On the eve of the 83rd Commencement at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, its Board of Trustees met from May 15-16 for two days of focused discussions, strategic planning, and advancement of the institution’s mission.
Meetings took place on the HCHC campus and were led by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chairman of the Board, alongside President Demetrios S. Katos, PhD. (Holy Cross, MDiv ‘94) and Vice Chairman of the Board, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Mark Leondis (Hellenic, BA ‘92, Holy Cross, MDiv ‘95), who facilitated thoughtful and productive meetings with frank dialogue.
“Our beloved School is the intellectual, educational, and spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It is now the top priority of our Holy Eparchial Synod and our Archdiocese,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros. “Our rapidly changing world needs the light of Orthodoxy. Our School will magnify that light by graduating a new generation of priests and lay leaders equipped to meet tomorrow’s challenges.”
Announcements and Highlights
The Board concluded with clarity of purpose and a continued commitment to advancing the mission of HCHC. The institution continues to build upon its nearly 90-year heritage, equipping students with the spiritual, intellectual, and professional tools needed to serve the Church and society.
Among the highlights of the meeting:
● The success of the ‘Bridge to the Future’ fundraising campaign totalling more than $4.5 million in support of HCHC
● The selection of Dr. Nicholas Ganson as Dean of Hellenic College
● The projection of 18 percent growth in enrollment for the Fall of 2025
● The bidding farewell to Protopresbyter Fr. Michael Lambakis as a Trustee and his welcoming as its incoming Dean of Students (effective July 2025)
The Board reviewed the progress achieved by HCHC over the past six months in stabilizing its finances and operations thanks to the leadership of Task Force Committee Co-chairs, William (Bill) Spell and George Anderson.
The Board also explored how to transform the institution to serve the Church as a whole. Higher education experts and Strategic Planning Committee Co-chairs Dr. Christine Zeppos and Dr. Panos Kanelos discussed a university concept and opportunities for building upon the successes of HCHC and to extend the academic and professional opportunities it provides to Orthodox Christians everywhere.
The board subsequently appointed a committee of experts who have built successful universities and academic programs to develop a transformational plan for HCHC. The plan will ensure that the seminary remains the central focus of the institution and the Archdiocese and that it is supported by a sustainable funding model. Dr. Katos said, “we need a vibrant Church to have a healthy school and a vibrant school to have a healthy Church. In that way, our goals are perfectly aligned.”
The board concluded its meeting by affirming the graduating class of 2025 and expressing its pride and admiration for its extensive academic accomplishments.
