The Board of Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross (HCHC) met on March 4 and 5, 2025, for two days of focused discussions, strategic planning, and advancement of the institution’s mission.
The meetings, held on the campus of HCHC, were led by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chairman of the Board, alongside President Demetrios S. Katos, PhD. Vice Chairman of the Board, Rev. Fr. Mark Leondis, facilitated all meetings, ensuring productive and thoughtful dialogue throughout the sessions.
“Our Board of Trustees, our Faculty and Staff have heard the call. We are joining together in unity and commitment to ensure our School achieves the highest promise, to be the North Star for Orthodoxy, for our Sacred Archdiocese, and the world,” stated Archbishop Elpidophoros.
The trustee committees discussed key institutional priorities and the full Board reviewed the financial and programmatic progress achieved by HCHC over the past six months under the leadership of its Finance Committee Chair, William (Bill) Spell. It took additional measures to maintain the improving trajectory of the institution for the near and intermediate term. The board also engaged in a visioning session aimed at critically assessing how HCHC can expand its role in promulgating Orthodoxy in America and beyond. Dr. Christine Zeppos, chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, was joined by Tim Tassopoulos, Dr. Panos Kanelos, and Mark Moraitakis in facilitating the discussions, guiding trustees through an engaging and productive dialogue on institutional growth, academic distinction, and financial sustainability. President Demetrios S. Katos, PhD, reflected on the importance of these discussions, stating, “Hellenic College Holy Cross is at a pivotal moment, and our Board’s commitment to its success is inspiring . By evaluating our progress and dreaming boldly about our future, we are elevating HCHC so that it may become a beacon of Orthodox Christian higher education and leadership.”
Announcements and Highlights:
A highlight of the meetings was a special address by Frank Edelblut, Commissioner of Education for the State of New Hampshire and a 2014 Master of Theological Studies graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Commissioner Edelblut, who has been a champion for educational reform and institutional efficiency, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of higher education, the role of mission-driven institutions, and strategies to strengthen the focus of academic programs. His experience in both education and public service provided the Board with valuable perspectives on maintaining academic excellence while upholding HCHC’s foundational mission.
In the course of its meetings, the Board committed to launching a search for a permanent Dean of Hellenic College, further strengthening the College’s academic leadership and vision. In recognition of their exceptional contributions to the Church and their extraordinary achievements, the Board voted to bestow at this year’s commencement on May 17, the honorary degree Doctor of Humanities upon Helen Carlos of Atlanta, GA, and the honorary degree Doctor of Divinity upon Rev. Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumencal Throne, of Southampton, NY.
The Board unanimously approved the appointment of Rev. Dr. George Parsenios, Professor of New Testament at Holy Cross School of Theology, as the recipient of the Archbishop Iakovos Chair of Orthodox Theology, recognizing his profound contributions to biblical scholarship and Orthodox theological education. Additionally, it awarded tenure to Dr. Nicholas Ganson, Interim Dean and Co-Director of the Literature and History Program at Hellenic College, as well as Director of the New York Life Center for the Study of Hellenism in Pontus and Asia Minor, in acknowledgment of his exceptional teaching, distinguished academic contributions, and commitment to scholarly service at HCHC. These appointments reflect the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and the advancement of Orthodox Christian scholarship.
The Board concluded its meetings with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to advancing the mission of HCHC. The institution continues to build upon its rich heritage, equipping students with the spiritual, intellectual, and professional tools needed to serve the Church and society
