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Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, in conjunction with the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) under the spiritual and ecclesial leadership of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, has launched a Certificate of Completion in Orthodox Theology in Spanish for native-Spanish speaking clergy in the Americas. This new program assists the growing needs of theological education of Spanish speaking clergy, especially in the Metropolises of Mexico and Buenos Aires as well as in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
The Spanish language holds a place of global significance as the second most spoken native language in the world and the second most used language in the United States, spoken by more than 42 million people.
“Holy Cross and the Archdiocese face both an opportunity and a responsibility: to communicate the faith, the liturgical tradition, and the theological richness of Orthodoxy in a language that reaches an ever-expanding population,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros. “Across the U.S., many Spanish-speaking faithful and converts are seeking a deeper understanding of the Orthodox faith, yet there are few accessible, academically grounded resources or programs of formation available in Spanish.”
This program addresses that need. It consists of eight courses—organized into the four pillars of theology: historical, biblical, doctrinal, and practical—taught entirely in Spanish by qualified instructors approved by the Dean of Holy Cross. Delivered online via asynchronous instruction and supported by archived recordings, the program is accessible to students across the Americas. The Certificate will allow clergy, catechists, and lay leaders to receive formation consistent with the standards of Holy Cross while remaining embedded in their local pastoral settings.
At the same time, the project aligns with the mission of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which, as the historic guardian of Orthodoxy, extends pastoral care and theological formation to the entire Orthodox oikoumene. In recent years, the Patriarchate’s Metropolises in Buenos Aires and in Mexico have witnessed remarkable growth, welcoming faithful from diverse backgrounds—including many Latin Americans who have embraced Orthodoxy after years of
searching for spiritual depth and apostolic continuity. Similarly, in Spain, under the Holy Metropolis of Spain and Portugal, the Patriarchate has fostered liturgical and pastoral life in Spanish, producing translations, catechetical materials, and theological publications that serve as models for the present effort.
Rev. Dr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross, noted, “Holy Cross has always opened its physical doors to students from Central and South America seeking to serve the Orthodox Church in their home countries. With this new certificate program, created primarily for international students, we not only expand our reach beyond our own campus but, more importantly, we do so in the Spanish language.”
The Certificate of Completion in Orthodox Theology in Spanish at Holy Cross builds upon these initiatives, linking the academic resources of Holy Cross and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with the pastoral realities of the Spanish-speaking world. It represents a unique collaboration between theological education and global mission—between Boston, Buenos Aires and Mexico, between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the faithful of the Americas.
For more information, please contact Fr. Petros Gomez pgomez@hchc.edu.
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