Cretans' Association of Toronto "Knossos"

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The Cretans Association of Toronto established in 1961 is a non profit organization devoted to the cultivation and preservation of the history and culture of Crete.

In Memory of Konstantin LidakisWith great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Konstantinos (Kostas) Lidakis, on ...
07/09/2026

In Memory of Konstantin Lidakis

With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Konstantinos (Kostas) Lidakis, on July 7, 2026, who was loved and supported by his wife, Catherine, and his daughters.

Born in 1940, in Malia, Crete, Greece as the third of four children, he showed that family was his priority in life from a young age when he stopped attending elementary school to work and help support his family. With strength and resilience, he travelled to Canada in 1968 to begin a new life.
He met Catherine, the woman who would become his wife, and he remained in Toronto, where they married, and raised their daughters, Thalia, Effie, and Joanne. He worked physically demanding jobs with long hours and always took pride in his work. In the mid 1980’s he started his own business partnership and became a staple in the St. Lawrence Market, where he could be found almost every day of the week, plying his skills and interacting with customers until he retired.

He was a strong supporter of Toronto’s Greek community, and specially the Cretans’ Association, and the Kandyla Association. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, travelling to Greece, following current events, and leisurely bike rides.

His greatest pride was his daughters whom he supported in every step of their lives and celebrated their accomplishments. He was blessed with three son-in laws (Zeljko, George, and Gus), and three grandsons (Djordje, Konstantin, and Eleftherios) with whom he loved to spend time. He was truly a kind-hearted, gentle, strong, and wise presence, and he will be forever missed and always remembered in the legacy of values, resilience, and love that he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Sunnybrook Hospital.

Visitation:
At the Funeral Center of York Cemetery
160 Beecroft Road, North York
on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 4:00 – 8:00PM

Funeral:
At All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
222 Burbank Drive, North York,
on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.,
The Interment will Follow.

May his memory be eternal.
Αιωνία του η μνήμη.

In Memory of Rocco Zambri,It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rocco Zambri, who was born on Febr...
07/07/2026

In Memory of Rocco Zambri,

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rocco Zambri, who was born on February 16, 1947, in Monteleone di Puglia, Italy. As a young boy, Rocco immigrated with his family to Toronto, Ontario, where he built a life rooted in hard work, love, and devotion to his family.

Rocco became a father at a young age to his son, Robbie. He later met the love of his life, Stella (nee Sissakis), and together they built a wonderful family, welcoming their two children, Antonia (Chris) and Nickolas (Rocchina). Rocco was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather whose greatest joy came from spending time with his family.

He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Niki, Lia, Alexia, and Christopher, who brought endless happiness and pride to his life. They will always remember his kindness, strength, wisdom, quick wit, infectious sense of humour, and the unconditional love he shared with them.

Although Rocco was not born Cretan, he proudly embraced the Cretan community through his marriage to Stella and remained a devoted supporter of the Cretan Association for decades. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, support community events, and contribute wherever he was needed. His generosity, dedication, and friendship will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rocco will be remembered for his resilience, his generous heart, and his unwavering commitment to those he loved. From his humble beginnings in southern Italy to the life he created in Toronto, he exemplified determination, sacrifice, and the importance of family. Whether through a clever joke, a playful remark, or his ability to brighten any gathering, Rocco had a gift for making those around him smile. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren and through the countless memories shared by those who knew and loved him.

Pine Hills Cemetery & Funeral Centre
625 Birchmount Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M1K 1R1
 
Visitation:
Wed, 8 July 2026 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thurs, 9 July 2026 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Funeral:
Thurs, 9 July 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Interment:
Thurs, 9 July 2026 11:15 AM

🌞 Annual Cretan Picnic Is Back! – Saturday, June 20th 2026Join us on a warm summer day for our annual Cretan Picnic on S...
06/07/2026

🌞 Annual Cretan Picnic Is Back! – Saturday, June 20th 2026

Join us on a warm summer day for our annual Cretan Picnic on Saturday, June 20th.🍦

Come out with your picnic baskets and spend the day enjoying good company and activities organized by our very own youth committee! ⚽️

Event Information:

📍 Location: 1100 Whites Rd S, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
🕘 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Fun Activities planned by our Youth
🧺 Don’t forget your picnic blankets, lunch and summer excitement!

We hope to see you there!

SOLD OUT! We are so excited to see you all for tonight’s event! Our Annual Battle of Crete Dinner & Dance is officially ...
05/23/2026

SOLD OUT!

We are so excited to see you all for tonight’s event!
Our Annual Battle of Crete Dinner & Dance is officially SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone for your support, see you soon!

The Battle of Crete began May 20th 1941 during the Second World War. Together, we gather to honor the Cretan soldiers an...
05/20/2026

The Battle of Crete began May 20th 1941 during the Second World War. Together, we gather to honor the Cretan soldiers and civilians who stood against N**i Germany and fought for our freedom. Each year we proudly honour the brave soldiers, courageous men, women, and even children—Cretan civilians who fought in the Battle of Crete, remembering the might of the Hellenic spirit. According to several historians, the resilience faced during The Battle of Crete played a vital role in the development and the outcome of WWII. 🇬🇷 ⚔️

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Battle of Crete (Μάχη Της Κρήτης) memorial service on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 held at St. Irene Chrisovalantou Greek Orthodox Church.

#μαχητηςκρητης

In Loving Memory of Gillian Geraldine Sapounakis (née Bergen) passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, May 16,...
05/19/2026

In Loving Memory of Gillian Geraldine Sapounakis (née Bergen) passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the age of 77. She departed this life surrounded by the love of her family, on the 14th anniversary of the passing of her beloved husband of 45 years, Kosta Sapounakis.

