Dr. James Skedros Named Director of Continuing Education Program

Dr. James C. Skedros has been appointed Director of the newly created Continuing Education Program (CEP) at Hellenic College Holy Cross beginning Sept. 1. Dr. Skedros, The Michael G. and Anastasia Cantonis Professor of Byzantine Studies, has served Holy Cross for almost thirty years in various capacities including interim president of Hellenic College and academic dean of Holy Cross. As Director of CEP, he will report to Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross, and Dr. Nicholas Ganson, Dean of Hellenic College. 

The Continuing Education Program, suggestively coined Catechism, will serve primarily the learning and ministry needs of individuals (faithful and clergy) and organizations (parishes) on a local, national and international scale. Its main purpose is to bring Christian Orthodox theology and praxis beyond HCHC to the “highways and hedges” (Luke 14:23) via the internet. 

Although the CEP’s main constituency is the Orthodox community at large, its curriculum is tailored to address the queries of the seekers of truth, beauty, and meaning in a troubled world, no matter their faith or non-faith affiliation.

The program will expand the reach of The Scriptorium Initiative at Holy Cross, which promotes compelling preaching from the pulpit and provides continuing education for both traditional churchgoers and non-churchgoers who seek truth and meaning in a world of rapid and continuous change. The Scriptorium Studio (currently in the development phase), designed and organized by Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, will support the creation of professional high quality master classes and other educational offerings.

CEP will provide a wide range of educational opportunities from short (four-week module) courses to full-fledged certificate programs. The Catechist will be one of the first certificate CE programs beginning this fall. This certificate program is aimed at educating catechists to assist and work under the parish priest in an area of teaching ministry to GOA communities that is increasing in demand. 

President Demetrios Katos PhD., expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment of Prof. Skedros, “who is among the most beloved and well-respected people at HCHC. His love for teaching, his first-hand knowledge of the needs of clergy and parishioners, and his professional network of content experts, ensure that this program will be the most exciting new addition to the educational offerings of our Church.” 

Dean Fr. Pentiuc noted, “I am very happy that Jim was appointed director of continuing education, a much-waited program for which Jim and I have dreamed and worked together for several years. I am quite confident that this program, which now, under President Katos, becomes a reality, will be as fruitful as the online program I personally designed back in 2021. There are many folks out there waiting for Holy Cross to teach them the “word of truth” as we already do for our students.”