Hellenic College-Holy Cross Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Hellenic-College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology celebrated its 75th Anniversary Name Day Feast, Exaltation of the Holy Cross, with a four-day Jubilee September 12–15, 2013. The event focused on celebrating the history of the community while continuing to highlight the School's significance as, in the words of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, “the heart and the mind of our Church in America." Helen A. Carlos, a member of Leadership 100, served as Chair of the 75th Anniversary observance and Christine Karavites served as Jubilee Chair.

A Gala Recognition Banquet began the festivities on Thursday, September 12, 2013, with FOX News Chief Congressional Correspondent Mike Emanuel serving as Master of Ceremonies. Among other distinguished speakers addressing the Banquet,, Paulette Poulos, Leadership 100 Executive Director, stated: “We are most grateful for the indispensable service the School provides to the Church in America. Hellenic College Holy Cross is the beacon of Orthodoxy; the lighthouse that shines on the hill.” Leadership 100 support of the School over the years has included $15.4 million for scholarships for seminarians preparing for the priesthood.

Emanuel also spoke during lectures conducted by the Faculty on Friday and Saturday, September 13 and 14, 2013, inspiring the audience during the Saturday session with compelling stories of how his Orthodox faith sustained him as he was embedded as a news correspondent in war-torn areas around the world. Faculty speakers highlighted the vital role that the School plays in forming the intellect, character, and spirituality of the next generation of both ordained and lay leaders for the Greek Orthodox Church.

During the Vespers service on Friday evening, second-year seminarians received their crosses and Masters of Divinity candidates entering their final year of studies received their rasso [cassocks] as families, trustees, and Jubilee visitors joined in prayer, thanksgiving, and celebration. Saturday's Divine Liturgy was followed by an iconography exhibit curated by Archon Elias Damianakis featuring his own icons and various works from graduates of the School, as well as others.

A campus-wide Open House capped off the wonderful and educational weekend with food, music, Greek dance troupes from New England parishes, and activities for children as well as tours around the beautiful campus overlooking the Boston skyline. The Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture at HC-HC sponsored a children’s activity center that taught the youth about our shared Byzantine heritage.

Director of Institutional Advancement, Rev. Dr. James Katinas summed up the festivities by stating, “This was a very special event celebrating the lives of the many faithful stewards of our School and Church over the years. I extend warmest thanks to Helen Carlos, Christine Karavites and to all the donors, volunteers, students, faculty, and staff for all their tireless work making the Jubilee a success.”