Steve and Lilly

Part of Steve Pliakes’ Life

Steve Pliakes who comes from the Aegean part of Macedonia is a respected, appreciated and virtuous Macedonian. He is a recognized and proven lover of his homeland; an outstanding promoter of his Macedonian origin, his roots, name and Fatherland; a businessman and traveler of the world.

He is an extremely great, well known, easily recognized and unavoidable figure of the Macedonian Diaspora and in Macedonia. He is without doubt one of the most financially successful Macedonians in Canada. Although he’s been living long in Newmarket, Ontario, he is deeply and strongly linked with the destiny, the truth and the events in Macedonia since his arrival on the American continent up to now. Steve Pliakes is a Macedonian by nationality, a respected Canadian, one of the Macedonian masons on the north-American continent, but an Orthodox Christian by faith. Businessman Pliakes is a great defender of the Macedonian name and promoter of the history and honor of the Macedonian people and Macedonia throughout the world, especially in Canada.

Steve (Stevo) Pliakes (Plakov) was born on June 2, 1940 in the beautiful village of Zeleniche, region of Lerin in the Aegean part of Macedonia, his father Lambro and his mother Gena. This year he celebrates his seventh year of his birth, his 77th year of his turbulent life and successful career. Steve came into the world as a beloved baby, first male child whose parents were immensely happy. His sister Mary (Marika) was born before him, while his sister Toula and brother George were born after him. As a small child he was very lively, bright child that enchanted the people around him with his perceptions and points of view .

In beautiful Zeleniche, through the local wide fields and flowering meadows, through alleys and yards, along the river and on the hills around the village, Steve spent his first 12 years. In this village he spent his childhood days filled with games and fantasy, because instead of carelessness, joy and tranquility, those early years were times of anxieties and ordeals. First, during the Second World War, and then during the Greek Civil War, when the plight of the Macedonians that experienced some of the most tragic periods in their long and very rich history took place. The various experienced developments and testimonies on the spot about the symptoms and struggling existence had left indelible marks, scars and memories on the fragile child's soul.

The family of Pliakes pressed by difficult economic conditions and faced with terrible political turbulence of the Macedonians in Aegean Macedonia, decided reluctantly to leave behind their century-old hearth and home. Forced parting with the homeland, leaving it forever, was a very difficult decision and an open road to unknown destinations on the North American continent.

Their choice was moving to the great country of Canada. As a boy who has just started in life, Steve together with his beloved ones – his mother, two sisters and the brother, left one early morning, on May 5, 1952, leaving behind his homeland. He turned back once again to look and say goodbye to his home and its blossoming garden, to whose flowers, trees and early fruits, each of them, he’d rejoiced so much and so often.

That morning a swarm of tears rolled down the face of a child who was leaving his home and who was heading into a different new world and among unknown people and remote regions. He hugged his friends with whom he’d played along the alleys, in the school yard and through the fields, who came to send his favorite peer in that early dawn. A sad scene of farewell, an unforgettable memory since he was to leave forever his centuries-old ancestral doorstep and treasured birth place. As the bus began leaving behind his birthplace, Steve looked back and saw his second cousin Karl Nitsis taking sheep up the mountain side. This was the last person he saw leaving Zelenic

The traveling family saga of the Pliakes began even in Zeleniche on their way to Athens, from where departed for Halifax, in distant Canada by boat through the Mediterranean waters and the great Atlantic Ocean. In the long days and nights while sailing on the blue expanses, Steve did go up on the deck many, many times and while staring at the endless wide open place so many thoughts passed through his mind as if in dream and reality.

Shortly after Halifax, their new destination was the city of Windsor, in the province of Ontario. A city that is an entrance door when from the US Michigan and car maker Detroit one arrives in Canada through underwater tunnel or across the bridge. At 30 km north of Windsor, in place Colester, his father Lambro had already had a farm of about 3 hectares of land, around 10 acres. In that place, Essex County various vegetables were planted, which even then were genuine eco food, so it is no coincidence that they were highly valued and constantly sought after.

Being friendly and good family people, the Pliakes acquired many friends and their family became highly appreciated and respected, especially among the Macedonians from Aegean Macedonia, living in many areas outside of Windsor. This family “went off the pattern” and brought innovative content, gatherings and events in their daily life routine.

