HCHC Today

Volume I, Fall 2008

Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

A ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Celebration! It is indeed a celebration that we recognize 70 years of our Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology – our Seminary – and 40 years of Hellenic College. Today and since

1968, seminarians have been students in both Hellenic College and Holy Cross. We praise God for the Hierarchs, deans and past presidents who have assumed the mantel of leadership, while we also lift voices of praise for the wonderful faculty members over these seven decades. We move forward into the eighth decade of Holy Cross and the fifth decade of Hellenic College with additional thanksgiving to God for the sterling deans and faculty who now lead the academic life of our School.

Celebration! We indeed celebrate the Hierarchs, clergy and lay men and women who have comprised the Board of Trustees over these seven decades. They have creatively addressed the mission of both Schools, while offering their precious time, talents and resources toward the steady development of all facets of our Schools. Sharing their lifetime familial business and professional experiences with one another and with the academic leaders, they have devoted themselves to constantly advancing the mission of our School. They have always kept the needs of our people throughout America foremost in their minds.

Celebration! As President, how I wish I could introduce every member of our staff to our faithful families across the Archdiocese. Each one personally and selflessly shoulders the responsibility of the stewardship of our beloved School. Each one has her/his personal integrity and commitment to every family within our Archdiocese. Each one with her/his personal goodness and joy welcomes each student and student family who becomes part of our Hellenic College and Holy Cross community.

This text offers a glimpse into the calling of our School’s Office of Institutional Advancement. Thank you for reviewing each page, and thank you for your faithful support over these many years. Please come visit your campus to pray and fellowship with us.

In His Service,

Rev. Fr. Nicholas C. TriantafilouPresident

Message from the PresidentMessage from the Archbishop

In the joy and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I offer my heartfelt greetings to each of you and my thanksgiving to the Almighty God for your contribution towards the advancement of the

academic and ecclesiastical mission of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology.

Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, as a sacred institution of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, is called in a most fundamental way to bear witness to Jesus Christ and to advance the work set before us by the Lord in His Great Commission and by our obligation to the diachronic and universal Hellenic cultural tradition.

In the pages ahead, you will witness the many tangible ways your support of the highest educational institution of our Archdiocese builds up the Church as the Body of Christ and strengthens Her dynamic ecclesial life. In addition, you will realize the extraordinary leadership shown forth by the Holy Eparchial Synod, the President Reverend Nicholas C. Triantafilou, the Board of Trustees, the Administration, Faculty and Staff in their promotion of the Greek Orthodox Faith, Tradition, and Paideia.

Thank you for your commitment to proclaiming the saving good news of Jesus Christ through your valued offering to Hellenic College/ Holy Cross School of Theology. May the power of the life giving Cross that is the essence of the Gospel, the center of the life of the Church, the heart of theology and the ultimate expression of love, guide you in your special bond with this sacred institution of the Church.

†DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

Welcome to HCHC!

HCHC Today is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement.Publisher’s headquarters is located at 50 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445 Phone 617-731-3500

Office of Institutional AdvancementGeorge A. Georgenes, Director

Sally Kaloyanides, Coordinator Carol Baughman, Data Manager Erica Soper, Special Assistant

How do you know when God calls?

The story of unconditional faith by seminarian David Hostetler, a Holy Cross

Class of 2011 student.

Complete story on page 9.

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s 4 What Is Hellenic College? What Is Holy Cross?

5 From The Director

6 Chapel Road Naming Opportunity 4

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7 13 Dr. Demetrios Katos Receives Research Grant

14 Archbishop Iakovos Library And Learning Resource Center

Peggy Giovane, Designer

9 Students Making A Difference - Seminarian David Hostetler

10 HCHC Golf Tournament Snapshots

11 Achilea & Anastasia Thomas Styliades Chair

11 Michael & Anastasia Cantonis Chair

12 Ladies Philoptochos Society - A Story Of Devotion & Faith

Cover - Archbishop Iakovos Library and Learning Resource Center Museum. Story on page 14.The dome in the museum recently received its magnificent iconographic decoration by celebrated Byzantine iconographer, George Filippakis.

