PADEE - WHIA

Wonderful to see PADEE-WHIA Vice President Effie Triantafilopoulos welcoming members of Ontario’s Hellenic business community at Queen’s Park. The success of Hellenes around the world and the strong ties between community, entrepreneurship, and public service continue to make our global Hellenic network stronger.

It was a pleasure to welcome Peter and George from Asteria Imports to Queen’s Park.

As valued members of Ontario’s Hellenic business community, Peter and George represent the entrepreneurship, hard work, and community spirit that have helped generations of Greek-Canadians contribute to our province’s economic and cultural life.

Australian-Greek member of Victorian Parliament Lee Tarlamis welcomed at the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Greece to welcome a Hellenic delegation to the Parliament of Victoria.

We express our sincere condolences on the passing of former Federal Transport Minister and Member for Shortland, Australia, Peter Morris, at the age of 93. Morris served his electorate with dedication for 26 years (1972–1998).
He and his younger brother Allan Morris – also a federal MP – were the sons of Jimmy Morris, a Greek immigrant from the island of Symi who built a life in Australia after arriving from Greece.. He anglicised his name from Agapitos Montiadis.
May his memory be eternal.

Pleased to host Archon Evagelos Sotiropoulos, President of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and fellow MPPs to “Beyond Borders – The 1,700-Year Diplomat: Religious Freedom and the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a Global Actor for Peace” – a roundtable discussion at Queen’s Park.

During the roundtable, the Archon provided an engaging and informative presentation followed by a meaningful discussion on the importance of religious freedom, dialogue, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s longstanding role as a global force for peace.

Thank you to my colleagues:
Aris Babikian
Tom Rakocevic
Jonathan Tsao

Our President, Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis, was invited today by Ms. Irena Argyri to appear on Naftemporiki TV, where he discussed the role of PADEE-WHIA in supporting Hellenism, as well as the upcoming 30th Anniversary celebration.

With a strong and inspiring show of unity, our President, State Senator Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis led, on April 3, 2026, the celebration of the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation at the Rhode Island State House, bringing together Rhode Island’s Hellenic communities and distinguished guests.

The event welcomed members of Congress, state leaders, mayors, and the Consul General of Greece in Boston Symeon Tegos, along with Hellenic Navy Commander George Kapnisis, followed by keynote remarks from journalist Dr. Yanna Darilis.

Throughout the week, Greek flags were proudly raised across Rhode Island, while the State House dome was illuminated in blue and white—a longstanding tradition initiated by Senator Raptakis, reflecting the deep and enduring bond between Greece and the United States.

Special resolutions passed in both the Senate and House recognized:
• The historic ties between Greece and the U.S.
• The Feast of the Annunciation
• World Greek Language Day
• The 100th Anniversary of AHEPA Chapter 106

The celebration concluded with a moving ceremony, prayers, and the singing of both national anthems—honoring our shared heritage, values, and friendship.

Our President Leonidas Raptakis, Rhode Island State Senator, Dr. Donna Raptakis, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos and Nick Larigakis, President of AHI at the Greek National Day parade in Tarpon Springs Florida on March 28, 2026.