James Karas was born in Armenohori and migrated to Canada as a child. While working in Greek restaurants, he pursued a degree in English Literature at the University of Toronto. He later became a criminal lawyer and an active Greek Community of Toronto member. Karas also played a prominent role in the Pan-Macedonian Association, eventually serving as its president. In addition to his legal and community work, he describes his longstanding engagement as a theatre critic and cultural commentator, reflecting on identity, community, and cultural life in the Greek Canadian diaspora.
[00:00:44] Armenohori and his family history
[00:10:14] His school years in Canada
[00:15:51] Attending high school in Florina
[00:17:57] His migration to Canada and learning English
[00:21:39] Working at Greek restaurants
[00:27:22] Studying English Literature at U of T
[00:30:19] Greeks in Toronto and moving to Scarborough
[00:37:30] Involvement in community activities, GCT Inc.
[00:40:48] Working as a lawyer and practicing criminal law
[00:50:07] Being a theatre critic
[00:51:15] Running for GCT President
[00:54:58] Involvement with Pan-Macedonian Association
[00:57:33] The role of the Greek Orthodox Church
[01:01:25] Intracommunity conflicts between the Church and GCT
[01:11:12] Belonging to the Greek Community & the Church
[01:15:34] His children being Greek Canadian
[01:18:36] His relationship with the Church
[01:21:27] The dictatorship’s impact on Toronto Greeks
[01:31:48] His first time visiting Greece
[01:34:15] The history of Pan-Macedonian and his presidency
[01:39:03] Macedonian Issue, Greek Consulate and nationalism
[01:49:50] Pan-Macedonian as a cultural association
[01:53:33] United Macedonians and Pan-Macedonian presidents
[01:57:05] The impact of the Civil War on Macedonian migrants
[02:01:05] His pessimism about the Greek community
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