Board of Trustees Holds Successful Fall 2024 Meeting at Hellenic College Holy Cross

Brookline, MA – The Board of Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology convened from October 23-24, 2024 on campus for a two-day meeting focused on the institution’s current status, strategic initiatives, and future growth. Trustees toured the campus, engaged with students, faculty, and staff, and experiencedfirst–hand the institution’s vibrant academic and spiritual community. They also participated in committees that play a pivotal role in the governance and strategic direction of the institution, including the following: Academic Affairs; Enrollment and Student Life; Finance, Operations, Real Estate, and IT; Institutional Advancement and Endowment; Strategic Planning; and Trusteeship, Legal and Bylaws.

During the meeting, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the affirmation of office for new trustees and the election of the board’s new officers. The following members were elected: Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Mark Leondis as Vice-Chairman, Mr. Paul Kalamaras as Treasurer, Rev. Protopresbyter Nicholas Anctil as Secretary.

On the feast of Saint Iakovos, Archbishop Elpidophoros lead the Trustees, students and faculty with a graveside memorial to remember Archbishop Iakovos and his 37 year Archpastoral ministry. On the following day after Orthros, His Eminence remembered and presided over a Memorial for long time Trustee, Dr. Nicholas Madias, in the Chapel.

With the unanimous recommendation from the Holy Cross Faculty, the Board approved a request to award the title of Distinguished Professor for his many academic achievements upon the Rev. Dr. Eugen Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross, Archbishop Demetrios Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins, and Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages. Fr. Pentiuc, a Protopresbyter with forty years of experience across Romania, Israel, Germany, and the United States, is a prominent Orthodox biblical scholar holding advanced degrees from Harvard University and Bucharest Orthodox School of Theology. He has received honors such as Doctor Honoris Causa in Theology from Cluj University and has been a Fulbright Scholar Fellow and Lilly Faculty Fellow. His scholarly work includes numerous influential publications, such as The Old Testament in Eastern Orthodox Tradition and Hearing the Scriptures and is editor of the Oxford Handbook of the Bible in Orthodox Christianity.

The Board also approved a statement on diversity, equality, equity, and inclusiondeveloped by the faculties of Hellenic College and Holy Cross. It provides a distinctly Greek Orthodox Christian framework for fostering a vibrant, eucharistic community on campus that promotes “an ecumenical and even Trinitarian diversity-in-unity among human persons, a robust human equality, an equity based in the balance between justice and mercy, and the inclusion of all mankind.”

The trustees underscored their dedication to the institution’s mission of integrating faith, scholarship, and service, while focusing on strategic growth and financial sustainability. Discussions during the meeting laid the foundation for upcoming initiatives that will enhance the college’s academic excellence and institutional resilience.

His Eminence noted, “I feel energized and positive about the future of our Σχολή (School). Under the leadership of President Katos, truly gifted and highly quality individuals have joined our Board. I am hopeful that our progress will become even more manifest in the days and months ahead.”

Dr. Demetrios Katos, President of Hellenic College Holy Cross, expressed his deepest gratitude to our Archbishop, acknowledging his unwavering enthusiasm, support and steadfast commitment to making our beloved School his top priority within the Archdiocese. “With His Eminence’s leadership we will continue to be a center of academic excellence and spiritual formation for the future generations of our Archdiocese. We are also grateful for the support of the Holy Eparchial Synod and their recent decision to lead campaigns to gather financial resources in each of their respective Metropolises for our beloved School.”

President Katos stated, “I am excited to work with our new board, which is composed of highly accomplished professionals, each bringing unique expertise to our mission. Our board, and our professional staff are well-positioned to lead Hellenic College Holy Cross into a future of growth and service. I am deeply grateful for the commitment of our trustees as we work together to fulfill the sacred task of educating and forming the next generation of Orthodox Christian leaders.”

For more information about Hellenic College Holy Cross, please visit the website at stipuliferous.wirtschaftsstrafrecht.tv

About Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Hellenic College Holy Cross is a preeminent institution of Orthodox Christian higher education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate faith, scholarship, and service. The school prepares students for leadership in church, community, and society.