also present to introduce his film WELCOME TO `ALL SAINTS.

The Montreal Greek Film Festival was organized by Mrs. Avra Georgiou, distinguished Greek Film Festival programmer, who stated after the completion of the festival: “I was surprised by the great attendance of the people” and made a commitment to organize a similarly fabulous festival next year.

This year’s programming includes numerous tributes to well appreciate and internationally acclaimed Greek artists. First, Pandelis Voulgaris’s work as an exceptional director will be honored with the screening of three of his best known films, each of them dealing with an important part of recent Greek history: our opening film Brides (Emigration in the 1920’s), Happy Day (The dictatorship) and Deep Soul (The civil war). Brides will also be our Opening Night movie, followed by our traditional cocktail at the Press Café, 3501 Park Avenue (250m from the Cinema du Parc).

We will also take the opportunity to honour one of Greece’s most loved actors who, sadly, passed away earlier this year: Thanasis Veggos, with one of his best known movies: What did you do in the War, Thanasis? Another tribute will be devoted to one of the most important 20th century Greek poets and Nobel laureate: George Seferis, who will be the subject of one of the selected documentaries.

Tuesday night will be dedicated to the Island of Kefalonia and will feature “Earthquake,” an extraordinary historical documentary about how people in the deepest despair are able to emerge. A wine tasting reception will follow.

The Festival will also be a great occasion to discover Greece’s contemporary cinema with the presentation of two recent films: Wasted Youth and Welcome to all Saints as well as through the cult-classic: Let the Women Wait!

In spite of the economic difficulties it is going through, Greece and its cinema are enjoying a renewed recognition in recent years giving us a humoristic and dramatic look at Greek society, nevertheless remaining sensitive and always intriguing. You are therefore invited to come and celebrate Greek cinema with us.

The Closing night of the festival will again take place at the historic Rialto Theater with the presentation of the Greek-Israeli co-production My Sweet Canary, tracing the life and career of the ultimate Greek rembetiko singer Roza Eskenazy (1895-1980). The screening will be the film’s North American premiere. There will be food, wine and music performed live by Cirque du Soleil singer and composer Nitza Melas.

CEGA Awards will take place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel Ballroom on October 15th.

The CEGA Awards were created to Celebrate Excellence in Greek Achievement. They have been
conceived within the inspiration of honouring top achievement by Canadians of Greek decent. The
awards honour preeminent individuals, who have excelled in their respective fields, strive for
excellence and serve as role models within and beyond our Hellenic community.

The CEGA Awards bestow appreciation for the achievement of Greek Canadians by recognizing
excellence in one of five categories: the promotion of Hellenism; Education; Philanthropy; Civic
Responsibility and Family & Individual Excellence. These categories represent the five pillars of
the AHEPA mission statement.

The inaugural 2011 CEGA Awards are being held on October 15th 2011 at the prestigious
Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto, Canada. This black tie (optional) event will
bring together prominent individuals in a dinner celebration and create an opportunity for leisure,
social and cultural experience outside the normal everyday experience. We will celebrate human
achievement by producing a unique, memorable event with celebrity guest speakers. This group of
recipients was selected by the AHEPA Toronto, 2011 CEGA Awards committee which is comprised
of seven members.

The CEGA Award for the Promotion of Hellenism will be presented to the Honourable Dimitris
Azemopoulos, Consul General of Greece in Toronto since February 26, 2009. Mr. Azemopoulos’
career has focused on serving Hellenism and the Hellenic Republic. With multiple degrees and
fluency in eight languages, he has represented Hellenism in several positions and countries,
including the diplomatic Cabinets of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the
Republic, as Consular in the Greek Embassy in Warsaw, in the Council of the EU, as Head of the
Cabinet of the Director General Responsible for the International Organizations and Security, as
Director of the Cabinet of the Secretary General for the European Affairs and First Consular at the
Embassy of Greece in Norway. His hard work, innovative ideas and dedication have earned him
numerous awards and recognitions. These include The Eagle of the Polish Republic, The Cross of
the Commander of the Italian Republic and The National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada
Award for his leadership to the courses of social justice, human rights and democracy among all
Canadians.

The CEGA Award for Education will be presented to Nancy Athan‐Mylonas, theatre
director/choreographer. Ms. Athan‐Mylonas is a classically trained dancer & actor who is
enamoured with the exploration of her Hellenic roots through the cultural arts.  Her
journey initially lead her to open The School of Movement and The Greek Folklore Centre in
Sydney, Australia in 1966, where she taught Greek traditional & modern dances, dance theatre,
ballet and mime. This journey continued with the founding of Theatre Nefeli for the Greek
Community of Toronto in 1991, which has since seen the nurturing of 7 generations of young talent in these cultural arts.

Ms. Athan‐Mylonas’ productions are designed to convey to their audiences the importance of carrying on the Hellenic spirit, pride & heritage, and they do so
in the most entertaining fashion that appeals to all generations.

The CEGA Award for Philanthropy will be presented to John Dagonas, Director of the Hellenic
Hope Centre for Persons with Special Needs. Mr. Dagonas’ contributions transcend the standard
notion of philanthropy by the shear volume of organizations, committees and projects in which he
participates. His leadership as Chairman of the Board of the Hellenic Hope Centre for Persons with
Special Needs has resulted in the construction of a larger and more modern facility for the
organization. He has served as President of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, of Athens Villa –
Non‐Profit Housing Corporation of Ontario and of The Federation of Aegean Islands, Director of
Hellenic Canadian Congress, Hellenic Home for the Aged, The National Bank of Greece, West Park
Hospital and Metamorphosis School. In 2002, he was named Archon of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate.  More recently, Mr. Dagonas was elected SAE Coordinator in Canada
Region.

The CEGA Award for Civic Responsibility will be presented to Nick Aroutzidis, Past President of
AHEPA Canada for three consecutive terms. In this capacity Mr. Aroutzidis worked tirelessly to
raise the visibility and image of the Canadian AHEPA Family by encouraging members to seek
greater interaction and cooperation with local organizations, as well as with municipal and
provincial governments in their respective communities. He built a network of both formal and
informal forums with the Canadian government thus providing a viable opportunity for voicing
the opinions and concerns of Canadians of Hellenic descent.  To that end, Mr. Aroutzidis
spearheaded The Parliament Hill Hellenic Friendship Day that took place May 13th 2010. This was
a momentous event because it was the first time that the Hellenic organizations ‐ AHEPA, The
Canadian Hellenic Congress, PSEKA and SAE Canada spoke with one voice.

The CEGA Award for Family and Individual Excellence will be presented to Ted Manziaris,
President of Turtle Island Recycling. With a degree in Environmental Studies, the entrepreneurial
spirit and a desire to make a difference, Mr. Manziaris founded Turtle Island Recycling in the early
1990s, before green business became popular. Today this successful business employs 600 people
and contributes to an environmentally friendly community. Mr. Manziaris also founded the
Toronto Greek Film Retrospective, a series of free screenings that celebrate Greek cinema.  He
generously donates his time and skills to such worthwhile causes as ProAction – Cops and Kids,
and the Hellenic Hope Centre for Persons with Special Needs.
www.cegaawards.com

The proceeds from this event will help build the AHEPA Toronto Scholarship Fund.