Archbishop Elpidophoros of America awarded Helen Carlos, a member of  Leadership 100, with the  Medal of  Saint Paul, the highest commendation of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese,  at the Great Vespers of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross  at  Holy Cross Chapel – Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts on September 13, 2022.

The Archbishop began his remarks by expressing “great joy” to be at the School at the beginning of the academic year, and the beginning of the Church’s ecclesiastical year. He said, “This evening, we commence our celebrations of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and we acknowledge that we are ‘the People and the Inheritance’ of which we chant in the festal apolytikion. For you, the future leaders of our communities – clergy or lay – understanding your role as ‘the People and the Inheritance’ is vital, and of the utmost necessity for the health and wellbeing of the Church.”

In his remarks on the traditional receiving of the Cross and the Rasson, the Archbishop stated, “If you are receiving these symbols for the very first time, or if you are returning to this holy hill to continue your formation in Christ, remember this: it is not the adornments of the body that are transformative; rather, it is those of the soul. And speaking of transformation, this evening has a very special element – one that is rarely seen at this service. Because we are honoring someone who exemplifies what it means to live as the People who carry the Cross in their hearts, and who ensure the Inheritance of the Church passes on to subsequent generations. I speak, of course, of our gracious sister in Christ, Helen Carlos.”

He then called Helen Carlos, a longtime member of the Board of Hellenic College-Holy Cross, to come forward, stating, “I am honored to award you the highest commendation of our Sacred Archdiocese: the Medal of Saint Paul.”

The Archbishop continued:

“Helen Carlos has been a hero for this School. Her contributions – both financially and spiritually – together with her devoted husband, Ron Hilliard, have literally been lifesaving for our precious School. She has served with excellence as a board member, both financially and as chair of the fund-raising committee, leading to successful outcomes for Hellenic College and Holy Cross at many levels.

Perhaps, though, her greatest achievement on behalf of our Seminarians is her establishment and support of the Saint Helen’s Pilgrimage. This trip, which is offered to all senior seminarians, takes them to the Phanar – the Sacred Center of our Faith. They also travel to the Holy Land, to Thessaloniki and, finally, to Mount Athos. In addition to the spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage, there is also an intensive Greek language component and an exposure to Hellenic history and culture, which is only possible from such personal contact.

The Saint Helen’s Pilgrimage is foundational and transformational for our seminarians, providing them a profound context in which to engage their post-graduate work and preparation for ordination.

Helen, you are truly worthy of this medal. For like Saint Paul, you are spreading the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by all your efforts – known and unknown. It is only appropriate, then, that you receive this recognition on the Feastday of our School, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which you epitomize in every aspect of your life.

Ἄξια!”