HCHC to Confer Degrees Upon Nearly 60 Students at 84th Commencement Ceremony

Photo: Courtesy of HCHC

BROOKLINE, MA — Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) will hold its 84th Commencement Ceremony on May 16, awarding degrees to nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate students while honoring two distinguished figures for their service to the Church and Orthodox education.

According to a release from HCHC, the ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Maliotis Cultural Center, will be attended by His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros of America, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, graduates, and their families and friends.

During the commencement exercises, the Rev. Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Holy Cross, while Jeannie Ranglas will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Hellenic College. The honors were approved by the HCHC Board of Trustees in February in recognition of their longstanding contributions to the Church.

According to a release shared by HCHC, Interim President Rev. Fr. Michael Lambakis said the graduates are prepared to serve Orthodox communities in a variety of ministries and professions.

“HCHC alumni are visible members of their communities, as clergy, as lay assistants, counselors, parish leaders and many other capacities,” Lambakis said. “We pray for God’s blessings upon them in their futures, which are undoubtedly bright.”

Fr. Stylianopoulos, a 1956 graduate of Holy Cross, taught theology and New Testament studies at the school for more than four decades. A native of Greece, he later earned a Master of Theology degree from Harvard Divinity School and became widely known for his books and articles. He has served a number of parishes in New England.

Ranglas, originally from Chicago and now based in Southern California, has spent decades serving in leadership roles within Philoptochos and parish life. Her work has included involvement with Kids ‘n’ Cancer, Camp Agape, Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, and local and national Philoptochos leadership.

HCHC described both honorees as examples of faithful service whose work has strengthened Orthodox Christian life and inspired future generations of clergy and laity.

“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,” Fr. Lambakis said. “Our students, faculty and staff are blessed to have such role models."

Previously, the UOJ reported that a search committee had been formed to find the next president of HCHC.

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