Ontario celebrates Greek Independence Day

Under an overcast March sky and in brisk, biting cold, Queen’s Park was warmed by the spirit of history, culture and community as the Greek flag was proudly raised at the Ontario Legislature on the occasion of Greek Independence Day. The ceremony, held in the heart of the provincial capital, gathered dignitaries, politicians, clergy and citizens to commemorate the 204th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821.

The event was opened by lawyer and event master of ceremonies Dora Konomi, who welcomed attendees with conviction and pride: “We gather at Queen’s Park today to celebrate Greek Independence Day, a day that marks the unwavering spirit, courage and resilience of the Greek people in their fight for freedom.”

The speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Honorable Ted Arnott, noted the significance of the day and the Hellenic community’s contribution to the social fabric of the province: “Approximately 260,000 Canadians proudly identify as having Greek heritage, with 140,000 of them calling Ontario their home. You are not just our colleagues, our neighbors and our friends, you are an integral part of our community.”

His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios of the Greek Orthodox Church of Canada delivered blessings and reflections, followed by the consul general of the Hellenic Republic in Toronto, Ioannis Chatzantonakis. In a speech steeped in historical reverence, Chatzantonakis described the Revolution of 1821 as an enduring symbol of freedom and resilience. He also underscored the cultural diplomacy between Greece and Canada, highlighting shared values of democracy, law and peace.

“As Greece continues to exemplify remarkable resilience throughout its modern history – having overcome wars, economic crises, and pandemics – it consistently demonstrates the nation’s capacity to rebuild and thrive in Europe,” said Chatzantonakis. Quoting Nobel Laureate Odysseas Elytis, he added: “If you deconstruct Greece, you will find an olive tree, a vineyard, and a boat. With this, you can rebuild her.”

“This indestructible spirit,” he continued, “remains alive today, more than 50 years after the Turkish invasion, as our thoughts remain with Cyprus, still enduring division and occupation. As Greece assumes its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2025-2026, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to justice, international law, and peace. Values we deeply share with Canada.”

He went on to highlight the strength of bilateral ties: “Canada and Greece share a vibrant friendship built upon mutual respect and democratic values. Greek Canadians have distinguished themselves across every sector, from successful entrepreneurs and respected academics to prominent artists and public servants deeply arranging Canada’s multicollinearity and identity.”

Progressive Conservative MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, a long-standing advocate for Hellenic cultural preservation in Ontario – who had an instrumental role in the establishment of March as Hellenic Heritage Month, a landmark moment in the formal recognition of the Greek-Canadian legacy – honored the enduring legacy of Greek Ontarians and their foundational role in shaping the province while speaking at the Greek flag-raising ceremony in Queen’s Park.

“As a proud member of Ontario’s Hellenic community, it is always a special privilege to stand with you to celebrate Greek Independence Day,” she said, noting the community’s historic journey from Bloor and College to the vibrant Greektown on the Danforth. “From entrepreneurship to education, from public service to the arts, Ontarians of Greek origin have helped shape our province – and continue to do so with pride and purpose.” She also conveyed a message on behalf of Premier Doug Ford, who extended warm greetings to the Greek-Canadian community, stating: “Our province is proud to be home to many Ontarians with Hellenic roots. For generations, Greek Ontarians have contributed their talents and skills to help build strong communities in this great province and country. This flag raising is a celebration of a rich and ancient culture that has given so much to the world.”

She was joined by her colleague, MPP Aris Babikian, whose consistent presence at Hellenic community events underscores his enduring support for cultural engagement and diaspora heritage.

From the official opposition, NDP MPP Tom Rakocevic addressed the gathering with warmth and reflection, citing his pride in supporting legislation recognizing Orthodox Christian Week and praising the resilience of Greek culture. “Canada would not be the nation it is today without the hard work and sacrifices of Greek Canadians,” he said.

Student voices brought an intergenerational resonance. Kiki Athena Zorbas, president of the Hellenic Students’ Association at the University of Toronto, spoke movingly of the balancing act of dual identity and the importance of preserving heritage: “Greek independence is not just a historical fact. It is a legacy we carry. To be Greek in Canada is to carry centuries of history, philosophy, art and struggle.”

His Eminence Sotirios, the president and vice president of the Greek Community of Toronto, Betty Skoutakis and George Manikis, respectively, the president of the Pan-Macedonian Association of Toronto, George Dimitrakopoulos, and the managing director of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, George Keroglidis, were present at the ceremony, joining dignitaries and community leaders in honoring the occasion.

Cultural continuity was embodied in the performances of the Greek Community of Toronto and the Brotherhood of Olympos, whose traditional dances animated the square with movement, color and ancestral rhythm.

The national anthems of Greece and Canada were both sung as a solemn yet joyous reminder of the dual loyalty and shared pride that define the Greek-Canadian experience.

In a province built upon diversity, the Greek flag flying above Queen’s Park is more than a symbol of national commemoration; it was a reaffirmation of cultural endurance and the bonds between two democratic nations.

Dimitris Vohaitis is a journalist based in Toronto.