The HCHC was blessed to welcome Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to campus as he presided at the annual blessing and cutting of the Vasilopita at the Maliotis Cultural Center, marking the start of our spring semester with prayer.
Archbishop Elpidophoros offered words of encouragement to seminarians and students, reflecting on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and the prayer of Symeon. He reminded us that we are servants of the Lord, called to live in peace and alignment with His Word, recognizing Christ as our salvation who is present in all things. The light of Christ is a light of revelation and glory, offered to all, he said.
President Demetrios Katos and Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the community for His Eminence’s continued support. Dr. Katos also reminded students that every encounter on campus, when met with gratitude and openness, can become an opportunity for growth and transformation. Fr. Eugen emphasized that the blessing of Vasilopita has deep roots in the Scriptures. Through the Archbishop’s blessing of Vasilopita, God’s dynamis (power) was handed over to all present at this event.
Following the ceremony, Presbytera Chrysoula Kourkounti, Executive Director of the Maliotis Cultural Center, was honored for five years of dedicated leadership. She shared with a smile, “I usually know about everything that happens here, but this time I didn’t expect this surprise.”
