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 is a native of Chicago but a longtime resident of southern California. She began actively participating in Philoptochos at age 22, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by- the- Sea, CA. Jeannie then served as chapter president for eight years and was later elected president of its Parish Council. Her service to her church community and the community at large is long and distinguished. In addition to being President of Cardiff Orthodox Housing (for low income seniors), Jeannie has been active with Kids ‘n’ Cancer, Camp Agape, Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, and more. She has also served in numerous leadership roles with the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos as president and first vice president. She has also been on the National Philoptochos Board for more than 20 years.