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2018 News

December 21^st, 2018

New Year's Eve!
The Community Council will be hosting this years New Year's Eve Party! Join us for cocktails at 6:30PM and a 4-course prime rib dinner at 8PM, with champagne to ring in the new year! Tickets for members are $75, children are $25 and $100 for non-members. Click here to view the event poster. To purchase tickets, please call Diane Polesello at 403.616.3426 or Kathy Vlisma at 403.836.3665. There will be no last minute ticket sales, so get them before December 26^th!

Sock Donation Drive
Once again we will be collecting thick warm winter socks for those in need. Over the past 2 years we have collected over 10,000 pairs of socks and it is something we should be very proud of. We will be accepting socks until December 23^rd.

Epiphany 2019
The Blessing of Homes for Epiphany will take place on January 5^th, from 11AM to 9PM, and on January 6^th, from 1PM to 9PM. If you would like to receive the blessings of Epiphany for 2019, please fill out the form by clicking here and sending it to Father Peter at Fr.Peter@shaw.ca.

Sunday School
Please join us for our short Christmas Nativity Play and caroling on Sunday, December 23^rd following liturgy in the church. All children are welcome to participate that day, as we can always use an extra star for our starry night! We pray that everyone is healthy and that you all have a wonderful Christmas holiday with family and friends. Be kind to one another.

Maids of Athena
The Maids of Athena will be continuing their 50 year Christmas Caroling tradition on December 23^rd! If you live in the Southwest (SW) and would like the MOA to sing some carols at your home, please email President Maria Kanatas at moacalgary@gmail.com by December 21st. The Maids will also be visiting patients at Rockyview Hospital on December 24^th .

Greek School
Job Opportunity! The Greek School is looking for an Educational Assistant. Please click here to view the job posting. The deadline to apply is January 12^th.
On behalf of our School, we would like to sincerely express our appreciation for all the parents who volunteered or contributed to our Christmas Party. Thank you for taking time to help us out. Our students and staff are taking a well-deserved break and we will see you all on January 9^th and January 12^th. Christmas is a special time to enjoy with all of your loved ones to spread the divinity and cheer around. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Philoptochos
This year has been a productive one for the Philoptochos ladies, as we have been busy fundraising to help those in need. We are grateful for all the support we have received this year in order to be able to continue our mission. We pray that those in need have somewhere warm to sleep, have food on their tables and are surrounded by God's love. The Philoptochos Council would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.

MET Youth
On behalf of Met Youth Canada and the Met Youth Calgary Team, we would like to wish everyone in the church community a blessed Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. We are grateful for the continuous encouragement and support that the youth, their parents and the church community has showed us this past year. All the best in 2019!

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS
Our membership business is now live! Click here to view it. As a reminder, all paid members can have their add your business listing to have your business added to our membership directory! Please contact Penelope at admin@calgaryhellenic.com if you wish to add your business name and contact information to the directory.

Lost & Found
Our lost and found is growing! If you have misplaced something, please call the admin office at 403-246-4553 ext 5 to check if we have it!

Christmas Essay Challenge
Click here to enter this challenge, sponsored by the Metropolis of Toronto, and a chance to win up to $400! The submission deadline is December 31^st.

Information for Funeral Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

To view this newsletter in Greek, please click here.

December 7^th, 2018

New Year's Eve!
The Community Council will be hosting this years New Year's Eve Party! Join us for cocktails at 6:30PM and a 4-course prime rib dinner at 8PM, with champagne to ring in the new year! Tickets for members are $75, children are $25 and $100 for non-members. Click here to view the event poster. To purchase tickets, please call Diane Polesello at 403.616.3426 or Kathy Vlisma at 403.836.3665. Remember, tickets are on sale every Sunday after church as well!

Greek School
Purdy’s fundraiser - We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Christmas fundraiser and helped us surpass our goal, by making over $1 300 for the school! Orders will be ready for pick up on Wednesday, December 12^th and Saturday, December 15^thduring Greek School hours.
Christmas party - Calling all Elves! Santa’s helpers are celebrating the last day of Greek School before the Christmas break on Saturday, December 15^th and Wednesday, December 19^thduring school hours. Wear your pajamas and get ready for some baking, storytelling, crafts and a movie! Should some Big Elves want to be part of the fun, please sign up by clicking here.

Hellenic Senior's Society
On December 9^th, the Hellenic Senior's will be having their Christmas Potluck Dinner at 5PM at the Bow Cliff Center. For more information, please call Sakis Kalabalikis at 403.289.4598 or 403.477.0170.

Golden Ladies
On Thursday, December 13^th, the Golden Ladies are having their Potluck Christmas Party at 6PM in the basement of the Community hall. All are welcome.

Met Youth & Niata
Come join us for an afternoon of fun! Met Youth Calgary alongside the Niata dancers will be hosting a Christmas Party on Saturday, December 15^th, from 12PM-5PM in the Lower Community Hall. Niata groups will dance at 1PM, and then Met Youth Calgary team has organized numerous Christmas crafts and actives! We welcome everyone to join us! We encourage you to dress in Christmas attire- red, white, green, Santa Hats, Christmas Sweaters, Reindeer Ears etc. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP attendance to the Met Youth Calgary team at: orthodoxyouthcalgary@gmail.com. We hope to see everyone there! God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Sunday School
A reminder to all parents that the children of Sunday School will be presenting the Christmas Nativity Play after church on Sunday, December 23^rd. We welcome all children to participate that day. Please make sure to click https://goo.gl/forms/Mm7QJVQFxBSuhkqI2 if you would like your child to be in the play and possibly have a specific role. We need your support of this Christmas Nativity Play by bringing your child/children to Sunday School on both December 16^th and December 23^rd. We hope to see you there!

Maids of Athena
The Maids of Athena will be continuing their Christmas Caroling tradition on December 23^rd! If you live in the Southwest (SW) and would like the MOA to sing some carols at your home, please email President Maria Kanatas at moacalgary@gmail.com by December 20^th.

Philoptochos
We wanted to add a couple of thank you's that were missed in the last newsletter. In addition to everyone previously mentioned, we would like to thank Niata for their heartfelt dance performances during the bazaar. We were so happy to have them dance for us! Also, we would like to thank Mr. Apostolidis for always being there for us with his videos and uplifting Greek music and Bella Roma for their generous contribution to the Bazaar. Thank you all for your help!

Lost & Found
Our lost and found is growing! If you have misplaced something, please call the admin office at 403-246-4553 ext 5 to check if we have it!

Christmas Essay Challenge
Click here to enter this challenge, sponsored by the Metropolis of Toronto, and a chance to win up to $400!

Greek Adaption of Rhinoceros
Tomorrow is the last performance! The School of Creative and Performing Arts at the University of Calgary presents the play Rhinoceros, by Eugène Ionesco, directed by MFA student Constantine X Anastasakis, at the Reeve Theatre.
Written in 1959, Rhinoceros is a classic example of Absurdist Theatre. In the original play, the citizens of a small French town transform one by one into rhinoceroses. This is an allegory for the rise of Nazism in Europe. In this production however, the director re-imagines the story and its protagonists. Now set in Greece, the rhinoceroses no longer symbolize a menacing, corrupt, and irrational power – but instead they represent the upcoming revolt and a social movements toward progressive change. Click here for more information.