We graciously acknowledge and thank the generous steward who provided the funding for this publication.

Pictures by Peggy Giovane, George Peet and Areti Bratsis

6 Holy Cross Name Day

7 Major Gift From Mary & Michael Jaharis

8 What Is LOFOS?

15 No Cost Gifts

16 Get The Facts & FAQ’s

17 Can I Make A Difference?

What is Hellenic College? What is Holy Cross?

While both Hellenic College and Holy Cross are distinct institutions of higher learning, one under-graduate and the other graduate, they share both an idyllic campus and a fundamental belief in the neccessity to build foundations in faith.

Hellenic College is the only faith based Orthodox undergraduate school in the western hemisphere. We offer courses in English, History, Management and Leadership, Biology, Environmental Sciences, World History, Personality Dynamics, Psychology, Byzantine Art, Architecture, Music and other interdisciplinary courses. We also award to those students in good standing during their junior year a tuition-free year to study abroad in Athens. We welcome men and women of diverse racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds to par-ticipate responsibly in the life of an Orthodox Christian college community. Hellenic College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Holy Cross is the only Greek Orthodox seminary in America. Our vital mission is to educate and prepare seminarians for ordination into the Holy Priesthood and service in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Holy Cross is also dedicated to helping lay people, both men and women, fulfill their calling in the Church and society by providing them with a vital foundation in Orthodox theology that serves as an invaluable framework in life and work. Holy Cross students learn to integrate faith and reason, spirituality and critical discourse, knowledge and skills, personal fulfillment and selfless service, in a manner that is rewarding to both them and to those they serve. Holy Cross students may also take advantage of the tremendous resources available to them through the School’s membership in the prestigious Boston Theological Institute and its sister school relationships with the University of Athens, the University of Thessaloniki and Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

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I have found that many people are unaware of who we are and what we do. This publication will allow us to keep you in-formed about what’s happening at HCHC.

As you will see in the following pages, there is a lot going on! We have made great strides, but it’s only the beginning. I en-courage you to let us know what you would like to see in upcoming issues, as well as your comments and suggestions. After all, this is your School!

George A. GeorgenesDirector of Institutional Advancement

N Most of my adult life has been spent working in the restaurant business. My grandfather opened many diners in the greater Boston area after coming to America in the mid 1900’s. As expected, I followed in my grandfather, father and uncle’s footsteps and took over the business in 1990 after I graduated from Emerson College. Something, however, was missing.

After the 9/11 disaster, I took a hard look at my life. I had a beautiful wife and a young daughter whom I rarely saw due to my gruelling schedule. I wanted that to change. I wanted to sit down with my family at dinner, to hear about my wife’s day, and enjoy my daughter while she was still young. I wanted her to know her dad. I wanted my life to make a difference.

Choices

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Without hesitation, I left the business, but didn’t quite know what I wanted to do. I never had to think about that. I received a call from James Karloutsos at Hellenic College and Holy Cross. Jim explained that he had recently retired as principal of the JFK Elementary School in Boston after 30+ years, and was looking forward to retirement. Jim told me that two of his brothers, Fr. Alex and Fr. Peter, had gone on to serve the Church, and after 9/11, he realized something was missing in his life too. It seemed that retirement had to go on the back burner. He accepted the role of Chief Operating Officer at HCHC, and he wanted me to join him.

After many conversations, Jim convinced me to accept the job as Financial Aid Director. I figured, OK - I’ll take this just for now, until I decide what I really want to do. Six years later, after serving as Financial Aid Director, Director of Housing, and a host of various responsibilities, I was still here. I asked myself, why had I not moved on? Then it occurred to me that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I had my life back, I had dinner with my family, I was my daughter’s hero, and I had a great place to work. I was part of something important. My life was making a difference. Funny how things work out....