Thus, in 1953 the family, together with other Macedonian families organized a picnic on their farm, which was an extraordinary act of the All-Macedonian friendship, understanding and unity. They did their best to make it an event to be remember, because all who attended left satisfied, wishing again to return to such good hosts.

As time went on, so increasingly as Steve matures the knowledge that this place, this business and other circumstances are not a dueling ground for the big plans he’s designed for his future. For several reasons, he ended his the farming business after six years spent in the Windsor region to continue a new search and looking for new emerging destinations.

Steve Pliakes and his family faced a new challenge. After various analyzes, thoughts and plans they made a family decision and in 1958 they completely left Windsor. They settled down in the big city of Toronto, which was a new beginning and a new challenge in Canada.

As an 18 old year industrious and very bright boy, Steve decided to start a garage business by himself just to start from somewhere. He was doing it very well and after a while he became a representative of the car giant "Ford" to sell their vehicles. Managers in this business recognized the talent, resourcefulness and ability of this young boy, Steve, and therefore he got such a working engagement that opened up his roads to the business.

However, as time went by so his visions and plans for a different tomorrow got more ambitious and greater because Steve had the capacity to create new values, to embark on a far more effective project. Toronto had many options and offered alluring opportunities but he, however, decided to look for happiness in the nearby towns of metropolitan Toronto.

Thus, in 1974 he packed his belongings and went to the town of Newmarket. That place has remained his longtime private and family wharf. And there is Steve today. Together with his faithful life companion with a big heart, a charming and serene Lilly Pliakes, еxactly in Newmarket they live for ages. Тhis is the place that’s elevated their business. Also, here is the oasis of their personal and family peace, where they really live happily and enjoy with the families of Margaret and Jeannie. At the same time, Newmarket is their first step for all their trips around the meridians worldwide.

With the funds from his first business in the automotive work, and as a dealer of services and car sales, Steve acquired a building plot across the road, where they built their family home. However, the restless soul of Steve still wasn’t calm. He searched for new businesses, other jobs, his own road and future. So, after a while he sold his automotive service center, leaving quite successful automotive work and entered into real estate business, where his life experience and knowledge of the English language came to light; needless to say that the sales of properties is especially lucrative business in Canada. At the same time, the financial assistance from the family of his wife was of great importance.

All his activation in several areas was an interesting mix. As a result, it all allowed him to be involved in politics that was already a significant step forward in his rich and very impressive biographical pages. Thus, in the 1987-88 election cycle Steve was elected in the department "Police Service" as a member of the federal party NDP (New Democratic Party).

As in every engagement until then, Steve did well and achieved great success in the long run. He is therefore a respected member and activist in Newmarket where he was elected, but also beyond receiving many compliments, recognition and satisfaction for the commitments on political plan.

But still, his first and main occupation was business. Along with Lilly he opened the Lilcris Industries Limited in Newmarket, together with Jim, a Macedonian from the village of Besvina, Aegean Macedonia. However, in 2000, Steve and Lilly bought the part of their partner and friend Jim and went on independently towards their happy future. After separation, i.e. after he got full ownership of the company, Steve added a new impetus, new energy and initiated new activities and expansions. As a holding company this company has grown into a powerful business center in Newmarket, whose president and CEO is Steve Pliakes. Under his control are also the stock exchange trends, transactions and actions. Altogether, a very interesting mix in the field of business that their daughter Jeannie and son-of-law Aleck successfully run getting great support from Steve and Lilly.

The famous Macedonian activist and businessman Steve Pliakes and his wife Lilly are also major benefactors and philanthropists to many persons, associations and significant Macedonian cultural and other events in Canada, the US and the Republic of Macedonia.

Steve Pliakes has been working many years for Macedonia, the Macedonians and the Macedonian issue, uniting Macedonian immigrants and the Macedonians in the neighboring countries. They are sponsors of a number of socio-cultural events, including folk festivals, sports events and more. Therefore, it is rightly to say that Steve Pliakes has managed perfectly well in Canada. However, driven by the love of Macedonia and its son, he’s been active in Macedonia like Alexander the Great.

