TORONTO – On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and the Government of Ontario announced the planning and development of a museum of Greek-Canadian Heritage. The Government of Ontario will assist financially with the contribution $325,000 CAN towards its creation.

On March 25, 2021, the Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario in conjunction with the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, the Hon. Lisa MacLeod, announced the funding during a Zoom meeting with Archbishop Sotirios, as well as with MPPs Effie Triantafilopoulos, Christina Mitas, and Aris Babikian and Archon Ostiarios of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Evagelos Sotiropoulos.

Premier Ford stated: “Ontario supports a thriving and proud Greek community. This museum will have as its goal the celebration of Greek Heritage and culture here in Toronto. Our province benefits from the diversity, culture, and heritage offered, therefore now is the right time for us to make this announcement, to highlight Greek Heritage Month and the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence.”

Archbishop Sotirios remarked:

“On behalf of the Greek communities in Ontario and across Canada, I extend my sincere gratitude to Premier Ford, Minister MacLeod, as well as to the former Finance Minister, the Hon. Rod Phillips, and MPPs Effie Triantafilopoulos, Christina Mitas, and Aris Babikian, for their strong support of the Greek-Canadian Heritage Museum that will preserve and perpetuate the Greek culture and Christian tradition.

“The purpose of the Greek-Canadian Heritage Museum is to collect artifacts of Greek-Canadian historical value. The project will be completed in 2022.

“Our Holy Archdiocese believes that this is the best way to pay tribute to the heroes of the Greek Revolution, and to our wise ancestors. Together let us conquer the summit.

Together let us perpetuate the history of our ancient Greek ancestors and heroes of the Revolution. Together let us always remain united as Canadians of Greek decent and deeply religious Orthodox Christians.”