Information for Funeral Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

To view this newsletter in Greek, please click here.

November 23^rd, 2018

New Year's Eve!
The Community Council will be hosting this years New Year's Eve Party! Join us for cocktails at 6:30PM and a 4 course prime rib dinner at 8PM, with champagne to ring in the new year! Tickets for members are $75, children are $25 and $100 for non-members. Click here to view the event poster. To purchase tickets, please call Diane Polesello at 403.616.3426 or Kathy Vlisma at 403.836.3665.

Greek School
Purdy’s Fundraiser - Even though it’s really hard to decide which are your favorite chocolates from the great selection of the Purdy’s Christmas catalogue, now is the time! Please click here to place your order online by November 28^th. Orders will be ready for pick up on December 12^th and December 15^th during Greek School hours. A heartfelt thank you to those who have already supported Greek School through this fundraiser.
Indigo Fundraiser - On behalf of the Greek School, thank you to all who participated in this fundraiser. It was a huge success!
Parent teacher interviews - Our teachers can't wait to meet all the Greek School parents and discuss your children’s progress on November 24^th and November 28^th. On Saturday, interviews begin at 11AM and for Wednesday, they begin at 7PM.
Volunteering - Please consider volunteering your time for the Greek School. We are working on such amazing projects and would really like a hand. If you are interested, please email Jeannette by clicking here.

Philoptochos
We would like to sincerely thank all those who donated to the bazaar through baking, cooking, household items, silent auction items, monetary donations, or by volunteering at the bazaar. We also wanted to thank the following businesses: Bonasera NE, Bonasera, Capri, Filos, Jameson's Pub, J J Pub, Gus's Pizza, Ogden Pizza, Oceana, Paros Aridrie, Paros on 8th, Pegasos, Santorini, Starlight, Strathmore Station, Michael's Pizza, Mr. Demos Batas, the estate of Cathrine Koumakis, and The Grill Blue River BC for their generous donations to the bazaar. We would also like to thank Mr. Jimmy Papaioanou and Mr. Jeff Klokeid for generously providing Sunday's lunch. Finally, we would like to thank all of our Philoptochos members and the Bazaar Committee members for their endless hours of volunteering, starting a few months ago, to make this bazaar a successful event. We are so appreciative of all your help! It was a success again this year and we are able to help so many people in need in our city because of all of you! May God bless you and your families!

Hellenic Senior's Society
On December 9^th, the Hellenic Senior's will be having their Christmas Potluck after church service at the Bow Cliff Center. For more information, please call Sakis Kalabalikis at 403.289.4598 or 403.477.0170.

Golden Ladies
On Thursday, December 13^th, the Golden Ladies are having their Potluck Christmas Party at 6PM in the basement of the Community hall. All are welcome.

Sunday School
We will be starting rehearsals for our Christmas Nativity Play starting in December. The play will be just after Church service on December 23^rd. We would love to have all children participate. If your child is interested, please click here and complete the form, by November 30^th. Please note that if you have more than one child, you will need to submit an additional entry for each child. The first practice will be on December 2^nd.

Our goal for next month is GIVING. Take some time to give to those in need and speak to your child about the importance of thinking of others. There are many people in need in our city and abroad. Please think about supporting a charity in our city or about supporting a child in need abroad.

Maids of Athena
The Maids of Athena will be continuing their Christmas Caroling tradition on December 23^rd! If you live in the Southwest (SW), please email President Maria Kanatas at moacalgary@gmail.com by December 20^th.

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS
As a perk of your membership, you can choose to have your business added to our membership directory! Please contact Penelope at admin@calgaryhellenic.com if you wish to add your business name and contact information to the directory.

Greek Adaption of Rhinoceros
The School of Creative and Performing Arts at the University of Calgary presents the play Rhinoceros, by Eugène Ionesco, directed by MFA student Constantine X Anastasakis, from November 30^th to December 8^th at the Reeve Theatre.
Written in 1959, Rhinoceros is a classic example of Absurdist Theatre. In the original play, the citizens of a small French town transform one by one into rhinoceroses. This is an allegory for the rise of Nazism in Europe. In this production however, the director re-imagines the story and its protagonists. Now set in Greece, the rhinoceroses no longer symbolize a menacing, corrupt, and irrational power – but instead they represent the upcoming revolt and a social movements toward progressive change.
Click here for more information.

Information for Funeral Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

To view this newsletter in Greek, please click here.

November 9^th, 2018

Community Elections
The deadline to apply to be a candidate for this years elections is quickly approaching! The deadline is Sunday,November 18^th at 1PM. To complete an application, please click here.

Calgary European Film Festival
HAPPENING NOW! It's the 2018 European Film Festival! The Greek submission for best Foreign Film of the year at this years’ Oscars – Poly Xeni. It will be playing onNovember 11^th at 5PM at the Globe Theatre, and there is also a free reception to follow (your ticket stub will be used for admission).
CONTEST TIME! The first 5 people who share this post will get a free ticket to see any one movie! Winners will be announced and contacted soon!

Greek School
We would like to congratulate our students for their excellent performance at the OXI DAY celebration. Thank you to all who attended. Your generous applause and your warm participation made this day special to all.

There is still time to purchase your Christmas Purdy’s Chocolates and support Greek School create a new library/ reading nook. Catalogues along with order forms have been sent home with students, but they will also be available in the display case in the foyer of the hall, or you can click here to order online. Orders can be placed until November 28^th and will be ready for pick up on December 12^th & 15^th.

The Greek School is looking for a new Education Assistant to support student learning in the classroom. Please click here for the full job posting. Deadline to apply is November 11^th.

Indigo Book Fair Fundraiser
The Hellenic Society invites you to its Indigo Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 14^th from 6PM - 8:30PM at the Indigo in Signal Hill. Please invite your friends and family and get some of your Christmas shopping done! 15% of the total amount spent by our guests will go towards supporting our Greek School.
When you arrive at Indigo, please check in with Dimitra Fotopoulos to be registered. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact dimfoto403@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Samaritans Purse - Shoeboxes!
Throughout the Church and community, there are numerous shoe boxes waiting to be filled for children, who won't get much else this Christmas season. Please grab a box or maybe even two, and fill it for some boys and girls! We will not be collecting the filled boxes, so please find a drop off location close to you by clicking here.

Hellenic Senior's Society
The Senior's Society would like to give thanks to all who helped arrange the luncheon on September 29, with the members of Bow Cliff and the Bowlers. It was a great success!

Information for Funeral Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

To view this newsletter in Greek, please click here.

October 26^th, 2018

Niata
The first day of Niata will be this Monday, October 29^th at 6PM. We ask that families arrive at 5:30PM to register so that class can commence right at 6PM. This program will be offered to members free of charge and for nonmembers at $150 per child. Please bring a cheque for the costume deposit of $1 000 post dated for June 1^st 2019 and $20 for the dry cleaning fee. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak to Fr. Peter or any member of the executive community council. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact niata@calgaryhellenic.com.

