The month March of each year has been officially declared Greek Heritage Month by the Government of Ontario.
On December 10, 2019, this initiative was proposed, supported and ratified by Effie Triantafilopoulos, a member of the Parliament of the Oakville North-Burlington electoral District.
In addition to E. Triantafilopoulos, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada wishes to express its gratitude to Peter Tabuns, Michael Coteau, Michael A. Tibollo, Rima Berns-McGown, Belinda Karahalios, Tom Rakocevic, Kinga Surma and Aris Babikian.
The Archdiocese also expresses its gratitude and thanks to Doug Ford, Prime Minister of Ontario, and to Ron Phillips (who recently visited the Archdiocese’s headquarters in Toronto), Minister of Finance and supporter of Bill 138.
Archbishop Sotirios of Canada, referring to the declaration of March as a month of Greek Heritage, said: “On behalf of all the Greeks of Ontario, but also of the whole of Canada, I sincerely thank the Ontario Member of Parliament Mrs. Triantafilopoulos for her tireless efforts to realize this worthy initiative, as well as Mr. Ford and Mr. Phillips for their good leadership.”
Continuing, the Archbishop emphasized: “The Greeks’ contribution to Ontario is significant. From work and sports to public and legal services. Generations of Greek-Canadians have shown a generous spirit of charity, making the province and this peaceful country the best place to live. The annual celebration of the Greek Heritage Month will certify that these offers will not be forgotten.”