OLYMPIC IDEALS-OLYMPIC HYMN BY KOSTIS PALAMAS- A lecture by Pr. Mallias Theodoros in Montreal, Canada

The Hellenic Congress of Canada and the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal support and highlight the Olympic ideals and the cultivation of excellence promoted globally by the Patras Fine Arts Association “Kostis Palamas” and the Center for Culture and Olympism, with guest speaker Professor Theodoros Mallias.

It was a particularly moving event for the Hellenic diaspora in Canada, attended by distinguished figures from the fields of education, culture, and business. It took place in the heart of Hellenism—Montreal—at the Community’s impressive Multi-Purpose Hall, on Wednesday, April 23rd, at 7:00 p.m., as part of the celebrations for the Greek War of Independence of 1821. The event was dedicated to the sacred struggle and the contribution of poet Kostis Palamas to the spiritual revival of our Nation and as a reviver of the Olympic ideals.

The event was meticulously organized by the Hellenic Congress of Canada, with the warm and thoughtful coordination of the event’s host, Mrs. Pelagia Adamidis, and the support of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal. The honorary speaker was Professor Theodoros Mallias.

In his rich and educational audiovisual presentation—featuring slides, narratives, videos, photographs, and expressive recitations of the poet’s verses by Mrs. Zoi Iliopoulou—he highlighted the work of our national poet, Kostis Palamas, along with his proclamation of peace and the promotion of excellence, as reflected in his Olympic Hymn.

The numerous prominent members of the Greek diaspora in attendance had the opportunity to gain a profound and compelling understanding of the life and work of our great poet, as well as the timeless and universal significance of the Olympic symbols and the ideals of Olympism.

During the event, optimistic video messages were shared by the Regional Governor of Western Greece, Mr. Nektarios Farmakis, who emphasized the significant contribution of the Greek diaspora to Hellenic culture and national identity, and by the Rector of the University of Patras, Mr. Christos Bouras.

Greetings were also given by the Consul of Cyprus, Ms. Vivia Kyriakopoulos; the President of the Hellenic Congress of Canada, Dr. Theodoros Chalatsis; and the President of the Hellenic Community of Montreal, Dr. George Tsoukas.

Mrs. Pelagia Adamidis presented the biography of the guest speaker, Dr. Theodoros Mallias. Dr. Theodoros Chalatsis spoke about the importance of the event, while Dr. Kostas Papas, in a well-documented address, presented the distinguished culmination of the speaker’s research work—the luxurious bilingual edition of the book-album on “Olympism.” This publication thoroughly documents the life, work, and contribution of our National Poet to Olympism, along with the historical journey of the Olympic Spirit from ancient times to the modern Olympic Games.

An honorary presentation of commemorative gifts followed, awarded to Professor Theodoros Mallias and to the President of the Center for Culture and Olympism “Kostis Palamas,” Mrs. Georgia Yachou, in recognition of their contributions to culture.

Additionally, the bilingual book-album on Olympism was presented as an honorary gift to the Consul of Cyprus, Ms. Vivia Kyriakopoulou; the President of the Congress, Dr. Theodoros Chalatsis; the President of the Hellenic Community of Montreal, Dr. George Tsoukas; and Professor Jacques Bouchard of the University of Montreal, for their significant contributions to Hellenism in Montreal.

The event in Montreal served as a tribute to the Greek spirit and the historical continuity of the Greek nation, nurturing the love of learning and the national pride of our diaspora.

Professor Theodoros Mallias, President of the Patras Fine Arts Association “Kostis Palamas,” and his wife Georgia Yachou, President of the Center for Culture and Olympism, concluded their month-long tour of the United States and Canada. The tour began with the official presentation of his lecture in New Jersey, followed by events at the Hellenic Center of New York at the Stathakion Cultural Center, then in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and finally in Montreal, Canada. At each stop, they presented the work of Kostis Palamas, his proclamation of peace, and the promotion of excellence, as expressed through the poet’s Olympic Hymn.

At every city, the speaker issued a universal appeal to American leadership and the International Olympic Committee, calling for the implementation of the Ancient Greek concept of “Ekecheiria” (Olympic Truce) among participating nations during the upcoming “Los Angeles 2028” Olympic Games.

A heartfelt commendation is due to the Hellenic community of Montreal, the Hellenic Congress of Canada, and the Hellenic Community of Montreal for their role in promoting and showcasing Hellenism in Canada. Equal praise is extended to the Patras Fine Arts Association “Kostis Palamas” and the Gallery Conservatory of the “Kostis Palamas” Center for Culture and Olympism for their contribution to the fulfillment of their cultural mission.