As fate would have it, the Office of Institutional Advancement was searching for a Director. Fr. Triantafilou offered me the job and challenged me with the responsibility of letting the Orthodox community know about the great things we are doing at HCHC. Our first meeting consisted of only one thing - a prayer for me as I assumed my new role. As I begin my journey, I am prepared to meet all the challenges ahead, and look forward to what the future brings.

Naming Opportunity now available for the Holy Cross Chapel roadway. Call George Georgenes at (617) 731-3500 for details.

The road every seminarian walks to the path of priesthood

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The name day of our school, The Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, is held every year on September 14th when the Orthodox Church celebrates the Universal Exaltation of the Life Giving Cross.

This Feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine in the year AD 326 in Jerusalem. The Cross is the mark of change and a new life in Christ. Christ transformed it from an instrument of torture into a symbol of renewed life. For our school where future priests and lay leaders of the Church are formed, the Cross is the symbol of transformation for all those who study here.

At Holy Cross we rejoice in the transformation of the Holy Cross, allowing us to be ready to serve our Church and society. Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology is a place of transformation and renewal for all those who come here through the grace of God and under the protection of the Life Giving Cross.

Holy Cross Name DayHoly Cross - Transformation!

Love for Orthodoxy and Hellenism sparks largest gift in HCHC History

HCHC Bestows Honorary Degree on Michael & Mary Jaharis

Mrs. Mary Jaharis, His Eminence Archbishop Deme-trios and Mr. Michael Jaharis at HCHC’s 66th Com-mencement Ceremonies

At the school’s 2008 commencement in May, the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities was conferred upon Mary Spyropoulos Jaharis and Michael Jaharis for their unwavering devotion and commitment to preserving and promoting their Christian Faith and Hellenic Heritage. Their generous philanthropic acts are directed at improving health care, preserving and disseminating the ideals and artifacts of Hellenic Heritage and perpetuating Greek Orthodox Christianity.

Mary and Michael Jaharis once again showed their exemplary generosity by announcing a $5 million donation to Hellenic College and Holy Cross, the largest single gift in the school’s history. “In appreciation for and recognition of the outstanding work that this school does in preserving and promoting Orthodoxy and Hellenism, my husband and I have decided to offer our support in order to further enhance and increase the effectiveness of this work,” Mary Jaharis told those in attendance as she announced the unprecedented gift.

The gift will be used to endow the Archbishop Demetrios Chair of the New Testament and the Mary Jaharis Byzantine Art Institute. The Institute for Byzantine Arts and Culture will focus on five key areas of Byzantine interest and research: Iconography, Artifacts, Architecture, Literature and Music. The expectation for the Institute is that it will become a premier national and international research center focused on the arts of the Byzantine era.

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What is LOFOS?

As a member of the Holy Cross class of 1968, Fr. Petros Kopsahilis never forgot the financial challenges he faced as a student.

Upon graduating, he vowed that if he was ever in a position to do so, he would help ease the financial burden of students at Hellenic College and Holy Cross.

The League of Faithful Orthodox Stewards is a dedicated group of Orthodox Christians who have responded to the call to become partners in stewardship for the advancement of Orthodox Chris-tian higher education. Gifts made to LOFOS support the School’s current operations and provide much-needed budget relief, and support essential items such as financial aid, academic support, the Archbishop Ia-kovos Library and Learning Resource Center and the maintenance of campus buildings and grounds. It is our goal to increase donations this year by ten percent.

Please consider a gift to LOFOS which will help fulfill the vital mission of Hellenic College and Holy Cross, which is to recruit, educate and train Christ-centered clergy and lay leaders for serv-ice in our Church and the world.

Mrs. Eula Carlos of Atlanta, Georgia became the founding member of LOFOS and provided a compelling start to this noble endeavor with her

extremely generous principal gift of $1 million.

Mrs. Carlos fulfilled her pledge in December of 2007.

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In 2003, as a staff member of our School, he fulfilled his vow, establishing the Hellenic College and Holy Cross annual giving program, known as LOFOS - League of Faithful Orthodox Stewards.

