This weekend, Hellenic College Holy Cross held its 82nd Commencement ceremony at the school’s campus in Brookline, Massachusetts. Graduates and their loved ones gathered with clergy, staff, and students to celebrate their academic achievements.
On Friday, May 18, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over Vespers in the Holy Cross chapel.
This morning, Saturday, May 19, 2024, His Eminence presided over Orthros and Archieratical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Cross Memorial Chapel. After the community gathered for this special service, commencement began in the Maliotis Cultural Center.
As students prepared to accept their diplomas, their loved ones and all the faithful present filled the air with palpable joy and pride. This moment marked the next chapter of the new generation of trained Greek Orthodox faithful journey towards better serving our communities, in various capacities, and with God’s love in their hearts.
Archbishop Elpidophoros, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Bishop Joachim of Amissos, Bishop Anthony of Synada, President of HCHC Dr. Demetrios Katos, IInterim Dean Dr. Timothy Patitsas, Dean of Holy Cross School of Theology Fr. Eugen Pentiuc, PhD, and other distinguished guests joined the graduates for this momentous occasion. His Eminence thanked the Consul General of Greece in Boston, Symeon Tegos, also in attendance, for his generous support of Hellenic College Holy Cross, including financial support, during HCHC’s most difficult days.
In his paterexhortatory graduation address, Archbishop Elpidophoros remarked that “[t]his moment of achievement is certainly a moment of pride for all of you – the Graduates, and for your families and loved ones as well. You are all to be congratulated for your accomplishments at this vital Institution of our Church in America. All of you will go on to even greater heights – some as clergy of the Sacred Archdiocese serving our parishes; some in academia, expanding the footprint of Orthodox Christianity in the intellectual landscape of America; others still into all kinds of ministry at every level of Church life across our great country…although it may sound antithetical to the day’s festivities, one can never graduate from Holy Cross. Until our uttermost breath, the Cross abides as the Alpha and Omega of our salvation. If we truly desire to follow Christ, then we must be his lifelong pupils. There is a beginning of the knowledge of God, but not an ending. We never cease learning from Him, for He is the Teacher of Teachers Who says: ‘Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke easy and My burden is light.’”
During the Commencement ceremony, Louis Nicozisis and Helen Nicozisis were recognized for their exemplary vision and leadership in the Church. Helen and Archon Louis Nicozisis each received an honorary doctorate from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.
Congratulations to all of the graduates of our beloved school!
Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos
