HHF Greek Canadian Archives at York University

05/19/2026

The HHF Greek Canadian Archives is thrilled to share that our affiliated researcher, Angelo Laskaris, recently traveled to Calgary to document the rich history of the local Greek community.

Thanks to an incredible turnout and community support, Angelo successfully recorded over 20 oral history interviews for our Greeks in Canada project. These voices will ensure that the vibrant history, struggles, and triumphs of Calgary's Greek community are preserved for future generations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the community for their exceptional organization and hospitality. A special thank you to VP Kathy Marinakos and President Nick Vasilakos for their vital assistance, and to all the participants who generously shared their time and stories with us.
Stay tuned as we continue to collect and share these vital pieces of our shared heritage!

05/12/2026

https://www.yorku.ca/research/project/hhfgca/2026/05/11/5th-modern-greek-and-greek-canadian-studies-conference-may-14-15-2026/

Church and c/Community; The Canadian Case On May 14 and 15, 2026, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation Chair of Modern Greek History and the HHF Greek Canadian Archives will host the 5th Greek Canadian Studies Conference titled “Church and c/Community; The Canadian Case.” The opening day of the conf...

05/05/2026

Klironomia: Greek Identity in Motion

How is tradition preserved and reimagined in Canada's Greek diaspora?

For over 33 years, Klironomia Hellenic Folklore Canada has brought together dancers, educators, and cultural practitioners from across Canada and Greece, creating a unique space where Greek dance becomes a living form of transmission, connection, and identity. From the rhythms of the panigyri to the structure of a conference, Klironomia emerged as a space committed to preserving Greek dance through sustained engagement with how it is taught, analyzed, and practiced in Greece.

What began in the 1990s as a small initiative of just 16 participants has grown into a major biennial four-day gathering, now often bringing together more than 300 participants, where people engage deeply with regional dances, music, and traditions by attending seminars from dance instructors and musicians from Greece.
This video features conversations with key figures behind Klironomia, including its founder, Lucy and Sophia Grigoriadis, and long-time contributor Dora Zafiropoulos-Metaxas, who reflect on its vision, evolution, and lasting impact.

For the full article on I Plateia click here:
https://www.yorku.ca/research/project/hhfgca/2026/05/04/klironomia-greek-identity-in-motion/

https://youtu.be/vhcaqbVrL1g

How is Greek tradition preserved and reimagined in the diaspora?For over 33 years, Klironomia Hellenic Folklore Canada has brought together dancers, educator...

04/08/2026

Ever wondered what Greek Easter looked like in the city 60 years ago? These archival images show a community keeping traditions alive in their new home; from the solemnity of the Epitaphios to the joy of the Sunday feast.

Greek-Canadians have been celebrating Pascha in the GTA for generations, and these photos are a testament to that enduring spirit.

Citations:

Frank Lennon, "Feast of Feasts—the most important holiday of the Greek Orthodox Church...," photograph, May 4, 1964, Toronto Star Licensee Collection, PI-R 1292, Toronto Public Library, Toronto.

"Two Young Girls with Easter Eggs," photograph, Toronto Telegram fonds, F0433, ASC08796, Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections, York University Libraries, Toronto.

"Four Men and Three Children Gathered to Watch Meat Roast," photograph, Toronto Telegram fonds, F0433, ASC08795, Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections, York University Libraries, Toronto.

"Ethnic Groups: Greeks," photograph, May 8, 1962, Toronto Telegram fonds, F0433, ASC08803, Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections, York University Libraries, Toronto,

"Ethnic Groups: Greeks," photograph, Year Unknown, Toronto Telegram fonds, F0433, ASC08798, Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections, York University Libraries, Toronto

James, Dick. "In Easter ritual of Orthodox church, followers who mark Good Friday..." Photograph, May 4, 1956. Toronto Star Licensee Collection, PI-R 1291. Toronto Public Library, Toronto.

Olsen, Bob. "Re-enacting the Last Supper: Rev. Vasilios Roumanas of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church..." Photograph, April 10, 1969. Toronto Star Licensee Collection, PI-R 1293. Toronto Public Library, Toronto.

Bull, Gilbert. "It's Easter today for thousands of Eastern Orthodox Christians..." Photograph, May 6, 1956. Toronto Star Licensee Collection, PI-R 1269. Toronto Public Library, Toronto.

03/30/2026

Call for Papers/ Presentations: 5th Annual Greek Canadian Studies Conference!

Are you researching Greece, Cyprus, or the Greek/Cypriot diaspora? We are now accepting submissions for the 5th Annual Greek Canadian Studies Conference at York University!

The theme for this year's conference is Church and c/Community; The Canadian Case

We invite scholars from History, Politics, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, and Film/Media Studies to share their work. Whether you'd like to present a 15-minute individual paper or organize a small panel, we want to hear from you.

📅 Conference Dates: May 14–15, 2026

📝 Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026

🔗 Submit or Register Here: https://event.fourwaves.com/greekcanadianstudies/pages
or scan QR code displayed on poster.

Don’t miss the chance to present alongside our keynote speaker, Professor Emeritus Alexander Kitroeff !

