The Prime Minister of Greece visits the Archdiocese of Canada
Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis made an official visit to Canada between 23-25 March 2024. This was the first visit of a sitting Greek prime minister in four decades to the country.
On Saturday, 23 March 2024, Mr. Mitsotakis had an interview with the highly influential television program, CTV Question Period, which is hosted by prominent Greek-Canadian Vassy Kapelos.
The next day, which was the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, together with Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, participated in the Doxology Service for Greek Independence Day at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Montreal. The Divine Liturgy and Doxology service were presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios of Canada. More than 1,200 pious faithful and visiting dignitaries attended the service.
At the conclusion, Archbishop Sotirios warmly welcomed and sincerely thanked both esteemed prime ministers.
Following the liturgical services, Archbishop Sotirios, Prime Ministers Trudeau and Mitsotakis, together with Dr. George Tsoukas, President of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM), participated in the annual Greek Independence Day parade in Montreal, and specifically in the Papineau riding of Mr. Trudeau.
It was a historic parade with thousands of Greeks and non-Greeks coming to celebrate not only Greek Independence, but freedom, democracy, and unity. Organised each year by the HCGM, this year’s festivities, which included the participation of many parish communities and Greek organisations, was especially poignant with the participation of Prime Minister Mitsotakis and his honourable delegation from Greece. Both prime ministers served as parade Grand Marshals.
On Monday, 25 March 2024, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Mr. Mitsotakis visited Toronto and met with Mr. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, as well as members of the business community and Greek-Canadian Diaspora. The Prime Minister’s official visit concluded with a keynote address “Greece and Canada Moving Forward Together” at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The event brought together more than 1,500 participants, including many elected officials, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of industry, parish priests and council presidents, among other special guests. It was sponsored and co-organized by the following organisations: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada; The Greek Community of Toronto; The Hellenic Heritage Foundation; The Hellenic Initiative; and, The Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade.
The national anthem was performed by Ariana Chris. The emcee for the event was the wonderful Vassy Kapelos; there were three speakers – Archbishop Sotirios, Prime Minister Trudeau, and Prime Minister Mitsotakis.
Archbishop Sotirios began his remarks with a moving rendition of Ti Ipermaho Stratigo / O Champion General, and spoke both in Greek and English about Greek Independence Day and the historical significance of the Prime Minister’s visit to Canada. Prime Ministers Trudeau and Mitsotakis then addressed the guests, who received their remarks with great enthusiasm.
