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Under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Board of Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) convened December 9 via Zoom to continue shaping a bold new chapter in the 88-year history of the institution.
Facilitated by Board Vice Chairman and Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Mark Leondis (Hellenic, BA ’92; Holy Cross, MDiv ’95) and President Demetrios S. Katos, PhD (Holy Cross, MDiv ’94), the Board of Trustees meeting united hierarchs, clergy, and accomplished lay leaders in business, higher education, finance, real estate, and law—all committed to strengthening HCHC’s mission and long-term vitality.
Archbishop Elpidophoros in his opening remarks commented on Holy Cross Seminary being the heart of the HCHC and its important purpose in the life of the Church.
> Read: Archbishop Elpidophoros’s full remarks
“We’re at a moment of transformational change at HCHC, just as our Church stands at an inflection point,” said President Katos. “The five-year plan presented to the Trustees reimagines this sacred institution, expanding programs that equip future clergy and lay leaders to guide the Orthodox Church into its next century.”
Historic Land Conservation and Endowment Growth
In one of the most consequential decisions in recent history, Trustees voted unanimously to proceed with an initial, non-binding term sheet to place approximately 19 to 25 acres of campus land into conservation. The land will be placed in permanent trust with The Trustees of Reservations, the nation’s oldest statewide conservation and preservation nonprofit, founded in 1891 and steward of 120 protected sites across Massachusetts.
For decades, HCHC’s leadership has contemplated the highest and best use of this undeveloped portion of campus property. In its current state, the land poses a safety concern to the campus community and a potential liability for the institution. The parcel, largely non-developable due to its steep grade and high ecological value, adjoins the Emerald Necklace park system, linking Jamaica Pond and the Francis Parkman Memorial. Its preservation ensures that this natural area will remain forever undeveloped, becoming publicly accessible greenspace with professionally maintained trails and paths.“This is mutually beneficial for both HCHC and the wider community,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros, Chairman of the Board. “It secures the beauty of God’s creation for future generations while at the same time securing the permanence of funding for our beloved school.”
Expected conservation proceeds—anticipated at approximately $25 million—will be entirely placed into HCHC’s endowment, significantly strengthening its financial foundation. This represents a return of a roughly 17,000 percent gain on the original 1947 purchase price. Well-stewarded proceeds will generate annual income vital to sustaining the seminary’s campus and operations, supporting scholarships, and enhancing the education and formation of both clergy and laity. HCHC retains roughly 30 acres of developable land to accommodate future institutional needs.
Five-Year Strategic Plan for Renewal and Growth
The Board also approved a comprehensive five-year strategic vision designed to ensure permanence and growth for the nation’s only Greek Orthodox institution of higher learning. Developed through extensive collaboration, the plan defines measurable goals for enrollment growth toward 500 students, revenue expansion, and endowment and cash flow increases—all anchored by HCHC’s steadfast mission to form faith-driven leaders for the Church and world. A transition team, co-chaired by Fr. Leondis and Trustee Tim Tassopoulos, will oversee this plan’s phased implementation, guiding HCHC toward transformational change grounded in academic excellence and fiscal sustainability.
Trustees celebrated a milestone achievement in academic innovation: a $7.4 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, authored by Holy Cross Dean Fr. Eugen Pentiuc and Dr. James Skedros. This is the largest single grant HCHC has ever received. It will support a complete redesign of the Master of Divinity program and establish an intensive parish internship practicum to prepare students with strong pastoral and leadership skills.
About Hellenic College Holy Cross
Hellenic College Holy Cross is the intellectual, educational, and spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. As an institution of higher learning, it is dedicated to the formation of Orthodox Christian leaders—clergy and laity—equipped to serve the Church and society with faith, integrity, and excellence.
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