Greek Community of Toronto (GCT) Hosts Successful Independence Day Gala with 700 Attendees

Toronto, ON – March 28, 2026 – The Greek Community of Toronto proudly hosted a spectacular Greek Independence Day Gala at the elegant Crystal Fountain Event Venue, welcoming approximately 700 guests for an evening of celebration, culture, and community spirit.

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The event featured vibrant performances by the GCT dance groups, including children’s, youth, and adult ensembles, showcasing traditional Greek dances and highlighting Greece’s rich cultural traditions.

The gala was honoured by the attendance of distinguished guests, including:

• Bishop Athenagoras, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

• H.E. Mr. Stavros Hadjigiannis, High Commissioner for Cyprus

• Ioannis Chatzantonakis, Consul General of Greece in Toronto

• MPP Aris Babikian

• Brad Bradford, City Councillor

• Michael Thompson, City Councillor

• Toronto Police Sergeant Murray Barnes

• Toronto Police Superintendent Michael Hayles

• Dr. Anastasios Karantonis, Past GCT President

• Andonis Artemakis, Past GCT President

• Tony Pethakas, President of the Greektown on the Danforth BIA

• George Keroglidis, Managing Director of the Hellenic Heritage FoundaEon

• Stephanie Petsis, President of the Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade

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The evening’s program was expertly hosted by GCT Secretary General Niki FoEnos, who served as Master of Ceremonies. She opened the program by inviting Anastasia Kakagiannis to the

stage, who gracefully performed the Greek and Canadian national anthems. Speeches followed from H.E. Mr. Stavros Hadjigiannis, MPP Aris Babikian—who presented an honorary plaque to GCT President BeHy Skoutakis—City Councillors Brad Bradford and Michael Thompson, GCT President BeHy Skoutakis, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras, and Consul General Ioannis Chatzantonakis.

The Greek Community of Toronto extends special thanks to its Cultural Department for organizing the performances, as well as to all participant dancers and volunteers whose dedication made the evening a resounding success.

A special thank you is also extended to the Christakis, Koccoris, and Kalogiannis families of the Crystal Fountain Event Venue, whose generous support and exceptional hospitality helped create a truly unforgetable evening.

The organization gratefully acknowledged the generous support of its sponsors: Greek town on the Danforth BIA, SkyWindows Technologies, Floros Family, Polydor Foundation, Sketchley

Cleaners, Laird Auto Body, GYRM Developments Inc., The Grigoriadis Group, and Pan-Messinian Association.

Special thanks were extended to all federations and associations in aHendance, whose support and dedication are essential in building a stronger Greek community.

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Associations / OrganisaNons (Alphabetical Order):

• Association Kosmas o Aitolos

• Brotherhood of Skoura Vavitsa

• Brotherhood Pontion Toronto Panagia Soumela

• Cretan Association of Toronto "Knossos"

• Cypriot Federation of Canada

• Kastoria Society & Suburbs

• Pallesviakos Sillogos of Toronto "Arion"

• Pan-Arcadian Federation of Canada

• Pan-Laconian Federation of Ontario

• Pan-Macedonian Federation of Canada

• Pan-Messinian Association of Toronto Papaflessas Ipapanti

• Pan-Pontian Federation of USA & Canada

• Rhodian Society of Toronto

• Society of Epirus

• Thessalon Federation of Ontario

• Hellenic Language Teachers Association

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Special thanks also go to the Greek-Canadian media for promoting the event:

• Odyssey Television Network, Mr. John Maniatakos

• Greka TV, Mr. Bill Fatsis

• Hellas News, Mr. Thanasis Kourtesis

• Greek Press, Mrs. Marianna Michalitsianou

• Patrides Newspaper, Mr. John Saras

• Greek Events, Nick Douzenis

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The evening concluded with a live performance by Michalitsa, accompanied by George Milionis (clarinet), John Papadontas (keyboards), Andrew Trinks (bouzouki), Demo Lintzeris (drums), and

DJ Golden Feta.

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This year’s gala once again highlighted the strength, unity, and cultural pride of the Greek-Canadian community in Toronto.

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Media Contact:

Greek Community of Toronto

Email: events@togreekcom.org

Phone: 416-425-2485

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