HCHC Hosts 84th Commencement Ceremony

On May 16, Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology will hold its 84th Commencement Ceremony where it will confer degrees upon nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate students. Honorary degrees will be bestowed upon two esteemed leaders whose contributions have shaped the life of the Church and its future clergy and lay leadership.

Held at the Maliotis Cultural Center, the ceremony will welcome His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and the family and friends of graduates. Reverend Father Theodore Stylianopoulos will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Holy Cross, while Jeannie Ranglas will receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Hellenic College. These recognitions were approved by the HCHC Board of Trustees during its February 2026 meeting in acknowledgment of each honoree’s exceptional service.

“Years of study and hard work culminate in earning a degree that has prepared our students to be contributors to parish ministry and  wherever their careers may take them,” said Interim President Rev. Fr. Michael Lambakis. “HCHC alumni are visible members of their communities, as clergy, as lay assistants, counselors, parish leaders and many other capacities. We pray for God’s blessings upon them in their futures, which are undoubtedly bright.

“And the honorary degrees awarded reflect HCHC’s appreciation for two outstanding individuals whose faith, dedication, and leadership in serving others has strengthened the Church and inspired future generations,” he added. “Our students, faculty and staff are blessed to have such role models.”

Rev. Fr. Stylianopoulos is a 1956 graduate of Holy Cross who later taught theology and the New Testament at the school for more than 40 years. He also holds a Master of Theology from Harvard Divinity School and is a prolific author of books and articles written throughout his distinguished career. A native of Greece, Fr. Stylianopoulos’ family emigrated to the U.S. in 1951, first residing in San Francisco before settling in Seattle.

In New England, he served parishes including Annunciation Cathedral in Boston, St. Nicholas in Lexington, MA, St. George in Keene, NH and Kimisis in Dracut, MA.

Jeannie Ranglas has dedicated her life in service of the Church through visionary leadership, philanthropy, and ministry. She is currently in her 16th year as President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos and has served for 23 years as a member of the National Philoptochos Board of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Jeannie was active in the Greek Orthodox Church with her family from a young age before moving to San Diego following her marriage to Gerry Ranglas in 1978. At Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, she became involved in Philoptochos at the age of 22, where she learned the importance of service to others and began a lifetime commitment to ministry and leadership within the Church. Her parish service has included leadership roles on the Parish Council, as Greek Festival Chair, as President of the Cardiff Orthodox Housing Foundation and many other ministries of the Church.