The Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) has recently received a gift of two million euros ($2,388,000) from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that was given to them by the government of Greece.
President of HCHC George M. Cantonis said that the gift is a “huge step forward toward securing our financial stability and viability.”
“We are profoundly grateful to the government of Greece and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“We are also most thankful to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for his tireless efforts on behalf of the College in this and so many other matters,” Cantonis added.
A native of Chicago, and a longtime resident of Florida, Cantonis has served the Church in many capacities over the years, including various leadership positions at the local parish level as well as on the national level through the Archdiocesan Council and Leadership 100.
Use of the gift by the College is restricted as follows: $2,300,000 of the total amount given is designated to reducing the institution’s endowment debt, while $88,000 is designated to helping fund HC/HC’s Greek cultural programming at the Maliotis Cultural Center on campus.
School educates for service to Church and society
HCHC is a graduate school of theology that educates and forms Orthodox Christian men and women for service to the Church and society.
Whether preparing for the holy priesthood or for lay vocations in which they can put their faith into action, Holy Cross students make up a vibrant community engaged in pursuing the eternal truths of Christ’s message of salvation for all the world, the HCHC says.
It adds that the students study Scripture, the Fathers, Church history, ethics, and every other aspect of the ancient faith.
Greek support for Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School
The Greek government’s commitment to support HC/HC was further evidenced by the October 23 visit to the campus by Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, Greece’s senior representative in the United States, accompanied by Greece’s Consul General in Boston, Stratos Efthymiou.
Welcoming her were His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, His Grace Bishop Joachim of Amyssos, and President Cantonis, along with members of the faculty, staff, and student body.
At a gathering in Holy Cross Chapel, just below which the flags of the United States and Greece fly, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros thanked the Ambassador for honoring the school with her visit.
“It is so important to feel and to see that the Greek government is with us…This is the home of all Greeks and all Orthodox in the United States.”
In response, Ambassador Papadopoulou said that the “role of this institution is unique.”
She added that the Prime Minister is committed to help in restoring it to the level that it deserves.
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