Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Houston Donates $50k to HCHC

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Hellenic College Holy Cross extends its sincerest gratitude to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston, TX for its donation of $50,000.

Rev. Economos Michael J. Lambakis (MDiv ’06), Cathedral Dean, made the announcement and presentation to HCHC President Rev. Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos, (DMin, MDiv ’80) at the 43rd biennial Clergy-Laity Congress.  

“I personally feel a great, close connection to the school, so I’m more than happy to promote it and give back,” said Rev. Economos Lambakis.

A parish with 1200 families, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral had a ‘100 x 100’ plan: to have an operating budget funded 100% by stewardship in time for the parish’s 100th anniversary in 2017.  This five-year goal was realized in only four years, and because of this, they decided to use a portion of the proceeds from their annual festival as an opportunity to give back to the Church on a national level. Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology was the clear choice.  

Martha Stefanidakis, National Philoptochos Board Treasurer and Annunciation Cathedral parishioner, was instrumental in making the donation happen.  “We were so pleased to be able to make that donation. We really believe the festival proceeds are a gift.  The festival is our way to share our culture and faith with the people of Houston and the proceeds with the Church’s most important ministries. We can’t have a church without our priests or without our school. That’s where our future lies.”

Annunciation Cathedral has always had a strong connection to HCHC. Former HCHC president Rev. Fr. Nicholas C. Triantafilou (MDiv ’63) served there for 23 years. During that time, he was active in expanding the parish and was instrumental in starting the Annunciation Orthodox School. Today, the school has 700 students and the presence of Orthodoxy remains strong in Houston. When Fr. Nicholas became HCHC President, the generosity of his former parishioners in Houston followed. In 2015 Annunciation Cathedral generously donated $25,000 to the Presidential Scholarship Fund, in honor of Fr. Nicholas’ years of service.  

Of the parish’s latest and most generous gift, Rev. Economos Lambakis says, “We thought HCHC is an important ministry and would be the best place to put the money.”   

With Rev. Economos Lambakis, HCHC Alumni Rev. Economos Demetrios Tagaropulos (ThM ’07) – Associate Priest, Rev. Presbyter Christopher Xanthos (MDiv ’10) – Associate Priest, and Rev. Presbyter Gabriel Gadah (MDiv ’08) – Associate Priest, serve at the Cathedral.