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President’s Notes Dear Reader, This magazine is a representation of who we are as an association and further demonstrates our dedication to our members and greater community. There is no doubt that the Greek Students’ Association is one of the most active groups on campus. We strive to promote our values as Greeks through entertainment events, academic lectures, cultural-informative happenings, and organized trips amongst others, most of which this issue will reiterate. Add to that, this edition is designed to be an inclusive platform for members who are interested in publishing their own opinions and a way to voice their personal concerns.
This past year we have seen an incredible increase in interest from students and organizations alike, as we watched our social events overflow with people and enjoyed their support. In hopes of even greater interest I encourage readers to go a step further and contact the Association to find out how to become involved. Finally, I would like to emphasize my gratitude to my executives for their support and commend them for their success. It has been an honor being a part of the collaborative effort in re-launching TAChidromos and the president of the Greek Students’ Association this year. Best Regards, Kostas Katsanevas, President
editors Notes Dear Readers, The Greek Students’ Association is pleased to announce a Spring Edition of TAChidromos this year. Tachidromos presents a review of the Greek Students’ Association’s events from September 2013 until April 2014. It also includes two captivating articles: one by Stavroula Michaopoulos and another Greek piece by Anastasios Exacoustos. Stavroula as our Director of Athletics produces a summary of our year’s fruitful sports teams and our Vice President Exernal Anastasios discusses OHI Day.
We are delighted to inform our readers and the Greek Community of Toronto that we have successfully brought back Modern Greek to the University of Toronto. Starting September 2014 a minor will be available in Modern Greek Studies. Thank you to everyone who aided in achieving this ambitious goal. We look forward to seeing great things happen in the fall. The Greek Students’ Association
has just passed hands from our 2013/2014 Executive team to our 2014/2015 Executive team. We are sad to loose three amazing graduating students: President Kosta Katsanevas, Treasurer George Anastasakos and Vice President Internal Nikki Yorgiadis. However, we are also happy to welcome the new Executive Council for the fall. The Greek Students’ Association remains one of the most active groups on campus with an incredible 237 members for the 2013/2014 year and was awarded the Club Leadership Award ‘Outstanding Club Executive Team’. It has been a pleasure being the Greek Students’ Associations Secretary this past year and Editor of Tachidromos. I look forward to future events in the 2014/2015 year as Secretary once more. Thank you for reading! Regards, Danielle Tavernese, Editor-in-Chef
The Modern Greek PROGRAM It would seem that hardship and impasses come hand in hand with all great initiatives, yet the truest of causes in the end prevail. I begin and end this piece on a positive note, but in between lies rejection and dead ends. For over a decade the University of Toronto was like a muse without inspiration, forgetting the importance of the Hellenic language. As we know, Hellenic culture is an integral part of western society; this is why it is imperative that an education institution like the University of Toronto should be Canada’s leading cultural hub for Hellenic Studies. This has and always will be part of the Greek Students’ Association’s philosophy, one that we have pursued since our inception as a group. For the sake of clarity, three years ago the Greek Students’ Association at U of T began working on this cause – a worthy one. Since then we have been pursuing the repatriation of our heritage to the University of Toronto. At the beginning, the GSA worked tirelessly to find the proper niche for this academic field. Interestingly enough we were told to quit our efforts and
that our motivation was bound to bare no fruit; but isn’t a young person’s drive impeccable? What initially seemed a feeble and delicate issue has thankfully become a reality - all this because of the students’ relentless determination. Although one year ago we received confirmation, we have learned that such a feat is a delicate process of negotiation between the interested parties. All in all, the 2014/2015 school year will enjoy a program consisting of at least 2 FCE courses. The following years should expect an increase of 4 FCE courses under the Centre for European,
Russian and Eurasian Studies (CERES) department at the Munk School of Global Affairs. The planned courses will likely include three full year courses in Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Modern Greek respectively; one full-year course in Modern Greek Literature and Culture; one half-course on Greece and the European Union; one half-course on International Relations of Greece and Contemporary Issues. I’d like to note that these courses and their content are currently under development. It is important to remember that this was a collective effort as I
would like to emphasize that our cause could not have been accomplished without the help of the distinguished Consulate General of Greece, the Honorable Dimitris Azemopoulos, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, Professors Robert Austin and
Randal Hansen, Honorable city councilor Mary Fragedakis, coordinator of Greek Educational Affairs Debbie Hatzidiakos along with many other individuals and organizations. The nature of this piece limits my words, yet our appreciation is boundless.
