The first Greek, Athanassios Papadopoulos, came to Calgary in 1903 from Tripolis, Arcadia. He went back to Greece and served in the Greek Army during the Balkan wars 1912-1913. He was killed in the battle of Tjoumayia fighting against the Bulgarians. Louis Georgopoulos also came in 1903, and also returned to Greece to fight. He returned to Calgary after the end of the wars.
Immigration by Greeks to Calgary remained steady throughout the early 1900s.
James Condon, is perhaps the most famous of the early Greeks, a successful businessman, and early benefactor of the community, after whom Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church is named.
The Hellenic Orthodox Community of Calgary was established in 1957, with the aim of raising funds to build a church and a community hall. The first President of the community was Jimmie Condon and the executive Committee consisted of Vice-President Paul Zarkos, Secretary Michael Sfakianakis and TreasurerTheodore Zeis. The volunteer comittee for the construction of the church consisted, amongst others, of George and Stavro Melathopoulos, Nick and Gust Kolias and Gus Agioritis.
In October 1959, his Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Los Angeles performed the blessing of the new church and conducted the first Divine Liturgy. Father Dimitrios Kavouras was the first priest of the church.
The Hellenic Society was established in the late 1970s and works in concert with the Hellenic Community to maintain and preserve Hellenic culture in Calgary. Some of the Society’s programs include an accredited Hellenic Language School, and several other organizations for youth, adults and seniors in addition to hosting the highly-anticipated annual Greek Festival.