HCHC Board of Trustees Convenes, Charts Course for Future of the School

Under the spiritual direction of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology convened on campus October 28-29. Two days of focused, productive discussions and frank dialogue about advancing the school’s mission were facilitated by Board Vice Chairman and Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Mark Leondis (Hellenic, BA ‘92, Holy Cross, MDiv ‘95) and HCHC President Demetrios S. Katos, PhD. (Holy Cross, MDiv ‘94).

“We have a duty before God to provide to the Church, skilled, substantive, well-trained clergy and catechists who are able to meet today’s rising tide of interest in Orthodox Christianity,” said His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. “The opportunity to chart the future of the Church and our Sacred Archdiocese begins on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross. This transformation is possible through a unified vision, one that our gifted Trustees carry with them to the parishes and Metropolises of the United States.” 

Announcements and Highlights 

The Board concluded with clarity and unity of purpose and a continued commitment to advancing the mission of HCHC. The institution is building upon its 87-year heritage while positioning itself for another hundred years of equipping students with the spiritual, intellectual, and professional tools needed to serve the Church and an ever-changing society at large. The Board agreed transformational change was needed. 

Among the highlights of the meeting:

• Trustees evaluated ways to expand the school’s curriculum to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the Church for better prepared clergy and lay leaders
• Trustees thoughtfully assessed HCHC’s finances and proposed ways to increase income, enhance fundraising and reduce expenses 
• A transition team was announced (led by Fr. Leondis and trustee Tim Tassopoulos) to create a five-year plan for the school that moves towards transformational change by addressing academic programming and financial discipline

The Board reviewed the continued efforts by HCHC in strengthening its financial position and overall operations thanks to the leadership of trustees William (Bill) Spell and George Anderson. In addition, trustees Dr. Christine Zeppos and Dr. Panos Kanelos reported further on areas for academic program expansion to a university that offers in-demand degrees for undergraduate and graduate students alike. These areas are being explored in an effort to transform the institution to serve the Church as a whole.

Concluded Dr. Katos, “The status quo is over. This is our moment to act, and change will come. Every parish stands on the strength of its clergy and also the strength of informed and spiritually mature lay leaders. We have to prepare and equip all to lead parishes and the communities they serve in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”