HHF Greek Canadian Archives at York University

Our affiliated researcher Alexandros Balasis was in Halifax last week to participate in the "State and Future of Ethnic Media in Canada" panel at the 2026 Canadian Sociological Association Conference. The panel was organized by the SSHRC funded team of sociology professor Luís LM Aguiar and intercultural communication professor Farrah Bérubé.

Thanks to the invaluable help of the Community President Savvas Boukistianos and to Jimmy Karountzos, Alexandros connected with the vibrant Greek community of Halifax which was hard at work preparing for their Greek Festival and recorded the stories of some of its members. We are excited to have captured these distinct aspects of the Greek experience in Atlantic Canada.

A big thank you to our storytellers and the community for sharing their stories!

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!

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

5th Modern Greek and Greek Canadian Studies Conference (May 14 & 15, 2026) - Hellenic Heritage Foundation Greek Canadian Archives 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...

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

Klironomia: Dance, Tradition, and Identity in Canada’s Greek Diaspora How is Greek tradition preserved and reimagined in the diaspora?For over 33 years, Klironomia Hellenic Folklore Canada has brought together dancers, educator...

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.

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 !