Browse Tagged “Women's Lives” from the Canadian Macedonian Heritage Society archive, library and community collections.
Mother, all the young men are leaving far away. They go to find work — they are all at the ports. I too must leave somewhere else, wherever fate may take me, since it was God’s will to make me their protector. “Where will you leave me, my son, with three little girls?” “But that is why I must go, Mother — I am not searching for palaces. There is no work here nearby. Give me all your blessings; I ...
At the dawn of the century, In a small and humble village, In the heart of winter’s cold, A baby came into the world. Three Fates had descended there To write the child’s destiny, And before the morning came, Her future had been sealed. They wrote a sorrowful fate, Though the child bore no blame, A burden bound to follow her Forever, without escape. She never knew her father, For he had already ...
Three sisters were growing up, Honest, modest, and fair; All the village admired them, The three always together. They were warned never to forget, If they wished to be well-spoken of, To guard their honour carefully So they might find worthy husbands. They owned a little humble house With a low small yard, A tiny patch of farmland And one small cow. The sisters grew into great beauties, The ...
It was the month of August, With rains and raging storms; Everyone hurried to their homes, Leaving their daily cares behind. The three rivers joined as one Near Saint Dimitrios’ shrine, Flooding everywhere and everything, Reaching close to Stasos’ house. We saw an old woman running, Barefoot through the rain; And though the downpour did not cease, She entered Stasos’ yard. Geraka came out alone ...
Robed Macedonian priest Swinging smoking censer, heavy incensed air Harmonic and familiar, two part Macedonian Orthodox funeral song. We are gathered to lie to rest Cousin Sophie Who lived well and lived long. Born in Oshchima, Macedonia Land of her Fathers Rich in history and Christian culture Leaving the Balkans to which turmoil relates. To Canada and a new life with promise This young girl and family did ...
Macedonians of today are proud of their heritage Especially the role of women in keeping language alive During a violent century, it was the Macedonian speaking home That held together the Macedonians as a distinct people Who held the people together? She who was the preserver of the Macedonian language The teacher is honoured by the child`s first word “Majka” Words to infants are seeds planted, which grow to become ...
The Canadian Macedonian Historical Society (CMHS) transformed this year’s Annual General Meeting into a deeply resonant cultural experience. In a special collaboration with the Macedonian Film Festival, members were treated to a screening of the evocative documentary Story of Vasilka. Directed by Giovanni Princigalli, the film is a masterclass in narrative storytelling, weaving together intimate family photographs with rare archival footage from the Kinoteka (Cinémathèque) of Skopje to create an authoritative and emotionally charged historical record. A screening was set ...
Steve Pliakes or Stefo Plakov, as he prefers to introduce himself, is a Canadian Macedonian, or Macedonian Canadian whose origin is from the beautiful Macedonian village of Zeleniche, in the region of Lerin, from the Aegean part of Macedonia. He is well recognized among the Macedonians in Canada and in the United States.
On a warm May day, the Canadian Macedonian Historical Society officially opened a professionally curated museum within the Canadian Macedonian Place to preserve and showcase the rich heritage of the Macedonian community. Led by committee head Despina Bursey and supported by experts James and Dena Nicoloff, the museum features a meticulously documented collection of artifacts—including century-old costumes, hand-stitched baby blankets, and traditional dance items—donated by the community since 1991. The auspicious opening, which included a blessing by Metropolitan Metodij and the presence of Consul General Jovica Palasevski, marked a significant milestone in ensuring that the history and craftsmanship of all three regions of Macedonia are preserved and accessible for future generations to honor.
The 2nd Annual Celebration of Macedonian Immigration to Canada was held at the East York library to honor the diverse professional and personal accomplishments of Macedonian-Canadian women. Departing from the early 20th-century narrative of "bride" immigration, the event showcased women from various regions of Macedonia who have excelled in fields such as engineering, media, international development, and the arts. Featured speakers included Natasha Denkovski, a national-team athlete and MBA; Pobeda Piskaceva, the creator of the Macedonian Edition TV program; filmmaker Sandra Danilovic; fashion designer Maria Lazarova Manceva; and development expert Vera Belazelkoska. The afternoon concluded with keynote speaker Aleksandra Nasteska, an award-winning advocate for sustainability and gender equality, illustrating how these women have moved beyond traditional family roles to drive social change and inspire future generations within both the Macedonian community and broader Canadian society.
