Bp. Joachim Announces Retirement After Long Service at HCHC

Photo: Hellenic College Holy Cross

BROOKLINE, MA — Hellenic College Holy Cross announced the pending retirement of His Grace Bp. Joachim (Cotsonis) of Amissos, effective July 1, concluding his long tenure as Director of the Archbishop Iakovos Library and Learning Resource Center, a role he has held since 1997. He is expected to continue serving the Church after returning to his hometown of Washington, D.C.

Interim President Rev. Fr. Michael Lambakis praised Bp. Joachim’s decades of service, noting his steady guidance of students and faculty and his emphasis on academic formation over public recognition. He also credited him with helping elevate the library’s resources and overall institutional strength during his tenure.

Born John Cotsonis and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Bp. Joachim is widely recognized as a leading scholar of Byzantine lead seals. His academic work, publications, and contributions to major Orthodox and academic institutions have helped shape the field, alongside his modernization of HCHC’s library systems and collections.

Previously, the UOJ reported that HCHC graduated nearly 60 students at its 84th commencement ceremony.

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