HCHC Celebrates 84th Commencement

Photo: Orthodox Observer / Dimitrios Panagos

BROOKLINE, MA — Hellenic College Holy Cross marked its 84th Commencement on Sunday, awarding degrees to nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate students during ceremonies held at its Brookline campus. The day brought together faculty, trustees, clergy, and families for a celebration that began with Orthros and Archieratical Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Chapel before transitioning to formal exercises at the Maliotis Cultural Center.

Abp. Elpidophoros delivered the Paterexhortatory Address, urging graduates to embrace both the excitement and uncertainty of their next steps while trusting in divine guidance. “The commitment to dedicate one’s life to the Church through the education provided by our Σχολή [school] is an extraordinary one,” he said. He further encouraged them: “make all the excellent and virtuous plans that you can, understanding that your lot is with God, and that He will have the final determining say in your lives.”

The Archbishop also reflected on the spiritual depth of Christian vocation, saying, “Allow your life to be enveloped by that last breath of our Lord upon the Cross . . . and may you know the truth of His word—so that your minds may be enlightened, your hearts may be enlivened, and your spirits flow with the promptings and direction of the Holy Spirit.” Additional greetings were offered by school leaders and representatives of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, while valedictory addresses were delivered by graduating students representing both Hellenic College and Holy Cross.

The seminary also conferred honorary degrees on longtime Church contributors, including Jeannie Ranglas for decades of Philoptochos leadership and Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos for his distinguished academic and pastoral service spanning more than four decades.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a search committee was formed to locate the next HCHC president.

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