03/16/2026

Recently an image was shared on social media showing Greeks during a Good Friday procession on the Danforth in 1974. Although this photograph is AI-generated, it has gained over one thousand “likes” on Facebook, marking significant engagement from a wide audience. In today’s digital age, AI-generated images have become commonplace. When it comes to photographs and the depiction of historical events, AI poses a major problem.

Here’s why:

1.) Historical inaccuracy: AI images do not capture real life events and therefore misrepresent the past. These images are created with no historical evidence and therefore distort the complex reality of historical events.

2.) Ethical concerns: AI images are often oversimplified and insensitive to the emotional and personal attachment that viewers may have to the moment pictured. For those with personal stakes in the events illustrated, it can be disorienting or offensive to have their lives misrepresented.

3.) Disregard for primary sources: Photographs, written documents, and other artforms make up what historians refer to as “primary sources.” These sources provide the key to unlocking knowledge about the past and help us construct historical narratives. AI generated images complicate these primary sources due to their perceived “accuracy” — undermining scholarly authority, archives, and research.

By Victoria Rigas-DiDomenico, Affiliated Research Assistant, HHF GCA

By, Victoria Rigas-DiDomenico In today’s digital age, AI-generated images have become commonplace on social media. When scrolling various platforms, it is almost certain that you will come across at least one photograph, video, or written post that contains elements of generative AI technology. Th...

03/14/2026

On March 12, Professor Sakis Gekas joined journalist Fuli Zavitsanou on her radio show 'Apotypoma'. The online program, 'Voice of Greece' is ERT's global radio, which broadcasts digitally via the platform ERT Echo.

Professor Gekas shared his personal experience migrating to Toronto and offered information about the HHF Greek Canadian Archives, including its conception, development, and future. He, also, spoke about Greek migration to Canada and gave the audiences glimpses into the history of Toronto’s Greek community.

We would like to thank Mrs. Zavitsanou for promoting our work.

Την Πέμπτη, 12 Μαρτίου, η εκπομπή «Αποτύπωμα» με τη Φούλη Ζαβιτσάνου, συνάντησε τον ιστορικό Σάκη Γκέκα, κάτοχο της Έδρας Νεότερης Ελληνικής Ιστορίας του Hellenic Heritage Fou...

03/02/2026

Event Spotlight: Hellenic Heritage Month Kick-off at Havergal College

We are starting the month strong supporting a Hellenic Heritage month event at Havergal College with the HHF. We showcased archival treasures and shared the stories of our community’s roots with students and faculty, bridging the gap between our history and the next generation.

03/02/2026

🇬🇷 Celebrate Hellenic Heritage Month with the HHF GCA!

March has officially arrived, marking the beginning of Hellenic Heritage Month. This is a time to honor the vibrant history, resilient spirit, and enduring contributions of the Greek-Canadian community.

At the HHF Greek Canadian Archives (GCA), we are dedicated to preserving the stories that shaped our community. Here is how you can join the celebration this month:

Explore the Digital Portal

Ready to dive into the past? Our brand-new digital portal is live! From rare photographs to personal oral histories, the archives offer a front-row seat to the Greek-Canadian journey.

Visit the portal here: hhfgca-archive.webflow.io

How to Get Involved

Share Your History: Do you have family photos or documents that belong in the archives? Help us keep our history alive by contributing to our collection.

Join the Dialogue: Follow along all month as we highlight significant milestones in the Greek-Canadian experience.

Want us to present our collections at your Hellenic Heritage Month events? Contact us today!

02/12/2026

Interview Spotlight: Documenting a Pioneer of Faith

The HHF Greek Canadian Archives at York University is proud to present an interview featuring the Very Rev. Archpriest Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos from The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toronto.

As part of our mission to preserve the diverse voices of our community, our team sat down with Fr. Peter to document his historic journey as Canada’s first Canadian-born Greek Orthodox priest. His narrative serves as a "vital bridge"—reconciling the cherished traditions of the "Old World" with the evolving identity of our community in the "New World."

A Legacy Recorded From his childhood in Thunder Bay to his 36 years of ministry, Fr. Peter’s testimony captures the resilience of the Greek-Canadian spirit. We discuss the profound impact of family history, the challenges of bilingual ministry, and the historic restoration of the Panagia Cathedral after the fire of 2000.

By sharing his story, he helps us ensure that the spiritual and cultural legacy of our community is preserved for generations to come.

🔍 Help Us Expand the Archive

Every story is a vital piece of the Greek-Canadian mosaic. We are actively seeking to facilitate more interviews to document:

Early Immigrant Experiences and the building of our first communities.

Cultural Leaders who have shaped our organizations and schools.

Generational Perspectives on maintaining Hellenic identity in Canada.

Do you know someone whose journey should be recorded? We invite you to watch this interview and see the impact of our preservation work. If you would like to support our mission or nominate an interviewee, please contact us.

📺 Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnRbP3z7g6M

The Very Reverend Protopresbyter Fr. Peter (Panagiotis) Avgeropoulos is the first Canadian-born Priest serving in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, a...