15 Μαΐου, 2025 - 13:49

HCHC “Bridge to the Future ” Campaign Raises $4.5 Million in Board-Led Effort: Faithful Leadership Ensures Stability, Growth for America’s Only Seminary

Διαδώστε:

BROOKLINE, MA (May 13, 2025) — Under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the bold initiative of Board of Trustees member and philanthropist Bill Spell, Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) announces that it has raised $4.5 million in commitments through its “Bridge to the Future” campaign – an effort led by current and former Trustees to ensure the continued strength and sustainability of the only Orthodox seminary, college, and graduate school of theology in the United States.

“This is a powerful expression of faith and unity from our Board of Trustees, our donors, and our extended family,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros. “Their commitment affirms the vital importance of the school’s mission and ensures that our Church continues to be served by well-formed, faithful clergy and lay leaders.”

Launched in early 2025, the “Bridge to the Future” campaign was spearheaded by a dedicated task force chaired by Trustee Bill Spell. Its dual purpose was clear: to substantially reduce the institution’s debt burden while securing essential operating support for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years. From the outset, HCHC President Dr. Demetrios S. Katos made a compelling case to the Board about the urgency of the school’s financial needs. The response was swift and unified – marked by extraordinary generosity and a shared commitment to HCHC’s future.

Spell led by example with a $1 million gift, which was quickly matched by contributions totaling another $1 million from the rest of the current Board. Former Trustees soon followed: Helen A. Carlos contributed $1 million; Tom Demakes pledged $500,000; and an anonymous donor, approached directly by Archbishop Elpidophoros, made a $1 million commitment.

“This was a great team effort,” said Dr. Katos. “The campaign’s success positions HCHC for a stronger, more sustainable future. It enables us to move confidently forward in support of our growing student body – individuals who will go on to serve parishes and Orthodox communities across the nation.”

Of the $4.5 million raised, $3 million will be applied toward operational and financial priorities — including reducing HCHC’s debt to its lowest level in more than 20 years while approximately $1.5 million is restricted for priorities that will enhance HCHC’s programming.

Additional support came from fundraising events held in Metropolises and parishes across the Archdiocese, demonstrating the school’s essential connection to the broader Church. “Our goals are perfectly aligned,” Dr. Katos added. “We need a vibrant Church to have a healthy school and a vibrant school to have a healthy Church.”

Fr. James Katinas, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, who facilitated the campaign, emphasized the significance of Board leadership and coordinated outreach. “Leadership by example and peer-to-peer asks are the hallmarks of successful fundraising campaigns. The success of this campaign is due in large part to the outstanding leadership of Bill Spell, and the generosity of our current and former Trustees. Their collective efforts, along with the strong direction of the Archbishop and President Katos, have made a lasting impact on HCHC’s future.”

About Hellenic College Holy Cross:
Hellenic College Holy Cross is the intellectual, educational, and spiritual center of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. As an institution of higher learning, it is dedicated to the formation of Orthodox Christian leaders—clergy and laity—equipped to serve the Church and society with faith, integrity, and excellence. Learn more about HCHC on Facebook and Instagram.

www.HCHC.edu

goarch.org

H αναδημοσίευση του παραπάνω άρθρου ή μέρους του επιτρέπεται μόνο αν αναφέρεται ως πηγή το ORTHODOXIANEWSAGENCY.GR με ενεργό σύνδεσμο στην εν λόγω καταχώρηση.