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January 25, 2017 – The George and Judy Marcus Family Foundation has donated $1 million to Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.  This gift will provide unrestricted support to strengthen and grow Hellenic College Holy Cross, the only Orthodox college, graduate school, and seminary in the Western Hemisphere. 

Hellenic College Holy Cross is humbled by this incredible gift from these leaders of the Greek Orthodox community who are committed to the future of our Faith. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, stated, “I give glory to God for this impressive gift made by George and Judy Marcus, who have time and time again shown their desire to not only grow our Church but have it thrive.” Archbishop Demetrios also commented upon hearing this wonderful news: “On behalf of our Archdiocese and the HCHC Board of Trustees, I commend Fr. Christopher Metropulos, the administration, faculty and staff for their cooperative work at the educational, intellectual, and spiritual formation center of our Faith.”  

“George and Judy Marcus have expressed their belief in educating our future Orthodox clergy and lay leaders through this inspirational gift,” noted Rev. Fr. Christopher Metropulos, the president of Hellenic College Holy Cross. “Their confidence in our ability to help shape the next generation of the Orthodox Faith is testament to the strength of the learning and spiritual formation taking place here on the Holy Hill.” 

As Hellenic College Holy Cross looks to the next 80 years of its history, this generosity will help increase the reach of the school through enhanced admissions efforts, bring practical and theological training for current Orthodox clergy and Orthodox laity through a new online and continuing education platform, and support other areas of immediate impact. 

George and Judy Marcus are committed philanthropists who have given generously to support education, human service organizations, and religious causes. They have been generous supporters of Hellenic College Holy Cross in the past, along with other Orthodox institutions. 

This generous gift is the second $1+ million gift that Hellenic College Holy Cross has received in the past two months, the first being a $1.5 million gift from the Lilly Endowment Inc. for programmatic support. The commitment of these donors to invest in our school demonstrates the importance of this vital educational ministry of Orthodoxy, and we look forward to the dedication of others.