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His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, joined students, alumni, faculty, and staff for the annual HCHC Clean Monday Retreat, marking the beginning of Great Lent.

“It is once again our honor to be joined by His Eminence for our annual Clean Monday Retreat,” said Rev. Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos, HCHC President. “The presence of the Archbishop uplifts our minds and hearts to Jesus Christ, whose ultimate love and sacrifice is contemplated ever the more deeper in Great Lent.”

In his address in Holy Cross Chapel, Archbishop Demetrios expounded the meaning of humility, forgiveness and fasting, as defined as the abstinence of sin and greater love for our neighbor, and blessed those assembled to enter into the mystery and joy of the Great Fast in preparation for the greater contemplation of Christ’s Life-Giving and Saving Passion and Holy Resurrection.

“We thank His Eminence for visiting us, and ask God’s continued blessings upon him and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,” said Rev. Fr. Metropulos. “Eis pollá étē, Déspota!”