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Hellenic College Holy Cross President, Rev. Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos, DMin, looks forward to every Presidential Engagement Gathering as an opportunity to tell HCHC’s story in person, always stressing the uniqueness of our school as the only fully accredited Orthodox Christian college, graduate school of theology, and seminary in the Western Hemisphere. However, the most recent PEG, in Cincinnati, Ohio (September 24-25) was an especially meaningful event for him personally. The parish that welcomed him, Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas, was served for 31 years by his late father-in-law, Rev. Fr. Constantine Mitsos of blessed memory (Holy Cross MDiv 1951), and Fr. Christopher and Presvytera Georgia were married in that very church.
On the Saturday evening of the PEG weekend, over forty guests gathered at the University Club of Cincinnati to hear a presentation by Fr. Christopher about the importance of our school to Orthodoxy in America. Hosting the reception were the current presiding priest of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas, Rev. Fr. William Cassis, and Presvytera Anastasia; HCHC trustee Gus Perdikakis and his wife, Jo Ann; parish council president Nick Sarakatsannis and his wife, Carla; and Lewis and Pat Assaley. John and Dena Cranley, Mayor and First Lady of Cincinnati, were honorary chairs of the event. To the delight of all, Mayor Cranley read a proclamation declaring Rev. Christopher Metropulos Day.
During the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, Fr. Christopher, concelebrating with parish clergy, introduced Stephanie Couchell, an alumna of Hellenic College and current admissions counselor, and Alexander Eliades, a second-year seminarian at Holy Cross. Both spoke about the value of attending a faith-based institution, a message underscored by Fr. Christopher, who expressed thanks to the community for their prayers and support and urged everyone to help identify young people who would benefit from the exceptional education that HCHC provides.