Greek Concert West presents LEFTERIS PANTAZIS
On November 3^rd, Greek Concerts West is proud to present Lefteris Pantazis with Vasiliki Ntanta and Master Tempo Live in Calgary! Click here to view the event poster. The concert will be held at the Chinese Cultural Centre, doors opening at 8PM and the performances starting at 10PM. For tickets, click here to reserve online, or call Chris at 403.710.8498. By supporting this event you will also be supporting a donation to the Hellenic Community of Calgary on behalf of Greek Concerts West.

Saint Demetrios Party - Cancelled
It is with deep regret that we inform our membership that due to insufficient support, the St. Demetrios Party has been cancelled. For those who did purchase tickets, you will get a full refund at church or by contacting Diane at 403.616.3426.

Consular Visit
This weekend - Mrs. Adamandia Foka, Consular Officer will be visiting Calgary to offer consular services on October 27^th & 28^th. All Greek citizens interested in receiving consular services, must contact urgently Mrs. Adamandia Foka, Mrs. Anna Karamaroudi or Mrs. Evi Tzatzani at the e-mail address vancouver@mfa.gr or by calling 604.681.1381 to make an appointment.

Greek School
On Sunday, October 28^th, the Greek School invites you to cheer for our students for an OXI Day celebration following the Divine Liturgy. Come celebrate the bravery of the Greek nation in its defiant "OXI" of October 28, 1940! Mrs. Adamandia Foka will be in attendance and representing the Greek Consulate at this years celebration.

Please note, school will be cancelled on Wednesday, October 31^st for Halloween.

Philoptochos
Our Philoptochos Annual Bazaar is on November 2^nd & 3^rd and there is also a Luncheon following church service on November 4^th. We thank all the ladies and youth who have come forward to offer their help for the bazaar. We are still in need of the following items: pastes, galaktobourika, koulouria, karithopita, gemmista, and silent auction items. We are also in need of shifts to be filled. If you are able to help out in any way, PLEASE click here to sign up as soon as possible.

Adult Greek Dance
This years Adult Dance group will start on Monday, November 5^th at 6PM in the main hall. For more information, please contact Kathy at kdesautels@shaw.ca.

Bible Study
Bible Study is back! Join Fr. Peter on Wednesday, November 7^th at 6PM in the church for a discussion on how to build a Christian home. Hope to see everyone there!

Greek School - Purdy's Fundraiser
Don't forget to support the Greek School with the Purdy's Chocolates fundraiser! Catalogues along with order forms will be sent home with students, but they will also be available in the display case in the foyer of the hall, or you can click here to order online. Orders can be placed until November 28^th and will be ready for pick up on December 12^th & 15^th.

Red Cross - Thank You
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Go Fund Me campaign or donated directly to the community. Your efforts raised $9 090 for the wildfire relief efforts in Greece! To read the letter, please click here.

Indigo Book Fair Fundraiser
The Hellenic Society invites you to its Indigo Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 14^th from 6PM - 8:30PM at the Westhills Indigo. Please invite your friends and family and get some of your Christmas shopping done! 15% of the total amount spent by our guests will go towards supporting our Greek School. When you arrive at Indigo, please check in with Dimitra Fotopoulos to be registered. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact dimfoto403@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Information for Funeral Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

To view this newsletter in Greek, please click here.

October 12^th, 2018

Saint Demetrios Party
On Saturday, October 27^th, our community will be hosting a party in honor of our Church's Patron Saint. Cocktails are at 6PM, and a prime rib dinner will be served at 7PM. Tickets are $50 and kids 12 and under are $20. To purchase your tickets, please contact Kathy at 403.836.3665, Diane at 403.616.3426 or the Admin office at 403.246.4553 ext 5. Mrs. Adamandia Foka will be in attendance and representing the Greek Consulate at this years party.

Stampeders Multicultural Day
On Saturday, October 13^th, the Stamps will be facing the Lions. For those interested in attending, click here to get your tickets. Be sure to take some flags and face paint!

MET Youth
Met Youth is excited to start off the year with Sandwich making for the Drop In Centre, this Saturday at 12pm, October 13^th. We ask you and all of your children to stay and help out! We would like to reach our goal of 1200 sandwiches, so if everyone could bring one or two loaves of bread that would be great. If you have questions please don't hesitate to contact us at orthodoxyouthcalgary@gmail.com.

Evolution of Health - Marijuana Discussion
On Monday, October 15^th, the Bow Cliff Seniors along with others are having a discussion at the Community Hall, collaborating to raise funds to support the like-minded goals of inspiring adults to stay active and involved. For more information, please click here to view their poster.

Community Blood Drive
On Wednesday, October 17^th from 4PM until 8PM, our community along with Canadian Blood Services, will be hosting another blood drive. To register, please go to www.blood.ca.

Met Youth
On Saturday, October 20^th, we invite all family, friends and youth to the join us at The Calgary Corn Maze. We ask everyone to be there for 1:30PM. Please RSVP via the Facebook Event or by emailing Met Youth at orthodoxyouthcalgary@gmail.com. It will be an eventful afternoon, with a short discussion with Father Peter. Hope to see everyone there!

Consular Visit
Mrs. Adamandia Foka, Consular Officer will be visiting Calgary to offer consular services on October 27^th & 28^th. All Greek citizens interested in receiving consular services, must contact urgently Mrs. Adamandia Foka, Mrs. Anna Karamaroudi or Mrs. Evi Tzatzani at the e-ail address vancouver@mfa.gr or by calling 604.681.1381.

Niata
The first day of Niata will be on Monday, October 29^th at 6PM. Community members are invited to bring their children to this FREE program, running on Monday evenings until May. We welcome Effie Klironomos to the position of Director for this year! Thank you to the outgoing director, Angela Grammatikos for her dedication to the program for so many years!

Philoptochos
Our Philoptochos Bazaar is happening on November 2^nd& 3^rd, and finishing off with a Luncheon on November 4^th. We are asking for your assistance with this as it is our biggest fundraiser for the year. Did you know that last year Philoptochos donated over $10, 000 to local charities? Your support of the Bazaar helped us do that! We have created an online sign up for baking or cooking donations, and any shifts needed to be filled for the Bazaar. If you are able to assist us in any way, please click here to sign up! If you ask your friends to sign up for shifts with you it will be more fun!

Greek School - Purdy's Fundraiser
With all that snow outside, you have probably started thinking of Christmas. The Purdy's Greek School Fundraiser has begun! If you want to treat your loved ones and help our school, we encourage you to fundraise with us! Catalogues along with order forms will be sent home with students, but they will also be available in the display case in the foyer of the hall, or you can click here to order online. Orders can be placed until November 28^th and will be ready for pick up on December 12^th & 15^th.

Dimitris Mpasis Live!
On November 3^rd, Dimitris Mpasis will be performing at the Greek Cultural Center in Edmonton! Tickets are $125 and the evening begins at 8pm. For more information, click here to view their poster. If you haven't heard one of his songs, click here to check out his Youtube channel. 0000000

Indigo Book Fair Fundraiser
The Hellenic Society invites you to its Indigo Fundraiser on Wednesday, November 14^th from 6PM - 8:30PM at the Westhills Indigo. Please invite your friends and family and get some of your Christmas shopping done! 15% of the total amount spent by our guests will go towards supporting our Greek School. When you arrive at Indigo, please check in with Dimitra Fotopoulos to be registered. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact, dimfoto403@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Samaritans Purse - Shoeboxes!
Throughout the Church and community, there are numerous shoe boxes waiting to be filled for children, who won't get much else this Christmas season. Please grab a box or maybe even two, and fill it for some boys and girls! We will not be collecting the filled boxes, so please find a drop off location close to you by clicking here.

