EMBASSY OF GREECE

AWA

,

( 22.5.2015)
Bestowing of the distinction of the Grand Commander of the
Order of Honour, upon Madam Justice Andromache
Karakatsanis, member of the Supreme Court of Canada
(Ottawa, May 22, 2015).
,
,
Madam Justice Karakatsanis,
Honourable Members of the Supreme Court of Canada, of the
Federal Court of Canada and of the Federal Court of Appeal.
Honourable Directors of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade
and Development.
Reverend Father
Dear President of the Hellenic Community of Ottawa and
Dear Presidents of the Hellenic Associations of Ottawa,
Dear guests

,

,
.
It is indeed a great honour and privilege for me to be the host of
this evenings special event:

The bestowing of the distinction of the Grand Commander of the

Order of Honour, upon Madam Justice Andromache Karakatsanis,
member of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Dear Guests
The award ceremonies are important moments for reflection,
inspiration and for gathering together.
Indeed, societies have long had the desire to reward those, who
have brought honour to their country, to their Motherland. Because
in doing so, they reaffirm the values and aspirations that define it.
Hellenism Abroad is considered to be a major extension of Greece,
beyond the limited geographical borders of our country.
It composes a second Greece, which is progressing, always active
and knows how to address challenges and overcome difficulties,
relying on its creativity, intelligence, hard work and . I
think that there is no equivalent word for (what is
offered to the others beyond our obligation) in any other language,
just because this is a virtue characteristic only for Greeks.
This is really the example of Mme Justice Karakatsanis, who was
appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, in October 2011. The
above mentioned decoration was offered in recognition of her
significant services rendered to Greece, as well as her acts,
contributing to better relations between Greece and Canada.
More specifically, this distinction is a token of appreciation for
Justice Karakatsanis declared love for the Greek culture, the
classics and history, her participation and active role in a number
of events and initiatives, forging a stronger partnership between
our two countries and peoples.
Her pride of being the daughter of Greek immigrants is evident.
Her connection to her Hellenic roots is an integral part of her life.

As a member of the Supreme Court of Canada, Justice

Karakatsanis visited Greece in June and July 2012 during a very
difficult time for the Greek people.
She expressed her solidarity and support to Greeces efforts to
overcome the economic and financial crisis.
Her visit, which was widely covered by the media, sent a positive
signal to Canada and especially the Greek-Canadian Community,
encouraging Canadians of Greek descent to further enhance their
contacts with Greece in many fields as well as to spend their time
and offer their skills for the benefit of their homeland.
The Canadian Ambassador to Greece Mr. Robert Peck
accompanied her on many of her meetings, furthering the
relationship between our two countries.
Her meetings with the President of the Hellenic Republic,
members of the Greek government, dealing with justice affairs,
the President of the Supreme Court of Greece (Areios Pagos) and
many other judges, also strengthened the judicial ties between
Greece and Canada.
Dear guests,
I think it is evident, from what I have just said for Madam Justice,
that Hellenism Abroad constitutes a huge national asset. Its active
engagement is for Greece an important element of power and a
major amplifier of its international presence.
We greatly value its significant contribution to the historical
evolution and progress of our Motherland.
Before concluding my speech,
I wish to recognize the presence of Madam Justices husband Tom
Karvanis, a staunch supporter of our Hellenic heritage and
civilisation, of her mother Ms Xanthippe Karakatsanis, who should

certainly be proud of her daughter, of her sister Ms. Catherine

Karakatsanis as well as of her brother and sister in law Mr. Antony
Karakatsanis and Ms, Erika Kerhoulas, all of them, strong
promoters of our Greek culture and Hellenism.
Madam Justice
On behalf of the President of the Hellenic Republic I wish to
express my sincerest congratulations, as well as my warm wishes
for every success to your endeavours and your noble objectives in
the future.
We wish to all of you and your families continued health and
happiness.