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My wife Nora and I had no idea what to expect next. I had been working at a nuclear power plant in Illinois while she worked at raising our two sons, Isaac (who is now 7 years old) and Joel (now 5), but we both felt God was calling us to the seminary at Holy Cross.

After being accepted, other concerns arose. Can we sell the house? How will we pay for tuition and expenses? Are we doing the right thing? It was an awesome and fearful moment when we placed ourselves utterly into the hands of the Almighty.

I can’t believe I quit my jobat the power plant……

Trusting in God’s providence and protection, we put our home up for sale. A week later we had an offer, and a month later we closed on the house and received our first scholarship award. I left my job and we packed up our boys and our lives and headed for Brookline, MA.

Now a year later, Isaac completed the first grade and Joel is anticipating his start in kindergarten, and both have finished Greek school for this year. Nora has, after a seven-year hiatus prompted by Isaac’s birth, begun editing again,. She is working for the Holy Cross Press and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. I have completed a little more than a year’s worth of theological training and have started a summer job as a baseball umpire. On top of all this we welcomed a new member of the family, Justyn Nicholas, born on April 18th, the last day of Lent before an extraordinary Holy Week.

God has richly blessed us and provided for us throughout this amazing year. We have received support from unexpected sources at moments of critical need, and we feel the constant presence of the prayers of friends, both known and unknown to us.

Our prayer is that people will continue to allow God to move them into support of seminarian training and that He will make us worthy of such generosity.

David Hostetler, Holy Cross Class of 2011 and family.

Students Making a Difference

Snapshots from the 2008 HCHC Golf ClassicJuly 28th - Kernwood Country Club - Salem, MA

10 The Annual Golf Classic is HCHC’s major summer fund raising event.We just celebrated our 16th successful tournament!

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Michael and Anastasia Cantonis Chair of Byzantine Studies

OnSeptember12,2007HellenicCollegeandHolyCrossheldanafternoonforummarkingthecommencementoftheMichaelG.andAnastasiaCantonisChairofByzantineStudiesandthemostgenerousgiftof$2millionfromtheCantonisfamily, George Cantonis

The Achilea & Anastasia Thomas Styliades Chair of Pastoral Theology and Care

JamesandLillianThomasStyliadesareexemplarystewardsofourfaith,whoal-wayslooktothe“thingsthatareunseenandeternal”intheworkandmissionoftheirpreciousGreekOrthodoxChurchandHerInstitutionsofMission,Charity,PhilanthropyandHigherEducation.ItisthisspecialgiftthatkeepsthislovingOrthodoxChristianfamilyheavilycommittedandinvolvedincountlessfrontsofstewardship.

Theirgiftof$1.5milliontoourbelovedHolyCrossGreekOrthodoxSchoolofTheologyandSeminarywasmadeinlovingmemoryofJames’parents,AchileaandAnastasiaThomasStyliades.

Fr.NicholasTriantafilou,PresidentofHellenicCollegeandHolyCross,stated“OurChurchworldwidewillbeadvancedthroughtheministriesthatblossomforthfromthisChairofstudy,researchandteaching.OurparishesthroughouttheArchdiocesewillbesignificantlyedifiedthroughtheknowledgethatourpriestswillre-ceiveandthroughwhichourseminarianswillbefortified.”

James and Lillian Thomas Styliades

TheinauguralholderofthechairisDr.JamesSkedros,whohasbeenteachingatHellenicCollegeandHolyCrosssince1998.TheeventwasattendedbyHisEminenceArchbishopDemetrios,Mr.GeorgeCantonis,sonofMichaelandAnastasia,Dr.Alice-MaryTalbot(DirectorofByzantineStudies,DumbartonOaks),andad-ministration,faculty,staff,studentsandguests.

