Dr John Hadjinicolaou Is Named "Hellene of the Year"

The Hellene of the Year is an individual whose life and work exemplify the highest ideals of scholarship, faith, and community service. A person whose accomplishments span across academia, business, the arts, and social service, and whose devotion to the Hellenic community has enriched not only the present but will continue to inspire future generations.

Born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece, he began his educational journey at the Aristotelian University, where he pursued Byzantine Music, Civil Engineering, and Orthodox Theology. His intellectual curiosity and drive led him to Canada in 1977, where he completed both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from McGill University, later adding an MBA to his impressive credentials. This unique blend of expertise in both the sciences and the humanities has allowed him to bridge the worlds of faith, reason, and innovation, making a profound impact in both his academic and personal pursuits.

Since 1983, he has served as a Professor of Engineering at McGill University, later extending his academic influence to Concordia University. He has received the Best Teacher Award numerous times over the years, a testament to his dedication to students and the quality of his instruction. In 1998, he began leading Orthodox Theology programs at Université Laval, where his work has shaped countless minds and fostered a unique blend of scientific thought and spiritual guidance.

But it is not only in the classroom where his influence is felt. His contributions to the Greek community in Montreal and beyond are nothing short of extraordinary. As a founding member and current president of the Hellenic Scholarships Foundation, he has ensured that Greek students receive the financial support they need to pursue higher education. Under his leadership, the foundation has expanded significantly, currently offering 16 scholarships annually, with plans for even further growth in the coming years.

In 2010, he founded the Montreal Institute of Orthodox Theology (MIOT), which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Orthodox studies, ensuring that Orthodox Christian traditions remain vibrant and relevant in today’s world. His passion for theology is matched only by his commitment to preserving Greek heritage, and he has made it his life’s mission to instill pride in Greek youth, offering them the tools to succeed academically and spiritually.

Beyond his academic and professional achievements, he has also been an entrepreneur, founding ALEXANDER PRESS in 1983. This publishing house has become a leader in distributing Orthodox Christian literature across North America, ensuring that theological knowledge is accessible to all who seek it. He has also contributed to the literary world as a poet and literary critic, co-authoring anthologies that explore the Greek immigrant experience and identity.

His work is not limited to the written word; he has been a United Nations expert on environmental issues, particularly water pollution, since 1996. His expertise has influenced policies and projects focused on sustainability, marking him as a scholar whose work benefits the global community.

For over four decades, he has been a pillar of the Greek community in Montreal and in Canada, working relentlessly to promote and preserve Hellenic values. In 1983, recognizing the need for adult education in Greek studies, he founded the Montreal Centre for Greek Studies, which continues to provide educational opportunities in Greek language, history, and culture. Through this initiative, he has helped countless individuals reconnect with their roots and fostered a strong sense of pride in their heritage.

His dedication to Greek culture extends beyond education into the arts, where he has been involved in organizing numerous cultural, educational, and spiritual events, including conferences, performances, and discussions. These efforts have ensured that Greek traditions, history, and intellectual achievements remain accessible to new generations.

Currently serving as Vice President of the Hellenic Library of Montreal, he continues to champion the preservation of Greek literature and history, ensuring that these vital elements of culture are passed down to future generations.

While his accomplishments are numerous, he remains humble and devoted to his family. He is married to Professor Dr. Evangelia Amirali, a prominent psychiatrist, and together they have four sons. His unwavering commitment to his faith, his community, and his family has made him a role model for those around him.

The Hellene of the Year is an individual whose extraordinary legacy continues to inspire generations. His unwavering commitment to education, community, and Orthodox Christian values has earned him the admiration of all who know him.

It is with great pride that we announce the Hellene of the Year is... DR. JOHN HADJINICOLAOU.