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| THE TELETEXT GOPHER SERVICE |
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December 2025
Congress Reaffirms Role as Unifying Voice for Quebec Greeks
By Dimitri Papadopoulos
The Centre des Congrès Palace in Laval was bathed in soft light against
a backdrop of elegant white drapery, creating a solemn and intimate
atmosphere for a gathering that bridged the gap between Montreal’s
Hellenic pioneers and its rising political stars. Rows of attentive
community members sat facing a dais of distinguished leaders, marking a
moment of reflection and mobilization for the Greek diaspora. This
visual tableau set the stage for the Hellenic Congress of Quebec’s
annual conference, a forum dedicated to examining the vital intersection
of Hellenic identity and political influence in Canada under the theme
of participation and representation.
The event began with a touch of characteristic cultural humour as
John Theodosopoulos, the Vice-President of the Congress, welcomed the
attendees by acknowledging the delayed start with a knowing smile.
“We’re Greeks, that’s why we announced two and we’re starting with
two and a half,” he quipped, instantly establishing a rapport with
the room before pivoting to the serious business at hand. This blend
of cultural familiarity and formal purpose permeated the opening
remarks of President Sotirios Antypas, who addressed the audience in
Greek to emphasize the continuity of their heritage. He grounded the
day’s discussions in a deep respect for the values passed down
through generations, stating, “I think that the commitment that we
have in the democratic values which they come from our ancestors that
we inherited those values had guided us in order to continue
contributing in the political, in the economical, in the cultural
life of Quebec and Canada”.
Senator Leo Housakos delivered a keynote address that resonated with
ancestral pride and a stark call to action, reminding the audience of
the immense sacrifices made by the first generation of immigrants who
arrived “with five bucks in their pocket” yet built enduring
institutions like the Greek Community of Montreal. He urged the
attendees to honour those foundations by actively engaging in the
present, warning against the complacency that can accompany success.
“Tough times build strong men and comfortable times build weak men,” he
cautioned, sharing that he constantly reminds his own children of the
“lion in the heart” that drove their grandparents to succeed. His words
underscored the central theme that history “can only sustain itself and
persevere if you’re ready to defend and fight for it”.
Adding to this call for renewal was Basile Angelopoulos, President of
the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, who spoke of a
transformative energy within the organization. “A new wind has started
to blow,” he declared, emphasizing that this momentum must extend to all
organizations within the diaspora. He highlighted the critical need for
mentorship to engage the youth, noting that the community’s challenges
are not merely financial but rooted in participation. “We should all
think, and it is good for all of us to think together about how we can
create the appropriate conditions to promote the young people,” he
urged, framing political engagement as a fundamental act of giving back
to the society that allowed them to prosper.
Member of Parliament Annie Koutrakis highlighted the importance of being
informed and analytical, drawing on the Greek concept of “tecton” or
builder to describe the “tectonic shifts” currently reshaping global
politics. She spoke passionately about her practical achievements,
specifically the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism
between Canada and Greece, a milestone that had been missing despite
decades of trade relations. “It’s really one of the most proud moments
of my political career,” she shared, illustrating how political office
can directly strengthen ties with the homeland.
Her colleague, MP Emmanuella Lambropoulos, shared the intimate details
of her own political origin story, which began not in a boardroom but
in “my grandmother’s living room” where she launched her nomination
bid. She recounted the initial scepticism of her father, who worried
about her leaving a stable teaching career for the volatility of
politics, and the sheer grit required to win. “I was still going to my
day job as a teacher from 8 to 4… and going to the doors until 9 p.m.,
in the dead of winter, in the freezing cold,” she recalled. Her
perseverance paid off, allowing her to later champion vital initiatives
such as a national school food program and improved access to fertility
treatments, issues she noted would not be prioritized without the
voices of young women in Parliament.
Local governance was represented by veteran politicians who emphasized
service to the citizenry. Mary Deros, a former city councillor with
decades of experience, described her entry into politics as a natural
extension of her volunteer work as a “soccer mom,” managing teams and
serving on the board of the Park Extension Youth Organization. She
vividly described her 1998 campaign, where her “volunteers were the kids
from soccer,” who stayed up with her “till four in the morning in
drizzle rain, putting up my posters” because their parents trusted her
implicitly. Aglaia Revelakis, a city councillor for Chomedey, spoke to
the resilience required to break away from party machinery. She shared
the pivotal moment of her decision to run as an independent, spurred by
her husband’s advice that “it’s now or never,” a move that allowed her
to continue serving her constituents with integrity.
The conference also tackled serious legislative matters affecting the
community. Attorney and former MNA Gerasimos (Gerry) Sklavounos Jr.
provided a detailed analysis of Bill 1, the proposed Quebec Constitution
Act 2025. He outlined the potential implications for minority
institutions, warning that the bill’s provisions could prevent school
boards and other bodies from using public funds to legally challenge
government actions. He criticized the legislation for seemingly being
designed “to protect the government from contestation by citizens”
rather than the other way around, urging the community to remain
vigilant and informed about legal changes that could reshape the
province’s institutional framework.
The afternoon sessions pivoted to the future of the Hellenic Congress
of Quebec itself. Moderator Nicholas Katalifos shared a personal
anecdote about how he first connected with the Congress as a
university student seeking help with a thesis, eventually finding
mentorship under Professor Andreas Gerolimatos. He noted the immense
potential of the community’s professional network, pointing out that
“more than 350 people of Greek origin” currently work just within the
English Montreal School Board.
Panelist Dimitri Soudas offered blunt, pragmatic advice on the necessity
of unity, recounting his time in the Prime Minister’s office where
divided community organizations diluted their own influence. “Unless we
present one united front we will never get ministers of Greek origin,”
he argued, stressing that internal cohesion is the prerequisite for
external power. He also injected levity into the discussion with a story
from his youth in the Congress, recalling a parade float project where a
budget of $500 ballooned to $2,500, a humorous reminder of the learning
curve inherent in youth activism.
During this panel, Gerasimos Antypas offered a historical perspective on
the Congress’s evolution, addressing the audience in Greek to reflect on
the revitalization of the organization in the late 1990s. He noted that
the goal of his cohort was “to pass this flame to others of our
generation” and highlighted the deep roots of the community by
referencing a “Greek-Canadian guide… published in Montreal in 1921,”
proving that their history in the province is foundational. He urged the
audience to view the day’s proceedings not as a culmination but as a
launchpad for future engagement, asserting, “I think that what is
happening now in the Congress is the beginning but today’s discussion
must be the beginning of these challenges”.
Following the closing remarks on the road ahead by President Sotirios
Antypas, the conference officially concluded its sessions at 5:30 PM.
While the schedule originally called for the organization’s General
Assembly to follow immediately, the leadership elected to postpone this
meeting until January 2026. This decision was made to ensure maximum
participation during a quieter week after the holidays, acknowledging
the high volume of competing community events taking place throughout
the city on December 7 2025.
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