Clubs cup On September 25, the GSA took part in the annual UTICA Clubs Cup with not one team, but two. Concurring all obstacles placed in their way towards entering the tournament, they were finally able to enter and represent their Greek heritage. Many ethnic groups participated such as Italians, Croatians, Latin American, and several other rivaling nations. Both teams succeeded throughout the tournament with one of our teams advancing to finals. The final game was Greece vs. Italy in a final match to win the cup. GSA came out victorious winning 4-1 against UTICA and bringing back the trophy to our office for
a second time. Congratulations to all of our players who participated and we hope to continue playing
in this traditional tournament and bringing the Cup where it belongs. Go GSA!
General Meeting & Pub night The GSA’s annual General Meeting at Hart House took place on September 26th followed by our pub night at O’grady’s on College Street. The General Meeting was a great turnout where many new and returning members came to support the GSA and meet the new executive team. It was a great pleasure to see first year students of Greek descent joined out organization and coming closer to their heritage and culture. Moreover, we are proud to announce our new female-dominated directors: Lydia Caradonna, Angelica Dimoulias, Katerina Stamadianos, Anastasia Grigoriou and Stavroula Michalopoulos. At the pub, members enjoyed drinks and appetizers, while they made new friends and they socialized with each. The new school year kicked off extremely well and we look forward to an exciting and full of activities semester.
Makropoulo Concert The Greek Students’ Association was offered VIP tickets for the Makropoulo concert held on December 26th by Signature Productions, which turned out to be a magnificent night, full of “kefi”. Our executives and directors had the opportunity to enjoy a night of singing, dancing and good food along with Makropoulo, Eleni Alexandri and Giannis Kritikos. They had the opportunity to experience Greek nightlife in Toronto and meet the singers and the musicians. The ladies showcased their tsiftetelia moves, while the gentlemen finished off the night with popular zeibekika. The GSA would like to thank Signature Productions for their continuous support and for offering this opportunity. We look forward to attending more events.
Winter Conversation Club On Thursday, January 20,the GSA held the second conversation club of the year! The event took place once again at the GSA office from 7:30 to 9 pm.Our director of cultural affairs Angelica was hosting the event,as she did the first term. This time,old members as well as new members attended the event.The conversation involved talking about our new courses,the cold weather but our main focus was on the GSA’s annual trip to Montreal which is in less than 2 weeks away and has as all very excited!During the the event members enjoyed treats provided by the association.Thank you to all of you who came once again!
Movie Night On Thursday January 30th, the GSA hosted one of its most anticipated events of the year, movie night! The event took place in the common room at the fourth floor of the Sussex building right across the GSA office. We all were all very entertained by watching the 2008 musical Mamma Mia since it fuses the beautiful scenery of the Greek islands and the classic ABBA songs we all enjoy. During the movie, members had the chance to enjoy pizza, popcorn and treats provided by the GSA. Thank you to all of you who came, we can’t wait to host more successful events in the near future!
halloween havoc Monsters, ghouls, cats, Greek goddess’s and sailors were some of the original costumes worn at our annual Halloween Havoc. The Greek Students’ Association of U of T, York and Ryerson worked extremely hard in order to put together an amazing night. This event took place on Friday October 25th at Fiction Nightclub. The music was a great mix of English and Greek; the venue was creatively decorated with spider webs, pumpkins and insects, giving the club a spooky atmosphere. Hosted by ΣΕΦ Toronto, 2013’s Halloween Havoc was both successful and memorable.
oxi day On Sunday, October 28, “OXI day” was celebrated, as it is every year, on Danforth. “OXI day” marks monumental moment when the prime minister of Greece at the time, Ioannis Metaxas, said “No” on opening the Greek boarders and allowing the Italian army to invade Greece. Since then, the 28th of October is a national celebration. The Greek community on Danforth organizes a parade each year to celebrate his heroic response .The GSA members of the University of Toronto, York University and Ryerson University marched with the rest of the Greek community., full of pride and dignity. This march is important to the Greek community, as we pay respect to the people that fought during the war, helping Greece to be an independent country and preserve our countries independence. After the parade, several GSA members met their families and spread all over the Danforth. The Greek Students Association finished a successful day with lunch at “Astoria”. We aspire to have another outstanding parade next year.
Fall Conversation Club On Thursday, November 28, the GSA held the first conversation club of the year. The event took place in the GSA office from 11 to 1pm. Our director of cultural affairs, Angelica, did a fantastic job of facilitating the conversation. Several of our members came to discuss rather simple topics, with the main focus of relieving exam stress. Our executive council plans on holding another conversation club next semester. Thank you to all who attended!
