This post was originally published on this site
Hellenic College Holy Cross marked its 84th Commencement today, granting degrees to nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate students in Brookline, Massachusetts.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and the families and friends of graduates gathered for the occasion. The day began with Orthros and Archieratical Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Chapel before the formal commencement exercises began in the Maliotis Cultural Center.
In his Paterexhortatory Address, Archbishop Elpidophoros recognized the graduation day as a moment of simultaneous excitement and uncertainty, urging the graduates to trust in God’s plan for their lives.
> Read His Eminence’s full address
“The commitment to dedicate one’s life to the Church through the education provided by our Σχολή is an extraordinary one,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said. “Beloved Graduates, make all the excellent and virtuous plans that you can, understanding that your lot is with God, and that He will have the final determining say in your lives.”
“Allow your life to be enveloped by that last breath of our Lord upon the Cross, when He delivered up the Breath that has filled the universe with the redolence of love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness … And may you know the truth of His word–so that your minds may be enlightened, your hearts may be enlivened, and your spirits flow with the promptings and direction of the Holy Spirit, Who is glorified together with the Father and the Son, unto ages of ages,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.
Interim HCHC President Fr. Michael Lambakis gave an opening salutation, likewise encouraging the graduates to keep God first in their lives. Greetings were also offered by Fr. Mark Leondis, Vice-Chairman of HCHC’s Board of Trustees; Debbie George, President of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society; the Honorable Symeon Tegos, Consul General of Greece in Boston; and Paulette Poulos, Executive Director of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund.
Dean of Hellenic College Nicholas Ganson, Ph.D. and Dean of Holy Cross Fr. Eugen Pentiuc, Ph.D., Th.D., and D.D each offered remarks as well, while Valedictory Addresses were given by David Twombly (Hellenic College) and Dn. David Karle (Holy Cross).
In addition to conferring degrees on graduates of the Certificate in Sacred Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Leadership, Master of Theology, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Divinity programs, the school awarded two individuals honorary degrees: Jeannie Ranglas, who was recognized by Hellenic College as an Honorary Doctor of Humanities, and Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, who was recognized by Holy Cross as an Honorary Doctor of Divinity.
Ranglas was honored for her decades of leadership in Philoptochos and her lifelong commitment to the philanthropic ministry of the Church. She is currently serving in her 16th year as President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos and has served for 23 years on the National Philoptochos Board of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Born and raised in Chicago, Ranglas moved to San Diego after her marriage to Gerry Ranglas and has remained active in parish, metropolis, and national Church life.
Her work reflects the central role Philoptochos continues to play in the life of the Church, especially in supporting families, clergy, seminarians, and those in need. The Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos describes its ministry as serving 58 chapters and more than 4,000 members, with programs rooted in fellowship, outreach, education, and philanthropy.
For Fr. Theodore, the honor marked another chapter in a life closely bound to Holy Cross. A 1956 graduate of the school, he went on to become one of its most distinguished faculty members, teaching theology and New Testament for more than four decades. A native of Greece whose family immigrated to the United States in 1951, Fr. Stylianopoulos later pursued advanced theological studies at Boston University School of Theology and Harvard Divinity School. He began teaching at Holy Cross in 1967 and retired officially in 2009.
Fr. Theodore’s ministry has also extended deeply into parish life in New England. Over the years, he served communities including the Annunciation Cathedral of New England in Boston, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Lexington, Massachusetts, St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene, New Hampshire, and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Dracut, Massachusetts. His scholarly work, pastoral service, and long presence at Holy Cross have made him a formative figure for generations of clergy and lay leaders.
Άξιοι!
The post Hellenic College Holy Cross confers nearly 60 degrees at 84th Commencement appeared first on Orthodox Observer.
