Hellenic College Holy Cross Holds 82nd Commencement Ceremony Honors Helen and Louis Nicozisis

Hellenic College Holy Cross students process at 82nd Commencement ceremony.

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Hellenic College Holy Cross held its 82nd Commencement ceremony in the Maliotis Cultural Center on 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 17, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over Vespers in the Holy Cross chapel and over Orthros and Archieratical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Cross Memorial Chapel prior to the commencement ceremony.  

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, Interim Dean Dr. Timothy Patitsas, Dean of Holy Cross School of Theology Fr. Eugen Pentiuc, PhD, and other distinguished guests joined the graduates for the momentous occasion. 

President Katos offered opening remarks and greetings. The Consul General of Greece in Boston, Symeon Tegos, spoke of the importance of the Greek language and Greek culture. The Archbishop then thanked the Consul General and acknowledged the generous financial support of Greece for Hellenic College Holy Cross during HCHC’s most difficult days. 

Archbishop Elpidophoros presents Helen and Lou Nicozisis with honorary doctorates for their exemplary vision and leadership.

During the Commencement ceremony, Helen and Louis 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. 

Paulette Poulos, Executive Director of Leadership 100, spoke on behalf of its Chairman, Demetrios G. Logothetis, and its members. She stated: “For my part, and that of Leadership 100, I can assure you that we will continue to stand with you and support you in the decades ahead, as we are supported, in turn, by the leaders of our Church.”  She also congratulated the Nicozisis couple, who are prominent members of Leadership 100. 

In his paterexhortatory graduation address, Archbishop Elpidophoros remarked that “This 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 is easy and My burden is light.’”