Information for Funeral Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

To view this newsletter in Greek, please click here.

September 28^th, 2018

Saint Demetrios Party
On Saturday, October 27^th, our community will be hosting a party in honor of our Church's Patron Saint. Cocktails are at 6PM, and a prime rib dinner will be served at 7PM. Tickets are $50 and kids 12 and under are $20. To purchase your tickets, please contact Kathy at 403-836-3665, Diane at 403-616-3426 or the Admin office at 403.246.4553 ext 5.

Greek School
Another exciting year at the Greek School has begun and we are thrilled to be working with close to 150 students and their families from Preschool through Greek 35. We are pleased to announce we are the recipients of a grant from the Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF) to completely support the costs of the books for this school year. HHF is a national charitable and non-profit organization established in Toronto in 1996 by a group of professional business people of Hellenic descent. With a mission to preserve, promote and advance Hellenic education, culture and heritage in Canada, the HHF commits to engaging with communities across our country in an effort to keep the Greek language alive. We are thankful for the support the HHF has provided for this school year and look forward to a continuing relationship and the opportunity to further develop our programs in collaboration with the networks, professional development programs and resources available through the Hellenic Heritage Foundation. If you would like to learn more about the HHF, please visit www.hhf.ca.

Afternoon Preschool classes on Tuesdays is a go! Our first class is October 23^rd, we are looking forward meeting our new students. There is still time to register your children/child in our program. Call Jeannette @403-246-4553 ext.4 or you can email her at greekchool@calgaryhellenic.com.

Philoptochos
Welcome back to all, we hope you had a wonderful summer. Save the Dates - we are gearing up for the Philoptochos Annual Bazaar taking place on November 2^nd and 3^rd! As in the past, we will also be hosting a luncheon after the Divine Liturgy on November 4^th. We will begin reaching out to people for help with food, baking and volunteering for the bazaar. If you helped us out last year, we hope to count on you again this year. If you did not, but would like us to contact you for help this year, please contact Tina Liaridis with your contact information by clicking here.

Sunday School
Sunday School will begin the first Sunday in October. The schedule for the classes is posted on the Hellenic Community website calendar for your reference. We encourage all children from ages 4 up to 12 to attend Sunday school as much as possible! If you are interested in teaching Sunday school, please contact Father Peter by clicking here. God bless you all.

Niata
We are currently searching for a new director/directors for the Niata program. Anyone interested in taking on this commitment for the current year please contact Diane Polesello @ 403-616-3426. Until such time the, program will be put on hold!

Stampeders Multicultural Day
On Saturday, October 13^th, the Stamps will be facing the Lions. For those interested in attending, click here to get your tickets. Be sure to take some flags and face paint!

Information for Funeral & Memorial Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

September 13^th, 2018

Building Re-opening
Today we have re-opened the church and the hall for use.

Greek School - Message from the Principal
Another school year is about to begin and Greek school is ready to welcome all new and returning students and their families.
Our first day for Saturday classes is September 15^th at 9:00 am. The first day for Wednesday classes September 19^th at 5:30 p.m.
The students will participate in the Blessing of our school at these times, by Father Peter. We encourage you to register, if you have not already, prior to start of school and you can do so by contacting Jeannette at greekschool@calgaryhellenic.com or phone (403)246-4553 ext 4. If you are unable to register prior to start of school, we welcome new registrations on the first day of school, beginning at 10 am on Saturday and 6.30 pm on Wednesday.
We are excited to announce that our Preschool program is back starting October 20^th at 9 to 11am we are looking forward meeting our younger students (ages 4-5). We are also offering afternoon preschool classes starting Tuesday, October 23^rd from 12:30 to 2:30pm. Evening classes are also offered for adults starting October 10^th at 6 pm. For more information on our programs, please email us at greekschool@calgaryhellenic.com.
A big thanks to all the greatly appreciated volunteers who have a huge impact on the quality of learning. We would like to invite all our members to support our wonderful projects this school year by investing their time.
We are proud to continue to offer programming from Preschool all the way through the Accreditation Program of Greek 15, 25, 35.
Our dedicated teachers and I wish you all a wonderful school year!

Vasiliki Koutroumpi
Principal - Greek School

Muay Thai Nado #4
THIS SUNDAY! September 16^th, our community along with WTM Muay Thai are having another fight night! Doors open at 5PM and the first round begins at 6PM. Tickets for this event start at $45. Proceeds from this event will go towards the Building Maintenance Fund and specifically to renovating the front stairs of our church. The organizing committee is still looking for a few volunteers! Please contact John at jyannitsos@shaw.ca if you are able to volunteer your time for this great event. For more information, please click here to view the event poster.

Golden Ladies Luncheon
On Sunday, September 23^rd, the Golden Ladies will be hosting a luncheon right after the Divine Liturgy. It will be $15 a person and it will be pastichio with salad and dessert and coffee. They are raising funds to restart their organization as it has been on hold for the last year and a half. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Community and to Philopochos as well.

Membership Directory
As a perk of your membership, you can choose to have your business added to the directory! Please contact Penelope at admin@calgaryhellenic.com if you wish to add your business name and contact information to the directory.

Information for Funeral & Memorial Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

September 4^th, 2018

Temporary Building Closure
The floors of the banquet hall are being refinished from September 4^th to September 13^th. As a result, the entire building will be closed and church service on September 9^th will be cancelled. The hall will be open for fellowship following church service on September 14^th. Office staff will be working remotely during this time so please don't hesitate to reach out!

Greek School
Although the offices will be closed due to the floor refinishing during the first 2 weeks of September, the school will still be accepting registrations via email. Please email the five completed forms to Jeannette at greekschool@calgaryhellenic.com to register prior to the first days of school, starting September 15^th and 19^th. Adult classes are scheduled to begin on October10^th and Preschool will begin on October 20^th. For more information, check the website!

We are very excited to announce that a Greek School Principal has been hired. Please join us in welcoming Vasiliki Koutroumpi to the position! We are thrilled that a principal is in place that has experience with the school as she has already taught there for a number of years. We are grateful for her commitment and look forward to a productive and successful school year.

Muay Thai Nado #4
On Sunday, September 16^th, our community along with WTM Muay Thai are having another fight night! Doors open at 5PM and the first round begins at 6PM. Tickets for this event start at $45. Proceeds from this event will go towards the Building Maintenance Fund and specifically to renovating the front stairs of our church. For more information, please click here to view the event poster.

Membership Directory
As a perk of your membership, you can choose to have your business added to the directory! Please contact Penelope at admin@calgaryhellenic.com if you wish to add your business name and contact information to the directory.

August 16^th, 2018

Go Fund Me for Greek Wildfires
Thank you to everyone who so generously donated to the fires in Greece. Through funds raised at our community and through the Go Fund Me website, we raised a total of $8,790 for the Hellenic Red Cross! Great job everyone!