Theday’seventshighlightedtheimportanceforHellenicCollegeandHolyCrossoftheopeningoftheCantonisChair.InadditiontosecuringapermanentplacefortheteachingofByzantineStudiesatHCHC,theCantonisendowmentwillprovidesupportforpublication,research,andconferences intheareaofByzantinestudies.

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In the beginning Archbishop Athenagoras directed the Philoptochos to devote themselves to the theological school “where your children will be educated as teachers and priests.

Since those inception years, the Ladies Philoptochos was in the forefront of activity to aid HCHC in its vitally important programs.

For up to one-hundred years, the philanthropic endeavors of the Ladies Philoptochos have reflected a genuine expression of Christian charity.

Thousands of students have since graduated from HCHC. Many have gone on to faithfully serve our Church as ordained hierarchs, priests, deacons and lay leaders, female and male.

Tens of thousands of financial aid scholarship dollars have been provided to HCHC students by the Ladies Philoptochos Society.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been given by the Ladies Phi-loptochos Society for capital improvements on the campus of HCHC.

More than ONE MILLION DOLLARS has been generously granted to HCHC by the Ladies Philoptochos Society since 2000.

Ladies Philoptochos SocietyA story of devotion and faith

Thank You!

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Dr. Demetrios S. Katos receives prestigious

research grant

Dr. Demetrios S. Katos, assistant professor of Religious Studies at Hellenic College & Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, is one of seven scholars from throughout the United States to be named a Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology for 2008-2009. The award is one of the premier fellowships for theological scholarship.

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As a Luce Fellow, Katos will receive a sabbatical leave of absence for the next academic year to write his book, Palladius of Helenopolis: An Origenist and His Tradition in the Fifth Century. Katos is a specialist in Christianity of late antiquity, and his book explores the writings of Palladius, a relatively unknown bishop of Asia Minor in the early fifth century.

Established in 1993, the program of the Henry Luce III Fellows in Theology supports the research of junior and senior scholars whose projects offer significant and innovative contributions to theological studies. The program fosters excellence in theological scholarship, and strengthens the links among theological research, churches, and wider publics. The program is highly competitive and lists among its alumni some of the most distinguished names in academic theology. In addition to his responsibilities at Hellenic College & Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Katos is a widely sought after speaker and author of popular essays. He serves as treasurer of the Orthodox Theological Society in America, and as a board member of the Stephen and Catherine Pappas Patristic Institute at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. His recent scholarly publications include “Socratic Dialogue or Forensic Debate? Judicial Rhetoric and Stasis Theory in the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom,” (Vigiliae Christianae, 2007), “Humility as the Harbinger of Imageless Prayer in the Lausiac Histor,” (St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly, 2007) and “Origenists in the Desert: Palladius of Helenopolis and the Alexandrian Theological Tradition,” (American Benedictine Review, 2005).

Congratulations Dr. Katos!

14We welcome you to visit HCHC and the

Archbishop Iakovos Collection when in Boston.Call us for a tour of our campus and the Collection!

The Archbishop Iakovos Library & Learning Resource Center stands as a testimony to the life-long love of His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos for Hellenic College/Holy Cross as the premier academic institution of the Archdiocese.

The Library, with its excellent resources and holdings specializing in Orthodox and Greek studies, including a significant rare book collection, serves the needs of the faculty, students and broader scholarly community. The top floor of the Library houses The Archbishop Iakovos Collection, a permanent exhibition of His Eminence’s personal effects reflecting his 37 years of distinguished and enlightened leadership of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America.

Recently, the interior of the dome on this floor received its magnificent iconographic decoration, the work of the celebrated Byzantine iconographer, George Filippakis.

Archbishop Iakovos Library & Learning Resource Center

The Charitable Bequest

A No-Cost Gift Many, if not most, feel a responsibility to support charitable causes and institutions they be-lieve make a difference. Many also wonder how to provide support that makes an impact in light of competing demands on financial and philan-thropic resources.

There is a way to make a gift that costs nothing today but can have a significant impact down the road -

the charitable bequest.