Gillian was born in Leamington, Ontario, in 1948 to Jacob Henry Bergen and Kathleen Austin. She grew up along the shores of Lake Erie in a close-knit Mennonite community, where her childhood was filled with simple joys, surrounded by family, laughter, and love. As a young woman, Gillian moved to Toronto, where her life changed forever. One winter evening, after stopping for a hot chocolate following a skate, she met the love of her life, Kosta, at a restaurant on Avenue Road. Their connection was instant and unforgettable—a true love story that would shape the rest of her life. Shortly after graduating high school in June 1967, Gillian and Kosta were married in two ceremonies on the same day—at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Bloor Street and at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Bond Street—marking the beginning of a life that beautifully blended their Canadian and Greek traditions. Together, Gillian and Kosta built a 45-year life rooted in deep love, resilience, and devotion to family. Though the early years came with challenges, Gillian embraced a new culture with determination and an open heart, learning the Greek language and traditions one step at a time.She grew to love the Cretan way of life, becoming known for her warmth, her cooking, and her dedication to her community. Her home became the heart of her family—a place where everyone was welcome, where traditions were kept alive, and where laughter and love were always present. She will be deeply missed by her daughter Eleni (Chris), her grandchildren Gillian, Vasia, Georgia, Thomas, Kosta, sisters, family and friends. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Kosta, her son George, sister, parents and infant son.

Gillian will be remembered for the love she gave so freely—a legacy that will live on in all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Hellenic Home for the Aged.

In Memory of Σπυρίδων Τσιτσιριδάκη,It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Σπυρίδων Τσιτσιριδάκη, a ...
05/16/2026

In Memory of Σπυρίδων Τσιτσιριδάκη,

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Σπυρίδων Τσιτσιριδάκη, a proud Cretan whose passion left a lasting impact on our association.

In the early 1970s, Spiro played an important role in guiding and building our Cretan dance group. At a time when no organized Cretan dance group yet existed, Spiro carried with him a trunk filled with traditional men’s and women’s Cretan costumes, travelling from place to place in search of individuals willing to perform, and our traditions alive.

Through his efforts and love for Crete, he helped lay the foundation for what would become an important part of our community.

We wish our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

May his memory be eternal.
Αιωνία του η μνήμη.

Surrounded by love and friendship, Nickolas passed peacefully from this world on the afternoon of April 23rd. His final ...
04/25/2026

Surrounded by love and friendship, Nickolas passed peacefully from this world on the afternoon of April 23rd. His final hours were spent with his family and friends around him, sharing stories and memories of his wonderful, well-lived life.
Born in Drapanea, Crete, Nickolas moved to the port city of Piraeus as a young man, and there met the great love of his life, Lela. Together they made the choice to immigrate to Canada in the late 1960’s with their young daughter Christie, and began building a life and hairdressing business in Toronto. Two more children, Joanne and Nektarios followed. Missing his homeland, Nickolas found a new family with his fellow Cretans in Toronto. He created lifelong bonds of friendship there, served as the president of the Cretan’s Association of Toronto Knossos in the 80s, and was able to hold on to his roots and share those traditions with his children and grandchildren - which meant the world to him. Nickolas also became very involved in the local education system with fellow parent representatives from all cultural groups with strong advocacy for heritage language instruction at the Toronto Board of Education. His efforts there led to him being presented with the Lamp of Learning, a prestigious honour presented to a resident of Ontario who has made significant contributions to public education. His pride at winning this award stayed with him until his dying day. Those that knew him best though, knew where his soul and spirit found peace - out on the lake, in his beloved old boat in the early hours of the morning, casting his fishing line. Pappou - Dad - Niko mou - we will miss you with every beat of our hearts. With love your Lela, Christie & George, Joanne & Chris, Ari, Maria & Matt, Eleni & Marios, Angelo, Niko & Carter.

Δεν ελπίζει τίποτα.
Δεν φοβάται τίποτα.
Είναι ελεύθερος.

Visitation-Ralph Day Chapel
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Heritage Funeral Centre

Funeral Service-Offsite
Thursday, April 30, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

Interment & Final Resting Place
Thursday, April 30, 2026
12:45 pm - 1:30 pm
Pine Hills Cemetery
625 Birchmount Road Scarborough, ON M1K 1R1

The Battle of Crete took place in May 1941 during the Second World War. Together, we gather to honor the Cretan soldiers...
04/22/2026

The Battle of Crete took place in May 1941 during the Second World War. Together, we gather to honor the Cretan soldiers and civilians who stood against N**i Germany and fought for our freedom.

Please join us for the Battle of Crete Memorial on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026.

Where:
St. Irene Chrisovalantou Greek Orthodox Church
66 Gough Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 3N8

You are welcome to stay for koliva and coffee following the service.

Halfway to $25,000 — In Support of the Hellenic Home Initiative!We are proud to share that our ongoing fundraiser has re...
04/15/2026

Halfway to $25,000 — In Support of the Hellenic Home Initiative!

We are proud to share that our ongoing fundraiser has reached $13,700 toward our goal of $25,000. This progress would not be possible without your continued support.

If you’re looking for a way to further contribute, we invite you to join us at our next event — the Annual Battle of Crete Dance on Saturday, May 23rd.

Purchase Tickets on our website!
www.cretans.ca

We encourage you to keep an eye out for future initiatives and opportunities to be part of giving back to our community.

Address

1110 Birchmount Road Unit 23
Toronto, ON
M1K5G7

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