Cavafis On Monday, November 25 the GSA celebrated 150 years from the birth of one of Greece’s most renowned poets, Constantine P. Cavafys. The event was a wine and cheese event, and took place in the Music room at Hart House. The Honourable Consul General of Greece Dimitris Azemopoulos attended the event, alongside with city councilor Mary Fragedakis. Professor Hugh Mason from the University of Toronto and professor Andrew Faulkner from the University of Waterloo each presented some
of Cavafis’ most known poems. After the presentation there was an open discussion where the attendees asked the professors about the poet’s life and work. Wine and cheese was enjoyed throughout the night. Thank you to everyone who attended, and to our presenters.
Christmas Dinner On Thursday, January 19, 2013, the GSA held their annual Christmas party to celebrate the end of a great semester. Drinks and traditional Greek food was served, and tasty desserts enjoyed. The directors were initiated and welcomed to the executive team! We look forward to a great second semester.
Montreal trip From Friday February 14th to Monday February 17th, SEF Toronto took their annual trip to Montreal, joining together the HSAs and GSAs of York, Ryerson, UofT, Western and UOIT. The weekend was spent doing various social activities including trips to the casino as well as Old Montreal. New friendships were made and old friendships celebrated, as the nights were spent dancing and having fun at the various nightclubs. Also, we were pleased to award two free all-inclusive trips to Greece to the winners of our scavenger hunt, for the first time ever! Congratulations to Giorgio Papadakis and Georgie Demakos! We are incredibly happy with this years Montreal trip, and we thank SEF Toronto for another amazing vacation during reading week. We would also like to thank Go Greece 2014 for their support as well as everyone who made this trip the success it was. This was our greatest Montreal trip yet, and we look forward to making next years trip even greater!
Tsiknopempti On February 20th the Greek Students Association of the University of Toronto met with the Hellenic Students Associations of York and Ryerson to celebrate Tsiknopempti, our annual Montreal after party! The party took place at Whistlers Restaurant and Bar, celebrating the success of our annual trip to Montreal during reading week. Tsiknopempti gave trip-goers the opportunity to catch up with friends after their crazy weekend in Quebec. Tsiknopempti is traditionally a day where meat is consumed prior to the arrival of Lent. The partygoers feasted on a Greek meal of souvlaki and other traditional foods in order to mark the occasion. Special thanks to DJ George Samaras for keeping the party going and to Whistlers for the delicious food. Thank you to everyone who attended, we look forward to seeing you for Montreal 201
unity ball On Friday February 28, the GSA partook, as they do annually, in the Unity Ball held by UTSU. The ball took place at 89 Chestnut Residence at 6pm. Many ethnic groups bought a table filled with their executives, including the Greek Students’ association. The night was spectacular; men and women dressed to the nines, and a buffet was served at 7pm. The GSA won the club leadership award of Outstanding Club executive team. We accepted this award with honor. Many thanks go out to UTSU for providing us with this award and recognizing the talent that is the GSA. We would also like to thank our amazing members for providing us with the opportunity to continue to improve the GSA each year. It was a night that will not soon be forgotten!
executive debates After the official start of our annual Greek Week on Monday, March 24th, 2014, the debate between the candidates running for positions on our executive board took place at the GSA office. Potential voters were able to interactive with and get to know the respectable candidates, and engage in question and answer sessions. Current VP of External Affairs, Anastasios Exacoustos engaged with candidate Michael Kanopoulos, in a thorough debate over the treasurer position. Our current Director of Athletics Stavroula Michalopoulos, is running for VP of Internal Affairs against Ellie Minchopoulos. Both candidates were able to present very engaging ideas for the upcoming year. Lastly, our current VP of Public Relations Dora Konomi, and VP of Student Life Vikki Bekiaris, went head to head for presiden-
cy of the GSA. Dora announced her intentions to look into a scholarship program headed by the GSA and Vikki, a mentorship program to provide more support for our members. Various topics and issue ar-
eas were addressed, which will certainly make for a great year to come with the GSA in 20142015. We would like to thank everyone for coming out, as well as our mediators Dimitri Kyriakakis & Nicole Gretes!