Greek School Principal Posting
We are looking for a new principal for the Greek School! Having a certified teacher in place as principal is integral to the accreditation program and the success of our school. Please click here to see the posting or contact any member of the Greek School Committee for more information.

Greek School Registrations
Be sure to sign up your children before the first day of school on Sept. 15^th! Please call the Greek School office at 403-246-4553 ext 4 to set up an appointment!

Hellenic Banquet Hall
The floors of the banquet hall are being refinished during the first 2 weeks of September. As a result, church service on September 9^th will be cancelled. The hall will be open for fellowship following church service on September 14^th.

August 7^th, 2018

Go Fund Me for Greek Wildfires
We are proud to announce that we have surpassed our goal of $5,000 for the devastating fires in Greece. Through funds raised at our community and through the Go Fund Me website, we are currently at $8,540 for the Hellenic Red Cross! Thank you to everyone who has so generously donated! If you would still like to make a donation, the Go Fund Me page will be active until August 8^th. Click here to donate today!

Greek School Registrations
Be sure to sign up your children before the first day of school on Sept. 14! Please call the Greek School office at 403-246-4553 ext 4 to set up an appointment!

AHEPA/Daughters of Penelope Scholarship Announcement
Congratulations to both Nefeli Kotopoulos (AHEPA family scholarship - $1000) and Alex McNally (Hellenic decent scholarship -$750). Thank you to all the students that applied! Best of luck in your future endeavours!

Information for Funeral & Memorial Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

July 19^th, 2018

Blood Drive
On August 6^th, our Community is hosting the 3^rd Blood Drive for Canadian Blood Services. As always, the need for life saving blood is in high demand, and this demand increases during the summer months. Please sign up online at bloodservices.ca. If everyone from our community signed up one more person, we could have 80 people donating from our community alone. Hope to see you there!

Information for Funeral & Memorial Services
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

June 21^st, 2018

It's Casino Time!
We are looking for a few more volunteers for this weekends casino on Friday, June 22^nd and Saturday, June 23^rd at the Elbow River Casino. Please click here to sign up!

2018 Western Canadian Greek Open
The 2018 Greek Open is being held in Calgary on June 24^th and 25^th. Click here to view the invitation and hereto register!

Blood Drive
On July 3^rd, our Community is hosting the 2nd Blood Drive for Canadian Blood Services. As always, the need for life saving blood is in high demand, and this demand increases during the summer months. Please sign up online at bloodservices.ca. If everyone from our community signed up one more person, we could have 80 people donating from our community alone. Hope to see you there!

Greek School
The Greek Community Council would like to wish Yanna Papadopoulos and Fofo Zannis all the best as they take on new roles for the 2018 year and will be leaving the school. Both principals did a great job working with students and teachers and helped to support an integral program in our community this past year. Please join us in thanking them for their service!

Also, Argiro Lambrinoudis, our Greek 25/35 teacher, will be leaving us. We thank her and are grateful for all of her hard work and commitment to her students- she will be missed- Best of luck Argiro! Georgia Paschalis, our Level 1 teacher, will be going on maternity leave. Congratulations Georgia! May God bless you and your precious baby!

Philoptochos
For information regarding funerals and memorial services, please click here.

Banquet Hall Bookings
The Banquet Hall Team has been working very hard to rent out our space to Calgarians and would you believe that the banquet hall is booked every Saturday until the middle of October?! We are busier than ever before so don't wait to make a booking!

June 8^th, 2018

Greek School Registration - LAST DAY!
We welcome new and returning families to register for the 2018-19 Greek School year this spring! The Greek School is accepting registration for Preschool - Greek 35 on the following dates:

- Saturday, June 9^th - 9:30 – 11AM

Forms are now in writable PDF formats, so feel free to complete them on your computer! Click on the following forms to download and edit:
- Registration Information
- Registration 2018/19 School Year
- Emergency Contact/Medical Information

Blood Drive
On July 3^rd, our Community is hosting the 2nd Blood Drive for Canadian Blood Services. As always, the need for life saving blood is in high demand, and this demand increases during the summer months. Please join us on Sunday June 10^th after Church Service to sign up to donate blood on July 3rd. We are asking everyone to bring a "plus 1" to the sign up event or try to have one more person sign up online at bloodservices.ca. If everyone from our community signed up one more person, we could have 80 people donating from our community alone. Hope to see you there!

It's Casino Time!
We are looking for volunteers for the upcoming casino on Friday, June 22nd and Saturday June 23 to be held at the Elbow River Casino. For details and to sign up, please contact John Yannitsos at jyannitsos@shaw.ca.

2018 Western Canadian Greek Open
The 2018 Greek Open is being held in Calgary on June 24^th and 25^th. Click here to view the invitation and here to register!

May 25^th, 2018

Niata Greek Day - HAPPENING THIS SUNDAY!
Niata's annual performance will take place on Sunday,May 27^th right after church. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and children 12 and under are free. There will be food, dancing and fun! Tickets can be purchased from Angela Grammatikos at Greekdancing1@gmail.com. Thank you!

Greek School Registration - THIS WEEK!
We welcome new and returning families to register for the 2018-19 Greek School year this spring! The Greek School is accepting registration for Preschool - Greek 35 on the following dates:

- Wednesday, May 30^th - 5:30 – 7PM
- Saturday, June 2^nd - 9:30 – 11AM
- Wednesday, June 6^th - 5:30 – 7PM
- Saturday, June 9^th - 9:30 – 11AM

Forms are now in writable PDF formats, so feel free to complete them on your computer! Click on the following forms to download and edit:
- Registration Information
- Registration 2018/19 School Year
- Emergency Contact/Medical Information

Ahepa-DOP Scholarships
The Ahepa Family Scholarships are now available! Clickhere to view the information guide and here to apply. The deadline is June 1^st.

Muay-Thai Nado/Fight for Kids!
Our community, in conjunction with Master Albert Han of WTM Muay Thai studio of Calgary, will be hosting a Muay-Thai Nado/Fight for Kids event on June 2^nd at the Calgary Hellenic Banquet Hall! Click here to view the event poster! A portion of the proceeds from this event will go directly to the Kidney Foundation of Alberta and Cornerstone Youth to help with their valuable programming, as well as our community. This event is selling fast! Click here to purchase your tickets today!

Volunteers are needed!! From cooks to bar tenders to food runners and everything else in between, we are asking our community members to help out. If you or someone you know is able to volunteer on that day, please call John Yannitsos at 403-614-7365 or send an email tojyannitsos@shaw.ca.

Sunday School
Join us on Sunday, June 3^rd for our final Sunday school class. Class pictures will be taken and certificates of participation will be presented at the end of Divine liturgy. On behalf of Father Peter and all the Sunday school teachers, we’d like to wish all the children a wonderful summer and hope to see you again in the Fall. Interested in teaching Sunday school next year? Contact Father Peter at fr.peter@shaw.ca.

Philoptochos
At our last Philoptochos meeting, it was mentioned that clarification was needed in regards to Philoptochos services for a funeral and memorial (mnimosino) service. If the family of the departed would like Philoptochos to provide the coffee for the fellowship following the service, they are to contact the President Kathy Vlismas at 403-836-3665. For Koliva preparations, the family is asked to contact Vasiliki Doikas at 403-246-8579 or by email at vdoikas@icloud.com. Please note, the family would contact the Philoptochos ladies AFTER having confirmed the services with Father Peter Rougas and after connecting with the Hellenic Banquet Hall Manager, Shannon, to confirm the availability of the hall. If the family would prefer to take care of the fellowship but would still require the use of the hall, they would need to contact Shannon atevents@calgaryhellenic.com to make those arrangements.