In addition, Steve Pliakes is one of the Macedonians on the North American continent that is a mason, or free mason. As an explanation, Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that emerged in the late of 16th and early 17th century. Freemasons exist today in various forms around the world, with a membership of about five million people, including half a million in England, Scotland and Ireland, and about two million in America, where it is largest by number.

According to Steve Pliakes, all forms of Masons share the same moral and metaphysical ideals, which in most cases include a statement of belief in God. The fraternity is administratively organized into major lodges, each of which has its own jurisdictions. There are also additional bodies which are closely related to the Freemasons by their organization, but they have their own independent administration.

The first Grand Lodge of England was founded on June 24, 1717, when four existing Lodges met in London at dinner, while the Lodges of Ireland and Scotland were formed in 1725 and 1736 respectively. Freemasonry was also spread in the British colonies in North America and in Canada during the 1730's, where various local Grand Lodges were set up. It should be emphasized that there are no real differences between Masonic practices of the lodges in the past and today.

The oldest jurisdiction in continental Europe, however, has the Grand Lodge of France, established in 1728. Most lodges of the English-speaking countries severed contacts with this Lodge around 1877 - when the Grand Lodge of France changed the requirement for its members in connection with the belief in God and has accepted atheism. So usually it said that Freemasonry is composed of two branches: the Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), and the Grand Lodge of France (GLDF).

In our longer conversation with Steve about Freemasonry, he’s said that Freemasons are often called "secret societies", adding that this term is more suitable than the term "esoteric society" because most of their activities are secret. Secret activities in modern lodges are also the ways of recognition among members, as well as certain parts of the rituals. We were assured of this in Izmir, Turkey, when Steve did not feel well, but he and another mason recognized each other through their masonry rings, and he promised he could do everything for Steve.

As an explanation, any candidate-mason has to enter the lodge of his state. He is to be asked a question by an already member-mason if he wants to be a Mason. If positive, he becomes a candidate for membership. In some lodges it is practiced that a possible candidate would be asked three times. The other members approve his membership by placing "white balls" in a ballot box. If there is only one "black ball", the candidate will be denied. The number of negative votes rejecting the candidate is not the same with all lodges, but mostly one vote against is sufficient.

Some of the general requirements for becoming a Mason, inter alia, are: joining the organization by their own free will; belief in a supreme being; any candidate should enjoy a good reputation, have good moral values; be psycho-physically healthy; be able to accept the basic rules of the lodge, and more. Derogation of one or more of these conditions is considered as an indicator of rejection of Masonic organization.

It is Interesting to mention that since 1723, it is accepted that Mason can only be a man. Most lodges do not accept women in their ranks. However, before 1723, there were several women who became Masons. Nowadays, women-masons establish their own lodges following the example of the men’s lodges, and they practice the same rituals. Women's Masonic organizations are spread worldwide.

Lilly Pliakes – Steve’s Life Companion

Businessman, gentleman and at the same time a man who is dedicated to Macedonia and the Macedonian people, Steve Pliakes and his life companion Lilly, write a lovely common patriotic, personal, family, professional and national saga have been together about fifty years.

It is often said that a woman is the right hand of a man. This is confirmed in their marital life, in their life together for a period of five decades in which they’ve been sharing joy and sorrow, successes and failures, and beautiful moments, trips, gatherings, opening new paths of life and survival, of which they cherish beautiful memories of a harmonious and happy Macedonian marriage.

Lilly Pliakes was a Canadian of Macedonian origin. She was born on October 10, 1947 in the Macedonian famous village of Zhelevo, in the region of Lerin. On her birth certificate she was registered as Lefa from her parents Michael (Mijajle) and Petsa, who carried out the act of baptism of Lefa in the village’s Orthodox Church. Their daughter came in this world in the turbulent years of the second half of the forties of the last century, when in Aegean Macedonia the consequences of the civil war in Greece were felt, when the end of the beginning of the extermination of the Macedonians from their grandfathers' roots started. It was a time when at the age of just two, Lefa, together with her loved ones, left her native Zhelevo forever and picked unhappy moments from her birth place in the Aegean part of Macedonia.