Greek Independence Parade On Sunday the 23rd of March despite the cold weather, the Greek Students’ Association of U of T celebrated Greek Independence Day by marching down the Danforth along with York and Ryerson. There were many students who came out to support their Hellenic culture by marching in the parade. Toronto mayor Rob Ford also made an appearance to support Greek Independence Day. The parade was filled with joy and laughter throughout the afternoon. It was a day to reflect on our Greek heritage and the brave battles fought in 1821 in order to achieve our own national independence. The students who came out with the GSA enjoyed a lovely lunch at Astoria. It was a very memorable and patriotic day!
Greek week From Monday March 24th to Thursday March 27th the GSA held their annual Greek Week! On the first day our members and other students enjoyed baked goods such as loukoumades and bougatsa in Sydney Smith. On Tuesday March 25 we were at Bahen Center making everyone happy using delicious gyro and spanakopita. Wednesday March 26 saw our second movie night of the year in the Sussex Lounge on the fourth floor. Once again, attendants enjoyed Greek delicacies and pizza while watching the traditional movie “300�. Finally,
on Thursday March 27,our most awaited event took place on the UTSU lawn. Our own exec team and members roasted a lamb on the spit, followed by souvlakia, tzatziki, potatoes and rice. Throughout the week members had the opportunity to vote for the new Executive Council. Voting continued into Friday March 28 and the winners were announced at 5pm. Thank you to everyone who came out to our events and supported us once again this year: Greek Week was a great success. Congratulations to our new executive council for 2014-2015!
Gala event The Greek Students’ Association at the University of Toronto had the opportunity to attend the Greek National Independence Day Gala hosted by the Greek Community of Toronto on March 22, 2014 at the Paramount Conference and Event Center. The gala aimed to commemorate the independence of Greece from the Ottoman Empire of March 25, 1821. In addition, the gala celebrated the 105th anniversary of the Greek Community of Toronto. The night’s masters of ceremonies were our association’s very own President Kostas Katsanevas, and Vice-President of Public Affairs Dora Konomi. The night began with the singing of the Canadian and Greek national anthems as wells as welcoming remarks from the Greek Community of Toronto President Antonis Artemakis, and the Consul General of Greece in Toronto, Dimitris Azemopoulos. The Gala also featured a special presentation surrounding the Greek Canadian History Project, an initiative that strives to preserve historical experiences and artifacts surrounding Canada’s Greek im-
migrants. Our amazing masters of ceremonies also had the privilege of announcing the official approval of the Modern Greek Program that will take course in the following school year. The night in itself was filled with enlightening speakers, delicious food, a wonderful ambience and great entertainment. The Greek Students’ Association at the University of Toronto was proud to support their fellow Greek Community in commemorating their Greek heritage and culture at such a fun and engaging event.
GSA SPORTS Each year GSA is fortunate enough to be able to participate in intramurals, and this year is no different. Our 2014 sports teams included volleyball, intertube water polo and men’s soccer. The men soccer season still continues and new members are always welcome. The GSA aspires to continue to have great outcomes. Our Intertube water polo team consisted of competitive and passionate GSA members. The team was made up of only six players with no substitutes while other teams had more than enough players to easily defeat a team of six. Unfortunately this year’s team did not pass to the semi finals but the players showed strong efforts and a passionate love for the game. Lastly, the GSA’s volleyball team had a great turnout! Members worked well together winning the GSA several games. We are overwhelmed with the amazing sportsmanship our members show and we look forward to many more successful terms. Thank you to those who participated in this year’s sporting events!