Our last Philoptochos gathering for members before the summer, will be on June 19^th at Paros restaurant inAirdrie. We will be having a dinner to bring our year to a close. We want to thank all our Philoptochos members for all they have done this year and all those in our community and beyond who have supported our events. We hope you have a wonderful summer. Our first meeting in the fall will be on Tuesday, September 18^th at 7pm.

2018 Western Canadian Greek Open
The 2018 Greek Open is being held in Calgary on June 24^th and 25^th. Click here to view the invitation and hereto register!

May 10^th, 2018

Niata Greek Day
Niata's annual performance will take place on Sunday, May 27^th right after church. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and children 12 and under are free. There will be food, dancing and fun! Tickets can be purchased from Angela Grammatikos at Greekdancing1@gmail.com. Thank you!

Greek School Registration
We welcome new and returning families to register for the 2018-19 Greek School year this spring! The Greek School is accepting registration for Preschool - Greek 35 on the following dates:

- Wednesday, May 30^th - 5:30 – 7PM
- Saturday, June 2^nd - 9:30 – 11AM
- Wednesday, June 6^th - 5:30 – 7PM
- Saturday, June 9^th - 9:30 – 11AM

Forms are now in writable PDF formats, so feel free to complete them on your computer! Click on the following forms to download:
- Registration Information
- Registration 2018/19 School Year
- Emergency Contact/Medical Information

Ahepa-DOP Scholarships
The Ahepa Family Scholarships are now available! Clickhere to view the information guide and here to apply. The deadline is June 1^st.

Golden Ladies
The more dynamic than ever Golden Ladies are having our monthly meeting on May 10^th downstairs at 6PM. We will be having a supper and new and old members are invited but you must be of the young age of 55 or older. If you need any more information, please contact Rita Efthimiou at 403-287-7915.

The Hellenic Seniors Society of Calgary
The Seniors Annual Picnic Trip will be in Drumheller this year, on Saturday, May 12^th. The bus leaves at 9AM sharp from the church. There are only 55 spots on the bus, so please register with Sakis if you plan on attending. The fee for the bus trip as well as museum entrance fee will be covered by the Seniors. Snacks and drinks will be provided as well. On the way back to Calgary, dinner will be at the Station Restauraunt in Strathmore. The cost of the dinner is not included with the trip.

MET Youth
Please join the Met Youth in celebrating all of our Mom's with a Mother's Day Lunch after the Divine Liturgy this Sunday! Tickets are $10 and Mimosas will be available for purchase.

MUAY THAI NADO / FIGHT FOR KIDS
Our community, in conjunction with Master Albert Han of WTM Muay Thai studio of Calgary, will be hosting a MUAY THAI NADO / FIGHT FOR KIDS event on June 2^nd at the Calgary Hellenic Banquet Hall! Click here to view the event poster! The event will feature a number of local and out of town amateur Muay Thai fighters. We have also partnered with Kidney Foundation of Alberta and Cornerstone Youth as our local charities of choice. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go directly to these local charities to help with their valuable programming.

This event is open to all ages to enjoy and tickets start at $25. Click here to purchase! Please be advised that due to the tremendous response from the martial arts community, tickets/seats are limited.

April 26^th, 2018

Paint Night
On Tuesday, May 8^th at 6:30PM, we are hosting a paint night at the Community Hall! The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. This will include all of your supplies and take home artwork. Wine will be available for purchase with light snacks. This is a 14+ activity. For more information and to register online, please click here. Please note: the registration deadline is May 5^th!

MET Youth
Met Youth Calgary will be hosting their first ever Alberta Regional Youth Assembly this May! It is a three day event from May 4^th-6^th, where the youth will have a chance to further learn about our faith, network with other Orthodox youth from the city and from the rest of Alberta! As some youth are in Greek School on Saturday, all major events are to occur after 12PM, when they can join us. Click hereto view our Facebook page for more info! Please click here to register for the Assembly. Payment can be sent to the Church Office, or received on the first day of attendance.

This is our first regional assembly since the 90’s, and we hope that with your support it is a big success! If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at orthodoxyouthcalgary@gmail.com.

Ahepa-DOP Scholarships
The Ahepa Family Scholarships are now available! Click here to view the information guide and here to apply. The deadline is June 1^st.

Golden Ladies
The more dynamic than ever Golden Ladies are having our monthly meeting on May 10^th downstairs at 6PM. We will be having a supper and new and old members are invited but you must be of the young age of 55 or older. If you need any more information, please contact Rita Efthimiou at 403-287-7915.

The Hellenic Seniors Society of Calgary
On Sunday, April 29^th after church, the Seniors Society is hosting their Annual Lunch at Mr. Schnapps Restaurant (South location) at 1PM. Space is limited. Please let Sakis know if you are coming at 403-988-8553. Meet you there!

The Seniors Annual Picnic Trip will be in Drumheller this year, on Saturday, May 12^th. The bus leaves at 9AM sharp from the church. There are only 55 spots on the bus, so please register with Sakis if you plan on attending. The fee for the bus trip as well as museum entrance fee will be covered by the Seniors. Snacks and drinks will be provided as well. On the way back to Calgary, dinner will be at the Station Restauraunt in Strathmore. The cost of the dinner is not included with the trip.

Greek School
Our live theater production from Greece, 'A Masked Ball' this past Sunday, was a great success. Children were happy, people laughing and participating; parents, thank you for your support!

Our technology has arrived! iPads and Chromebooks are already being used. Thank you to all the parents who helped us raise money and to the Cretan society for their generous donation.

We conducted our scheduled fire drills since the weather has begun to cooperate. Both drills were completed under 1 min 50 seconds- children exited our building in an orderly and safe manner.

Two students in our accredited program will be writing the Ellinomatheia test in May. This test will written in Edmonton- best of luck to the girls!

The Stats of Life!
CBC is casting singles, couples and families for their program the Stats of Life! If you are interested in applying, click here for some more information.

To view these announcements in Greek, please click here.

April 2^nd, 2018

Security
For the safety of our staff, it has been decided that the doors of the community and church will all be locked during office hours. Please ensure that you have made an appointment.

Consular Visit
Deputy Consul Mrs. Anna Karamaroudis will be in Calgary at the Hellenic Community on:

Saturday, April 14^th
Sunday, April 15^th
Monday, April 16^th

If anyone is in need of Consular Services, please call Simeon (Mike) Sinesios at 403-818-8481 to arrange an appointment for the above dates.

Before booking an appointment, it is strongly recommended that individuals first contact the Consulate in Vancouver to discuss their situation with the Consulate staff. This allows time for any necessary preparations to be made in Vancouver ahead of the Deputy's visit, as this frequently the case. The Greek Consulate in Vancouver: 1-604-681-1381.

