The Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) kicked off its 120th-anniversary celebrations with a spirited press conference this morning. The event heralded over a century of dedicated service to the Greek community in Quebec.
During the announcement, Mr. Basile Angelopoulos, President of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, and Mrs. Justine Frangouli-Argyris, Chair of the 120th-anniversary committee, unveiled this significant milestone.
President Angelopoulos expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s an extraordinary accomplishment, a major milestone, and a fantastic opportunity for the community to honor our history, embrace our origins, reflect on our growth, and most importantly, take pride in our achievements over 120 years.”
Established in 1906, HCGM has been a steadfast support system for Greek families in Montreal, Laval, and the South Shore, striving to uphold Hellenic traditions while fostering active community involvement.
Reflecting on the organization’s longevity, Angelopoulos mused, “Who would have envisioned, a century ago, that we would still be gathering on this same land where our community’s journey began in 1906.”
For more than a century, HCGM has been a beacon for proud citizens of Hellenic descent in Quebec, providing a diverse array of services in education, religion, culture, social welfare, sports, volunteerism, and member assistance. The organization’s mission centers on promoting unity, preserving cultural heritage, and nurturing community bonds.
Chair Frangouli-Argyris emphasized the resilience of the community, remarking, “We must celebrate our perseverance, as despite challenges and rifts over the years, we have thrived, with our churches, trilingual schools, and a youthful generation eager to carry the torch of our heritage.”
A series of events marking the 120th anniversary is slated to unfold throughout the year, featuring the LEM annual dance, a special luncheon honoring founding families, Greek National Day festivities, the National Day Gala, and the annual Greek Independence Day parade.