opinion article
Το ιστορικό «ΟΧΙ» του 1940 Οχι μόνο μια ημέρα ειρήνης, τιμής, πατριωτισμού και δόξας, αλλα μια μέρα εθνικής αντίστασης που σηματοδότησε την αρχή του τέλους του Β’ Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου. Η Ιταλία, ακόμα και πριν την 28η Οκτωβρίου του 1940 δεν έκρυβε την επιδίωξη της να κυριαρχήσει στη Μεσόγειο καθλως είχε ήδη αρχίσει εχθρικές ενέργειες εις βάρος της Ελλάδας. Η σοβαρότερη ήταν ο τορπιλισμός του αντιτορπιλικού «ΕΛΛΗ» στο λιμάνι της Τήνου στις 15 Αυγούστου 1940. Δύο μήνες αργότερα, στις 28 Οκτωβρίου 1940, η Ιταλία ζήτησε από τον πρωθυπουργό Ιωάννη Μεταξά την παράδοση της χώρας. Η απάντηση ήταν το τιμητικό και τεράστιο «ΟΧΙ» που έβαλε την Ελλάδα στον Β’ Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο και ταυτόχρονα ξεκίνησε ο ελληνοιταλικός πόλεμος. Ο συγκεκριμένος πόλεμος του 1940-1941 η αλλιώς «Έπος του 40» ήταν η πολεμική σύγκρουση μεταξύ Ελλάδας και συνασπισμού Ιταλίας και Αλβανίας, η οποία διήρκεσε από τις 28 Οκτωβρίου 1940 μέχρι τις 31 Μαΐου 1941, όταν και ολοκληρώθηκε η κατάληψη της χώρας. Ο Χίτλερ, βλέποντας ότι οι Ιταλοί παρά τον τελειότερο εξοπλισμό και τις μεγαλύτερες δυνάμεις τους δεν μπορούσαν να κατακτήσουν την Ελλάδα, αποφάσισε να επέμβει ο ίδιος τον Απρίλιο του 1941. Ο στρατός της Ελλάδας μας, που υπερασπιζόταν το Ρούπελ και τα άλλα οχυρά στα σύνορα με τη Βουλγαρία, αγωνίστηκε ηρωικά. Η Ελλάδα όμως δεν μπορούσε να αντιμετωπίσει ταυτόχρονα και τους δυο επιδρομείς. Οι Γερμανοί, για να την κατακτήσουν, αναγκάστηκαν να θυσιάσουν διαλεχτά τμήματα του στρατού τους. Ο ηρωικός αγώνας του ελληνικού στρατού, εκτός από τις μεγάλες απώλειες που προκάλεσε στον Άξονα, ανάγκασε τη Γερμανία να καθυστερήσει την επίθεση της εναντίον της Ρωσίας. Αυτή η καθυστέρηση συνέβαλε στην τελική ήττα των Γερμανών, οι οποίοι, εκτός από την αντίσταση των Ρώσων, είχαν να αντιμετωπίσουν και τον ανυπόφορο ρωσικό χειμώνα. Οι Γερμανοί, όταν κατέλαβαν την Ελλάδα, παραχώρησαν τμήματα της Μακεδονίας και της Θράκης στους συμμάχους τους Βουλγάρους. Την υπόλοιπη χώρα τη μοιράστηκαν με τους Ιταλούς. Έτσι, για την Ελλάδα άρχιζε η φρίκη της τριπλής κατοχής. Πείνα και εξαθλίωση μάστιζε το λαό. Τα τρόφιμα ήταν ελάχιστα, αφού τα περισσότερα τα κατέλαβαν οι κατακτητές. Η κατάσταση στις πόλεις και κυρίως στην Αθήνα ήταν απελπιστική. Σύντομα, δημιουργήθηκαν αντιστασιακές οργανώσεις στις πόλεις που αντιμετώπισαν αρχικά το ζήτημα της επιβίωσης του πληθυσμού μετά την τρομερή εμπειρία των εκατοντάδων χιλιάδων νεκρών της πείνας το χειμώνα του 1941-42 στην Αθήνα και τον Πειραιά, και στη συνέχεια οργάνωσαν την αντίσταση στην πολιτική επιστράτευση που επέβαλε την υποχρεωτική αποστολή Ελλήνων εργατών στη Γερμανία. Η Εθνική αντίσταση θέριευε και προκαλούσε στον κατακτητή σοβαρές απώλειες. Κορυφαίο κατόρθωμα, κατά την πρώτη φάση ανάπτυξης της αντίστασης, ήταν η ανατίναξη της γέφυρας του Γοργοπόταμου (25 Νοεμβρίου 1942). Με την καταστροφή της καθυστέρησε ο ανεφοδιασμός των στρατευμάτων του Άξονα, που πολεμούσαν στην Αφρική. Από την άλλη μεριά η αντίσταση ανάγκασε τους κατακτητές να διατηρήσουν πολύ στρατό στην Ελλάδα, ενώ τους ήταν απαραίτητος σε άλλα μέτωπα. Ήταν μια ακόμη προσφορά των Ελλήνων στη συμμαχική νίκη εναντίον των δυνάμεων του Άξονα. Αυτή η νίκη οδήγησε και στην απελευθέρωση της Ελλάδας στις 12 Οκτωβρίου 1944. Παρατηρούμε δηλαδή οτι το ηρωικό «ΟΧΙ» δεν σημάδεψε μόνο την ελληνική αντίσταση αλλα και την ήττα του Άξονα που σήμανε το τέλος του Β’ Παγκόσμιου Πολέμου. -Αναστάσιος Εξάκουστος