Those who have provided for HCHC in their estate plans know there are numerous straight-forward approaches to doing so. Among the most common is to simply name the School the beneficiary of a percentage of one’s estate, which in growing in value over the course of a lifetime can result in a truly magnificent gift upon one’s death.

If you would like to learn about how to create a bequest that offers permanent recognition for your support, such as through an endowment fund, space, or program, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (617) 731-3500.

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Holy Cross is the only Greek Orthodox theological school in the western hemisphere.•Hellenic College is the only Orthodox undergraduate school in the western hemisphere.•Holy Cross is the major source of Greek Orthodox clergy - hierarchs, priests, deacons, •chanters, lay diaconate and both male and female lay pastoral assistants.Holy Cross is a source of future Orthodox professors for colleges and universities through-•out the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is my donation tax deductible?

A: YES! Gifts to HCHC are tax deductible to the fullest extent provided by law and may be made in the form of a check, stock transfer or credit card.

Q: Why is an annual gift necessary?

A: HCHC needs your support. Our annual giving program is necessary to sustain the enriched academic programs, faculty development, overall operating expenses, annual student scholarships and special programs that contribute to the educational experience at HCHC.

Q: Will my gift really make a difference?

A: The answer is YES! Your gift will truly make a difference to students who have dedicated their lives to serving God.

Q: How large is the Institution’s endowment and why can’t more funds be used to fund the education of a seminarian?

A: For the school year ended June 30, 2007, the Institution reported approximately $24.8 million in the endowment. Of this, approximately $16.1 million represents principal gifts with the balance reflecting appreciation from investments. Thirty-three (33) percent of the endowment gifts have been raised over the last seven years, but it is not enough.

Of the monies raised through 2007, $10.4 million of these gifts were designated by the donors to be used for scholarships. Further donor imposed restrictions limit the type of recipient who can receive scholarship support based upon academic concentration, performance, financial need and/or location of the student’s home. As a result, not all scholarship aid is available to a seminarian.

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Dear Friends,

I’m writing today to invite you to really make a difference. Some people who donate their time, energy or money often wonder if it really mattered. Today, you can be sure that you made an absolute difference in a young man or woman’s journey to serve the Church.

The typical student arriving at Hellenic College and Holy Cross did not initially intend to select the Church as their vocation. Many have degrees in education, public service, government, law and a multitude of other professions. Something, however, was missing. They felt the call to serve the Church, and have followed that calling to our beloved seminary.

Some students arrive here with no idea how they will pay for their education, accompanied with the burden of uprooting their families, as did David Hostetler (page 9), in order to start all over again. As strong as their faith is, reality reminds them that they have responsibilities that must be met.

HCHC depends on the financial support of our donors to sustain our School - the only Greek Orthodox theological school and the only Orthodox undergraduate school in the western hemisphere. It goes without saying that we need your help. Net tuition, fees, room and board approximate 15% of our total revenues. The remainder must come from generous contributions from the stewards of our faith.

I invite you today to join LOFOS, the League of Faithful Orthodox Stewards. You will become a part of a community that values the cultivation of knowledge, faith and service as fundamental virtues for leadership in a complex and changing world. So please, right now while everything is in front of you, take a minute to write your tax-deductible check to HCHC and return it in the self-addressed, stamped envelope.

With many thanks,

George A. Georgenes Director of Institutional Advancement

P.S. As you reflect upon your life, ask yourself: Have I made a difference? Please take this opportunity to make an absolute difference to future laypersons and seminarians studying for the priesthood who have dedicated their lives to Christ.

For all gifts of $100 or more, you will receive the Lord’s Prayer, which has been laser engraved on a solid wood plaque. 17

Office of Institutional AdvancementHellenic College & Holy Cross

Greek Orthodox School of Theology50 Goddard Avenue Brookline, MA 02445

Want to learn more about HCHC?Mail

50 Goddard Avenue Brookline, MA 02445

Web

www.hchc.edu

Email

development@hchc.edu

Phone

(617) 731-3500