BOSTON – Hellenic College applicants and their parents arrived on campus the afternoon of Thursday, March 14, to a warm welcome. Rev. Fr. Gregory Floor, Director of Admissions and a Holy Cross alumnus, first introduced Rev. Fr. Christopher Metropulos, President of HCHC. Fr. Christopher told the visitors that at HCHC, as distinct from most campuses, “there is no holding back on faith. This is a place where people are always striving to better themselves in Christ.” The visitors then heard from another alumnus, Rev. Fr. Antonios Papathanasiou, who has returned to his alma mater as Dean of Students. The welcome concluded with remarks by Dr. Bob Murray and Betty Paganis of the Office of Spiritual Formation and Counseling Services, followed by Eileen Maguire, Academic Services Coordinator. All three emphasized the fact that students at HCHC are supported in all aspects of their lives here, not only academically.
After Vespers in Holy Cross Chapel, the applicants joined current students for dinner in the Condakes Cafeteria while their parents dined at an elegant inn nearby with Fr. Gregory, Dr. Kathleen Ryan of the Hellenic College faculty, and Dr. Bruce Beck, who teaches in both schools and is interim Dean of Hellenic College. After dinner, the applicants participated in a workshop conducted by the Office of Vocation & Ministry, a trivia competition, an ice cream social, and Great Compline service in the Chapel.
Friday morning after Orthros in the Chapel and breakfast applicants to Hellenic College met with Dr. Beck, then sat in on a sociology class. Holy Cross applicants met with School of Theology faculty before attending a class on Scripture in the Orthodox Church. Meanwhile, parents met with Fr. Gregory and learned about next steps for admissions and obtaining financial aid. After lunch, all of the visitors had the opportunity to tour the campus. Individual meetings with the Director Financial Aid, Michael Kirchmeier, were also available for applicants and parents, all of whom we hope to see again in September!