In that war period, instead of growing up in carefree childhood days, she left the ancestral threshold and headed, together with her grandmother Tena (Trendafilka) and her mother Petsa, to the village of Porodin, region of Bitola, in 1949 to save themselves from the military unrest. There they remained a year and a half and returned to Zhelevo again. Unfortunately, only after a short time, in August 1949, she was again forced to leave her native Zhelevo and to take only a bag with her torn children's clothes and a dry flower from Grandma’s yard as fond memory in the fragile child's soul. She joined the river of the expelled refugees from Aegean Macedonia and the road took them through Prespa in Albania, and from there to Poland.

In the new homeland Poland, they were accommodated at the shelter for refugees from Greece in the city of Zgozelec. In this place Lefa’s family commenced new adaptation and dealing with the life in a new environment. There the basis for the future of the new life was laid down. In Zgozelec Lefa learned Polish and Greek. It seems that the wisdom, goodness, resourcefulness and the natural gift of her grandmother Tena (Trendafilka) helped them greatly to go through a better and happier life.

Their life as refugees continued in Poland too. In fact, her father Michael (Mijajle) had left his birthplace Zhelevo in 1952 and emigrated to Canada with his father Tanas who’d already was in Toronto about fifteen years. From there he established contacts with their loved ones in Poland and started the procedure for withdrawal of his family to Canada. And so it happened. On February 10, 1955 Tena (Trendafilka), Petsa and Lefa, with the help of the Red Cross, left Poland and came by plane through England as migratory birds in Toronto.

Their joy had no end. The reunion of the family of the Kostovci in Toronto after seven years of separation was both happy and sad, with hugs and many tears. At these moments, the joy did not allow the members of this family, now happy, to speak. It was the beginning of a new happy life in the new democratic environment in Canada away from the birthplace in their native Macedonia.

The name ‘Lilly’, which was transformation of the name “Lefa” in Canada, was a new identity from the very outset in the new environment. So, Lilly began his primary education in English immediately after their arrival. Every beginning is hard, and Lilly had difficulties with the language, but as gifted Macedonian girl, the language barrier was quickly overcome.

Upon successful completion of primary education, Lilly entered high school where she spent two successful years. However, as a result of the family financial conditions she had to leave her education at the age of 16 and start working and to make money in the family budget respectively for a better tomorrow. Her first job was at the TTC (Toronto Transport Company) where she worked as a clerk in an office. There she taught typing and shorthand, which later would open doors to a better position when she became a secretary in the firm. All this helped Lilly to successfully fit into private business.

In was the time when she met Steve Pliakes, when the first love sparks ignited between these two beautiful young persons that was an introduction into new challenges, into a married life. Thus, the year 1965 would be recorded in golden letters in the lives of Lilly and Steve Pliakes. It was the year when they got married at the Macedonian Orthodox Church “St. Clement of Ohrid” in Toronto and when they began a life together and happier tomorrow for the years to come.

Lilly Pliakes was a noble Macedonian that with all her pure essence, with her heart and soul, was devoted to her family - to Steve, daughters Margaret and Jeannie, sons-of-law George and Alec, but mostly to their grandchildren Angela, Christopher, Steven and Stephanie, who were her bright jewels, the beauty in her life. At the same time, she is a Canadian of Macedonian origin who was actively involved in the Macedonian and Canadian community in Toronto and Newmarket.

Therefore, Lilly Pliakes was known and recognized Macedonian coming from a Macedonian patriotic family. She was one of the most active in the Macedonian community in Toronto, especially in the church of St. Clement of Ohrid. She had several functions at the Ladies Auxiliary. On the committee at St. Clement of Ohrid Church where a number of actions were taken that enriched the church and national life of the Macedonian community. Lilly was also on the Board of Directors at the Canadian-Macedonian Place where she was an instrumental part of all their fund rising events and promotion of the seniors’ home for Macedonians. Lilly was also on the Committee of the Canadian-Macedonian Historical Society. She pays particular attention to the preservation of the Macedonian identity, customs, song and dance and many other values brought from her native Macedonia. In doing this, she devotes meticulous attention to traditions that the Macedonians keep and enrich in Canada.

It is undoubtedly true that when writing about the historical development of the woman in the Macedonian community in Toronto, then the name and work of Lilly Pliakes is closely connected with the activities and work on the national and spiritual level. She was a Christian belonging to the Macedonian Orthodox Church and with her industriousness, chastity, diligence, humanity and philanthropic relationship, she leaves deep imprints among the young generations and she was a roadmap for expansion of the Macedonian spirit and love among people.

Although Lilly left her birthplace Zhelevo when she was only two and had only fading memories, she is proud of her ancestral country and her Macedonian descent. She has transferred such pride among her family members too. All their goings to and partings with her native Zhelevo, as well as Macedonia, the country of their origin and their roots, are very emotional and touching, remaining deeply engraved in her memory, in her remembrance.

Lilly Pliakes was an example of a Canadian woman of Macedonian origin that not only works hard in their own business, but is also active in organizing various visits, gatherings, friendship bonds, as well as picnics, and other Macedonian get-togethers. At the same time, she was the woman who financially supports the Macedonian community, especially the Macedonian Orthodox churches, and she was a great humanist and benefactor to many individuals and associations.

She was an initiator, organizer and financial supporter of numerous trips of the Macedonians of Toronto, especially the Ladies Auxiliary. Among other things, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the partition of Macedonia, she was the organizer of the trip to the UN in New York in defense of the Macedonian name and Macedonia.

This noble and wonderful person kept with exceptional feelings the memories and events from her life paths, both of childhood and her youth, of those early battles she had to fight to succeed at all costs when it was difficult and, of course the feelings and memories of her most beautiful period – the long marital life with her Steve. She cherishes these memories as a legacy. Unfortunately, she died on July 18th, 2016.

Much more could be written about this shared idyll, joys, successes, moments of burden, enviable reputation and status, starting from the middle of the 20th century, and now well into the first decades of this century, as well as about all subsequent decades that God for lived a happy life with their family – their daughters, sons-of law, and the greatest joy – their grandchildren.

50 Years of Married Life

In the life paths of Steve Pliakes there is a special place for his marital idyll, marital years contained in the beautiful story with his wife Lilly. It's really a life "constellation" of several decades which continues to be a harmonious, beautiful story – then, now and forever. There is much to write and speak about the years they’ve been sharing thus far, but on this occasion the author of these lines would try to portray at least a portion of the marital happiness of Steve and Lilly.

In the beginning the love between young Steve Pliakes, at the age of 25, born in Zeleniche and juvenile Lilly Gianou, at the age of 16, from the village of Zhelevo, region of Lerin, took place when their eyes met for the first time. The beautiful girl and the handsome boy got to know each other and the first sympathies of the future couple immediately aroused. Great love was born, rings were exchanged, and engagement was announced. Soon after a lavish wedding took place and their joy was intensified by the newborn babies, the two daughters, Margaret and Jeannie, and their marriage with the son-in-law’s George and Alec. The families of their daughters have made their story very interesting and, in many ways, specific, making their marriage homogeneous and so happy, especially enriched with the birth of their grandchildren: Angela, Steve, Christopher and Stephanie.

Since many personal-marital and family mosaics are intertwined and embedded in the life story contained it this biographical work, we are going to select part by part of the events to round out them as if a movie about the family saga of the Pliakes (Pljakovcis) of Canada.

We return to the wedding of Lilly and Steve. Namely, on 24 January, in midwinter of 1965, the young and beautiful couple of Lilly and Steve said their - yes. Finally, they entered the marital waters. They stood in front of the church altar and mystical podium at the Macedonian Orthodox Church "St. Clement of Ohrid'' in Toronto, receiving a blessing for a long, happy, and productive life together. It was a very big day for them, for both families and their relatives and friends. It was an exceptional act when they made a vow of fidelity and when they directed their prayers to God for happiness, joy and success in the years to come, in their future life.

They entered the history of St. Clements’s temple in Toronto as the second couple who was registered at the first Macedonian Orthodox Church in Canada. The priest at this service Atanas Popov, famous Prespa man born in Bitola, immortalized the extremely joyous moment with biblical words, those who are read from the canons when a couple enters the marital waters. And when Steve and Lilly formally put their signatures in the church book pledging that from that moment onwards they would be together forever, a long applause resounded spontaneously.

