MyHCHC
News & Updates : Month: March 2025
-
HCHC Launches Continuing Education Series on Parish Administration, Evangelism
learn moreHellenic College Holy Cross announces the launch of two new Continuing Education series designed to equip clergy and lay leaders with essential skills for ministry. The first series focuses on parish leadership and administration. The initial course, Faith & Finance: Stewardship, Planned Giving, and Fundraising in the Orthodox Parish, begins in late April and is now open for registration. The Evangelism series will follow with course offerings during the summer of 2025. These innovative programs provide practical leadership, administration, and evangelism training, that empower participants to enhance their parish ministries. Courses consist of weekly, 60-minute synchronous video conferences held in...
-
Candlelight Gala Honors Fr. Villis, Benefits HCHC
learn moreThe parish of Our Saviour Greek Orthodox Church celebrated 25 years of service by Fr. Elias and Presbytera Melanie Villis at an event that benefited Hellenic College Holy Cross. Fr. Elias is a 1994 Hellenic College graduate and earned his Master of Divinity from Holy Cross in 1997. In 1999, he was assigned as Proestamenos to Our Savior where he serves today. Additionally, Fr. Elias is Chancellor of the Direct Archdiocesan District and Director of Camp St. Paul. Along with HCHC Board Chair Archbishop Elpidophoros and 425 attendees, the Candlelight Gala raised $75,000 for the school and additional monies for...
-
Fr. Bartholomew Mercado Receives Doctoral Degree
learn moreThe V. Rev. Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado successfully defended his doctoral thesis at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, Italy on March 14, 2025. His thesis is entitled, “The Historical and Canonical Ecclesiastical Relations Between the Byzantine States of Nicaea, Trebizond, and Epirus (1204-1261).” It was given high praise from the commission of academics examining his work resulting in Fr. Mercado receiving his doctoral degree magna cum laude – with high distinction. HCHC President Dr. Demetrios Katos said, “As a professor of canon law, Fr. Bartholomew will provide our clergy and laity with the pastoral guidance that will help strengthen and...
-
HCHC Alum Elevated to Archbishop of Albania
learn moreArchbishop John, a graduate of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek School of Theology, was formally elevated to the position of Archbishop of Tirana-Durres and all Albania on March 16. His Beatitude has been serving as Locum Tenens since the passing into eternal life of Archbishop Anastasios earlier this year. Archbishop John had been serving as Metropolitan of Korce, a position he has held since 1998. “The HCHC community rejoices at the elevation of Archbishop John to the primacy of the Albanian Church,” said President Dr. Demetrios S. Katos. “He is a hierarch of theological wisdom and deep faith. During his...
-
Fr. Michael Lambakis Named New Dean of Students
learn moreUnder the spiritual direction of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, who also serves as Chairman of the HCHC Board of Directors, the school today announces that Fr. Michael Lambakis has been selected as the incoming Dean of Students. Fr. Lambakis graduated Hellenic College in 2003 and earned his Master of Divinity from Holy Cross in 2006. His first assignment was as an assistant priest at the Annunciation Cathedral in Houston, TX. Since 2010, he has been Dean of the Cathedral where he has mentored several clergy in their young careers. “It is a great blessing to return to campus where my...
-
Board of Trustees Convenes for Visionary Meetings
learn moreThe Board of Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross (HCHC) met on March 4 and 5, 2025, for two days of focused discussions, strategic planning, and advancement of the institution’s mission. The meetings, held on the campus of HCHC, were led by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chairman of the Board, alongside President Demetrios S. Katos, PhD. (Holy Cross, MDiv ‘94) Vice Chairman of the Board, Rev. Fr. Mark Leondis (Hellenic, BA ‘92, Holy Cross, MDiv ‘95), facilitated all meetings, ensuring productive and thoughtful dialogue throughout the sessions. Envisioning the Future of HCHC “Our Board of Trustees, our Faculty...