Philoptochos
Thank you to everyone that purchased Tsourekia from Philoptochos. We sold out after church on Sunday, thank you for supporting us. A reminder to our community members that Philoptochos continues to make over 1200 sandwiches for the drop-in centre each month. The donations that are placed in the Agia Philothei collection box, located near the candles on the left side of the church entrance, fund those sandwiches. We have been able to do provide sandwiches each month because of your love and generosity. Thank you to the group of volunteers that come to help us make the sandwiches! When we work together with love, we accomplish great things! We wish you all a Blessed and beautiful Pascha!

Sunday School
We are hoping to have some volunteers to be Myrofores and Angles during the Good Friday evening service. If you have a daughter that is 7 years or older and would like to volunteer, please click here and complete the form. We would like to have at least 6 of each (Myrofores and Angels).

Holy Week is a beautiful time to come to church. It is helpful for children to have the liturgical book that accompanies Holy Week so that they can follow along during the church services. On Easter Sunday, it is a very special service. Among other things, you hear the Gospel in different languages and Father Peter makes it fun for the children with an Easter egg cracking challenge after church. It is a wonderful time to come together in prayer and thanksgiving. Kalo Pascha to all!

Easter Baskets
Easter baskets are on sale this week! Each basket is $50 and will contain an Easter Story book, an Easter activity book, a Labatha for Good Friday and Holy Saturday, plus a couple of extra goodies! All proceeds will go towards our Church. Limited quantities available.

Epitaphios Preparations
Thank you to Pamela for organizing the construction of the Epitaphios this year!Please see the schedule below for dates and times:

Wednesday, April 4^th at 3:00 pm - flower prep, removing from boxes, trimming and placing in water
Wednesday, April 4^th following the Holy Unction Service - preparation of floral sponge
Thursday, April 5^th following the Twelve Gospels Service - floral arranging and construction of Epitaphios.

If anyone has questions or would like to help out, please contact Pamela at 403-863-9607 or pdouvis@telusplanet.net.

ARK Seniors
Join the ARK Seniors on April 14^th & 15^th on their trip to Swift Current to Zoodohou Pigis! The price is only $75 per person and includes the hotel, breakfast and dinner on Saturday night! For more information and to reserve a spot, please contact Vaggelis Couvaras at 403-852-7646.

Study Abroad in Greece
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Greeks Abroad is offering a study program to 20 students between ages 18 and 27 of Greek Decent of either one parent or both. The program will last for 10 days and will take place between July 9th and 18th in Athens. If you are interested please email admin@calgaryhellenic.com for an application and information.

March 15th, 2018

Giannhs Sofillas - Live!
Our Community is hosting a concert featuring Giannhs Sofillas on March 24^th! This is a 16+ event with proceeds to benefit the Facility Maintenance Fund for our Community. For tickets, please contact Angela at 403-966-6930, Diane at 403-616-3426 or Katerina at 587-998-9322. We hope to see everyone there!

Greek School
On March 25^th, after the Divine Liturgy, Greek School will be joining the congregation for the Doxology of Independence Day. Following the Doxology, please join the Greek school and their families in the Hall for the celebration, where the students will recite poems, perform a dance and sing a song to commemorate the Independence of Greece!

Greek School Purdy's Fundraiser
Greek School is fundraising with Purdys Chocolate, just in time for Easter! If you’d like to support us through purchasing some very sweet Easter gifts for friends, family and yourself, please click here.

You can create a profile and start buying. If you already have a profile, you can get right to shopping!

The order deadline is today, March 15^th, and your order will be available for pick up on Wednesday March 21^st during Greek school hours (5:30-8:00pm) or Sunday March 25^th after the celebration.

Youth Lenten Retreat
Met Youth Calgary will be hosting their 2^nd Annual Youth Lenten Retreat on March 31^st from 12:00pm-3:30pm in the Hellenic Community Hall. All youth are welcomed to attend. We will be making Palm Crosses, have a lesson about Holy Week, and then a scavenger hunt around the church. Lunch will be provided. We ask all participants to bring $2 and a food bank donation. Please RSVP to orthodoxmetyouth@gmail.com if your children are able to attend.

Easter Baskets
We will be selling a few Easter baskets this year for our young members, starting on Palm Sunday, April 1^st! Each basket is $50 and will contain an Easter Story book, an Easter activity book, a Labatha for Good Friday and Holy Saturday, plus a couple extra goodies! All proceeds to go towards our Church. Limited quantities available.

ARK Seniors
Join the ARK Seniors on April 14^th & 15^th on their trip to Swift Current to Zwodoxou Phghs! The price is only $75 per person and includes the hotel, breakfast and dinner on Saturday night! For more information and to reserve a spot, please contact Vaggelis Couvaras at 403-852-7646.

2018 Calgary European Film Festival
Preparations have begun in planning this years European Film Festival, and we are looking for a community volunteer to represent our community in the Film Festival. The volunteer will help with organizing and also, with the help of the other members of the CEFF, choose a film from Greece. Interested members can contact Beatrix Downton at beatrix.downton@gmail.com.

Inquiry
A family from Lethbridge has reached out to our community to find out if there is anyone in their area who would be able to provide Greek lessons for their children. If you are or someone you know would be able to provide lessons, please contact the Greek School at greekschool@calgaryhellenic.com.

Newsletter for the Diaspora
Click here to read the March newsletter from the Hellenic Parliament for Greeks abroad!

March 1^st, 2018

Spiritual Retreat
This Saturday, March 3^rd, following the Divine Liturgy, we are having a spiritual retreat open to everyone. The schedule for the day is as follows:
- 10:30am-11:15am Brunch
- 11:15am-12:30pm Presentation by His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios – On the theme “Whosever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven”.
- 12:30pm-1:00pm Coffee break
- 1:00pm-1:05pm Greetings by Sapfo Rassias, Philoptochos President of Cananda
- 1:05pm-1:30pm Presentation by Rev. Fr. Peter Rougas on the theme – “Philoptochos and Missions; internal and external philanthropy”.
- 1:30pm-2:00pm Question and answer session
- 2:30pm Closing Prayer

Greek School
Volunteers are needed for the celebration on March 25^th. Please see the attached document by clicking here for areas that require volunteers. Parents, this will count towards your mandatory 10 hours of volunteering for the year. Interested parents can email Fofo or Yanna atprincipal@calgaryhellenic.com.

Easter Baskets
We will be selling a few Easter baskets this year for our young members! They will be available in mid March. More details to come in the next newsletter!

Multicultural Night at the Hitmen Game!
The Calgary Hitmen are hosting their 3^rd Annual Multicultural Night on Sunday, March 4^th at 4:00 p.m. Please join us for the game with your Greek flags and blue and white to showcase our community. Tickets are $10.00/each. For more information or to reserve your tickets, please contact dimfoto403@gmail.com.

Giannis Sofillas - Live!
Our Community is hosting a concert featuring Giannis Sofillas on March 24^th! This is an 18+ event with proceeds to benefit the Facility Maintenance Fund for our Community. For tickets, please contact Angela at 403-966-6930, Diane at 403-616-3426 or Katerina at 587-998-9322. We hope to see everyone there!