Relatives and friends who were attending that glorious act, over 200 of them, heaped them with a million good wishes and sincere congratulations to lifelong marriage. They wholeheartedly wished the newlyweds happy years together, and to continue the family line with their offspring. Then a banquet followed with the catering service of the Bitola famous Van Petroff. The wedding food and drink was rich in various Macedonian-Canadian international specialties. Good enough to satisfy the most demanding tastes of everyone present.

The happy groom and bride shared their emotions with their closest ones, with their families and friends. And all this took place before the icon of the Most High God and Mother of God, in the Macedonian temple and with Macedonian priests, in front of saints and angels soaring above them in the temple. All in all, memorable moments that remain cherished deeply in the beautiful wedding memories of Lilly and Steve.

Over the years and decades nothing’s faded, on the contrary. They remember with great feelings almost every detail of that glorious day, when they were standing before the altar of the St. Clement's spiritual temple in Toronto. They were young and in love. They entered into a joint life with infinite confidence and with a pledge to be and remain together forever.

That was the beginning. That was the beginning of five marital decades thus far to be lined up on and on, like anniversaries, diamond weddings, jubilees, gatherings and other family joy. Their fifty years in the marital waters were solemnly celebrated and remembered; this is a very different story for Lilly and Steve Pliakes that is also celebrated a rich, interesting, and in many things unusual.

Their significant date was the January 24 January 1965. Amid the winter in cold Canada. Now half a century later, here follows a monographic document about the past and present of this famous and recognized Macedonian couple in Canada. A book that immortalizes a wonderful life that is likely to be a strong incentive, motivation and inspiration for future couples. To commit themselves to one another when life is cheerful, happy and exciting, and also when burdens, difficult situations and days burden the life. Therefore, such literary works like this monograph are recommended to shed light on life story and the truth about the Macedonian people so that other Macedonians worldwide would follow the example of Lilly and Steve Pliakes.

The wedding at the Macedonian Orthodox Church "St. Clement of Ohrid" in Toronto helped to Steve and Lilly to enrich the feeling and love one to other, towards Macedonia, Macedonian roots and everything what is Macedonian.

In the past 50 years Steve and Lilly lived first in Toronto and then moved to Newmarket. However, in the last ten years in summer they live in Markham or travel to Macedonia and to many places around the world, while in autumn and winter they are among the Macedonians who move as migratory birds from Canada to Florida It should be emphasized that Lilly and Steve Pliakes are among the most active persons in the Macedonian community in Toronto. Among others, Steve Pliakes, who hails from the village of Zeleniche, district of Lerin was president of the "United Macedonians" and one of the most active during the maintenance meeting of Refugee Children from Aegean Macedonia in 1988, held in the Republic of Macedonia. He was president of the Macedonian Orthodox Church "St. Clement of Ohrid" in Toronto and is the first Macedonian who went to visit Hunza in Pakistan to discover and left an eternal mark in each of the descendants of Alexander the Great the Macedonian, and the Macedonian Empire.

Lilly and Steve Pliakes were among the sponsors of the Olympians from the Republic of Macedonia in the Olympic Games in Athens and Beijing, where Steve wore Macedonian flag and besides athletes, he was the proudest of all proud Macedonians worldwide.

Lilly Pliakes, life companion Steve, meanwhile, was born in the village of Zhelevo, district of Lerin, when she was less than two years old left her native place and the roads took her to Poland, and then came to Canada. She is very active in the women's sections of the Macedonian Orthodox churches in Canada and Florida and other associations known and recognized by Macedonian.

Lilly, along with Steve, among other things, donated a dialysis machine to a hospital in Skopje, financial supporters of many activities of the Macedonians in Canada and the US, as well as the Macedonian Orthodox churches, folklore groups, media and various Macedonian Associations in Macedonia in the Aegean, Pirin, Albania and other places around the world where Macedonians live.

Also, Steve and Lilly Pliakas their family and their businesses play a significant role in Canadian society. However, it seems that they are especially known for their mall named "Macedonian Plaza" in Newmarket, in Canada one of its kinds in the Macedonian Diaspora.

Edited with permission from: Steve Pliakes Monograph by Slave Katin