BROOKLINE, Mass. – The 73rd Commencement program of HCHC featured the awarding of 20 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 34 Masters and an honorary Doctor of Theology degree to retiring President Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, who graduated from the school in 1963.
Offering salutations and greetings at the start of the program were HCHC trustees Vice Chairman Dr. Thomas Lelon, Consul General of Greece in Boston Iphigenia Kanara, Leadership 100 Chairman George S. Tsandikos and National Philoptochos President Maria Logus, who announced a $100,000 gift to the school.
In his commencement address, Fr. Nick told the graduates “We are one brotherhood, one body of men and women who have graduated from HCHC who are dedicated to serving our one true apostolic faith to proclaim teaching so Jesus Christ.”
He continued, “Your commission is from Christ Himself. All of your studies have prepared you to feed the sheep of Jesus. Every discipline is directed to prepare you to become leaders for the constant improvement of God’s society. You are responding to and fulfilling our Lord’s admonition, no matter what position you have in the Church.”
He urged the students to “be bold, be prudent and be pleasant. Be strong enough to say ‘you don’t know but you will find out.’ People respect honesty and self–assurance. Each of you can make a difference if you are steadfast in your commitment.”
Archbishop Demetrios offered the “heartfelt blessings and congratulations” from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
In his remarks on Fr. Nick’s service to the school, the Archbishop noted the “expanded academic offerings that reflect splendor, and beauty of the Orthodox faith,” that he promoted. “You understood the need to help people seeking God’s will.” He highlighted Fr. Nick’s accomplishments in raising funds for the school, and creating the Office of Vocation and Ministry and other programs that have enhanced the academic progress of HCHC.
His Eminence also expressed appreciation to Presvytera Diane “for supporting you in your sacred mission.”
Rachel Contos was Hellenic College valedictorian and Peter Hasiakos was the Holy Cross valedictorian.
Undergraduate and graduate degrees were awarded to:
• Bachelor of Arts to Hellenic College students: Marios Adamakis, Ilias Andriopoulos, Nicholas Birbilis, Demetrios Constantine, Rachel Contos, Nikoletta Evangelatos, Hosea Hatjaji, Margaret Hutchinski, Anthony Jonas, Alexander Kamilaris, Alexander Karcher, Theodore Karcher, John Livick-Moses, David Maillis, Jenna Mason, Evangelia Glykeria N. Palis, Mary Robinson, Peter Tarasidis and George Tsougranis.
• Master of Theology: Jason Falcone, Maria Koulianos and Dr. Magdi Salmon.
• Master of Theological Studies: Nicholas Calibey, Frank Edelblut, Peter Pappalas, Nikki Ann Stournaras and Haralambos Zaharis.
• Master of Divinity: Deacon Gary Alexander, Michael Yuri Andrzejewski, Andrew Steven Athanasiou, Andrew Calivas, Nikolas Steve Delaveris, Devin Patrick Edgecomb, Fr. Theodore Daniel Ehmer, Peter Hasiakos, Evangelos Karantonis, Dionysios Koulianos, Nicholas Lanzourakis, Fr. John Mamangakis, Michael Chris Manos, Jonathan McClish, Brian McMullen, Deacon Demetre Mott, Micholas Mueller, Michael Odegaard, Joshua Pappas, Sarah Robinson, Peter William Romanovsky, Anthony Joseph Ruggiero, Steven James Sarigianis, Emile Sarkis, Robert Bruce Shand, Christian Siskos.
HCHC has also begun offering a special program in Byzantine music and awarded certificates to the following 10 students: Richard Barrett, Peter Hasiakos, Samuel Thomas Herron, Sarah Jenks, Irene Christina Koulianos, Maria Diveris McMullen, Athanasios Minetos, Evangelia Glykeria N. Palis, Nicholas G. Roumas and Charleton Constantine Alexander Trumpower.