February 16^th, 2018

Multicultural Night at the Hitmen Game!
The Calgary Hitmen are hosting their 3^rd Annual Multicultural Night on Sunday, March 4^th at 4:00 p.m. Please join us for the game with your Greek flags and blue and white to showcase our community. Tickets are $10.00/each. For more information or to reserve your tickets, please contact dimfoto403@gmail.com.

Greek School
Greek School will be welcoming parents and students to our parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday, February 21^st and Saturday, February 24^th. Sign up sheets will be posted outside the classrooms by February 14th.

As in the past session, we will be dismissing students an hour early in order to accommodate the conferences. We will be offering a Greek movie in the boardroom for those students that need to stay behind in order for parents to conference with teachers.

Thank you to those who have approached us with kind support and constructive feedback. We value your input in moving forward together. Please let the teachers know if there are any pressing concerns prior to these conferences. A progress report will be sent home in April, prior to our final report in June.

Philoptochos
On Sunday, February 18^th, Philoptochos will be selling Tiropites and Spanakopites after the Divine Liturgy for Tirinis.

Sunday School
Upcoming Sunday school on February 18^th. Happy Valentine's Day to all! Continue to be a light in people's lives by spreading kindness and love wherever you go!

Apokriatiko Party in Edmonton
Join the Hellenic Community in Edmonton this Saturday, February 17^th for their annual party! Click here to find out more!

February 2^nd, 2018

2018 President's Message
Dear community members,

I want to start by wishing all of you a Happy New Year. The community council met earlier this month and we are all looking forward to a productive year ahead. This year we welcomed three new council members, George Mylonas, Kathy Vlismas, and Kathy Marinakos. We would also like to welcome back to the council Nick Zannis and John Yiannitsos. During our first meeting of the year, we focused on the importance of transparency, community engagement and the future of our community. The executive for the 2018 term was elected and committees were put into place. To see a list of all council members, the executive, and committees please click here.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact any one of us if you have questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Nick Vasilakos
President
Hellenic Community of Calgary

Community Blood Drive
Thank you to all who have signed up for our first hosted blood drive in the Hellenic Community. We still require more donors. Please consider registering today for Monday February 5^th, and bringing along a friend or family member to donate with you! God has given us all the ability to GIFT LIFE - with your blood donation, you can save someone's mother, father, sister, brother, husband, wife, child. It is the greatest gift you can give someone. Please sign up today at blood.ca or 1-888-2-DONATE.

Philoptochos
To honour the golden aged members of our community for their hard work and dedication, the Greek Ladies of Philoptochos will be hosting a Senior's Luncheon on Sunday, February 4^th right after the Divine Liturgy. Seniors, ages 65 and up are free. For those under 65, the price will be $10 a person. We hope to see you there!

Sunday School
Upcoming Sunday school dates are February 4^th and February 18^th. Happy Valentine's Day to all! Continue to be a light in people's lives by spreading kindness and love wherever you go!

10^th Annual Poker Tournament
Thank you to all who attended our 10^th Annual Poker Tournament and making it a huge success! A special thank you to the volunteers and donors - this event couldn't have happened without you!

Stay tuned for our next community event on March 24^th!

January 16^th, 2018

10^th Annual Poker Tournament
Join us on Saturday, January 27^th for our 10^th Annual Poker Tournament! Proceeds from the night will go towards the Hellenic Community of Calgary and the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic at the Peter Lougheed Centre. Tickets to this wonderful event are $250 (includes the tournament buy in, prime rib dinner and all drinks) or $50 (includes the prime rib dinner and all drinks). Doors open at 5PM and dinner service will begin at 5:30PM. Register before January 20^th by calling Gus at 403-998-3386 or Mitch at 403-862-9459. For sponsorship opportunities, please call Diane at 403-616-3426. Jackets and some purple attire requested.

Community Blood Drive
Our community has teamed up with Blood Services to host our first Blood Drive on Monday, February 5^th from 3pm-8pm. This clinic is open to anyone, so get your family, friends, and neighbours to sign up. Simply go to www.blood.ca to register today!

Fun Casino Night

Mark your calendars - the Daughters of Penelope and Ahepa are hosting their Fun Casino on February 10^th! For event details, cick here to visit their Facebook page. Tickets go fast, so be sure to get yours early by contacting Diane Polesello at 403-616-3426.

2018 Community Memberships
As a reminder, memberships run on a calendar basis so please be sure to renew your membership at the church office or online for 2018 to ensure your status remains active! Currently, we have no active student members. Parents of young adults aged 18-25 and attending a post secondary institution, please encourage them to pay their dues. Doing so as young adults will ensure that they too have a community for their future use. Our church and community can only continue to grow when we inspire, encourage and embrace our youth!

Greek School
We had a festive time at Greek School, right before Christmas! Our lovely teacher, Nancy Koutselas, prepared a traditional craft for our students. The traditional sailing boat the signifies the Greeks decorating the sailing boats in the harbour to welcome the sailors coming home during this season. Click here to see what the students made! Thank you to all the teachers for helping and participating!

January 2^nd, 2018

Office Hours
Please note that regular office hours will resume on January 8^th.

Greek School
The Greek 15 class has a new teacher - welcome Maria Brophy! Maria is originally from Crete and is now working on her Bachelor of Education. To our outgoing teacher Eirini Psaropoulou, the Community thanks you for your years of dedication to the Greek School program and to the students you worked with.
Towards the end of January, we are offering a begginers-intermediate adult class with Nancy Koutselas, on Wednesday evenings. We are also offering a beginners adult class on Saturday mornings. For more information on either classes please contact Yanna or Fofo at principal@calgaryhellenic.com.
We hope you had a festive season and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Philoptochos News
Happy New Year! Thank you to all who supported and attended the Philoptochos New Years Eve Celebration! Without your continued support, we would not be able to help as many people as we are able to.

Sunday School
Our Sunday school classes for January are: January 7^th & 21^st.

Epiphany 2018
The Blessing of Homes for Epiphany will take place on January 5^th, from 11AM to 9PM, and on January 6^th, from 1PM to 9PM. If you would like to receive the blessings of Epiphany for 2018, please fill out the form by clicking here and sending it to Father Peter at Fr.Peter@shaw.ca.

MET Youth
Met Youth Calgary is having a soup and sandwich luncheon after church on Sunday January 7^th. All proceeds will be going to the youth group and their upcoming events. Any youth interested in volunteering, please email orthodoxyouthcalgary@gmail.com. We hope to see everyone there!

10^th Annual Poker Tournament
Join us on Saturday, January 27^th for our 10^th Annual Poker Tournament! Proceeds from the night will go towards the Hellenic Community of Calgary and the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic at Peter Lougheed Centre. Tickets for this wonderful event are $250 (includes the tournament buy in, prime rib dinner and all drinks) or $50 (includes the prime rib dinner and all drinks). Doors open at 5PMand dinner service will begin at 5:30PM. Call Gus at 403-998-3386 or Mitch at 403-862-9459 for tickets before January 20^th. For sponsorship opportunities, please call Diane at 403-616-3426. Jackets and some purple attire requested.

Fun Casino Night
Mark your calendars - the Daughters of Penelope and Ahepa are hosting their Fun Casino on Saturday, February 10^th! For event details, cick here to visit their Facebook page. Tickets go fast, so be sure to get yours early by contacting Diane Polesello at 403-616-3426.