MyHCHC
News & Updates : Author: John Stabinger
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Dean of Holy Cross Seminary Elevated to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne
learn moreCommencement Day 2025 at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology began as it does every year with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Before it ended, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America elevated Rev. Dr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross and the Archbishop Demetrios Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins, to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne – and honor held by a small group of clergymen in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Archbishop Elpidophoros granted Fr. Pentiuc the Cross of Hagia Sophia while conveying the greetings and congratulations of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. “His All-Holiness, our...
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HCHC Mourns the Passing of Dr. Thomas Lelon
learn moreHellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology mourns the passing of Dr. Thomas C. Lelon, who fell asleep in the Lord on May 18. Dr. Lelon served with distinction as President of HCHC from 1976 to 1986 and remained a devoted member of the Board of Trustees for decades, including many years as Vice Chair. Upon his appointment, he became the first layman to lead the institution and had the longest tenure until the 15-year tenure of Fr. Nicholas Triantafiliou. A man of deep faith and profound love for Jesus Christ, Dr. Lelon dedicated much of his life...
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HCHC Holds 83rd Commencement Ceremony
learn moreHellenic College Holy Cross hosted its 83rd commencement ceremony at the Maliotis Cultural Center on May 17, 2025 where it awarded degrees to undergraduate and graduate students alike. In addition to students and their families, HCHC welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, distinguished members of its Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and many others to the event. “For our graduates, years of intentional study and hard work culminated in a well-earned degree - one that we believe has prepared them to be contributors to parish ministry or wherever their careers may take them,” said HCHC President Dr. Demetrios S....
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Board of Trustees Convenes Prior to Commencement Celebration
learn moreOn the eve of the 83rd Commencement at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, its Board of Trustees met from May 15-16 for two days of focused discussions, strategic planning, and advancement of the institution’s mission. Meetings took place on the HCHC campus and were led by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chairman of the Board, alongside President Demetrios S. Katos, PhD. (Holy Cross, MDiv ‘94) and Vice Chairman of the Board, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Mark Leondis (Hellenic, BA ‘92, Holy Cross, MDiv ‘95), who facilitated thoughtful and productive meetings with frank dialogue....
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Reintroducing the ‘Cornerstone’ newsletter
learn moreJesus Christ is described as the cornerstone - the stone builders rejected - who "has become the chief cornerstone" (Matt. 21:42) upon whom the whole church is built and in whom the whole structure is joined together. As the only seminary, Orthodox college and graduate school of theology within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, HCHC is the cornerstone of Orthodox Christian life in America. In every parish and every ministry of the Archdiocese, you will find someone formed by HCHC - someone shaped by Christ and sent to serve.
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Holy Cross Receives Funding to Write a ‘Pathways for Tomorrow’ $10 Million Grant
learn moreHoly Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology announces the receipt of a planning grant of $50,000 from Lilly Endowment, Inc., to develop a full proposal for a large-scale collaboration grant as part of the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. Holy Cross’ concept for the grant was envisioned by Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross and co-writer with Dr. James C. Skedros. The initial paper was accepted by Lilly Endowment, which received submissions from 140 theological schools involving nearly 900 different collaboration organizations. HCHC President Dr. Demetrios Katos noted, “I am grateful to Fr. Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross, for...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...