The then Archbishop Athenagoras established the Holy Cross Theological School in June 1937, in Promfret, CT. The Archbishop directed a special appeal to the Philoptochos to "devote" themselves to the School, "where your sons will be educated as priests and teachers" and urged the ladies to "prove once again your strong faith". In the ensuing years, the Philoptochos was, and seventy-two years later continues to be, actively involved in offering financial support to Holy Cross. There are two programs for HCHC.

Scholarship Fund

For more than 20 years, scholarships have been awarded to worthy and dedicated students at both schools to assist them with their tuition expenses. Contributions to the Scholarship Fund are during September in observance of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Lenten Event

This is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Lent, observing the Veneration of the Holy Cross. The Chapters are requested to arrange a Lenten Event following the Divine Liturgy. Donations raised are used for the operational expense of the School.

The Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology Committee seeks to serve the needs of the institution by promoting its mission throughout the Christian Orthodox parishes of the Archdiocese of America, by encouraging enrollment in the School, and by insuring that Parish Chapters meet their financial commitment to the Scholarship Fund and the Lenten Appeal Event.

In 2005, $40,000 in Scholarships were awarded to seminarians and an additional $4,000 in Special Merit Awards were awarded to four academically outstanding students. During the 2004 academic year, $79,000 in Scholarships were awarded to seminarians.

Most recently, the Society responded to the School's urgent appeal to provide funding for the Polemanakos Dormitory boiler system. The 40+ year old system provides both heat and hot water to the dormitory failed this spring. Upon securing bids for this project, it was discovered that in addition to replacing the system, the asbestos would need to be removed. Philoptochos responded immediately by providing $75,000 for this project.

In 2004, the Society donated $65,000 to revamp the school's security system. New digital equipment and cameras have been installed, along with other equipment to ensure the safety of the students and their families. The entire security network was rewired with wireless security cameras installed at the married student housing area, as well as behind the Chapel overlooking the playground, and in the new Leadership 100 Fitness Center.

If you wish to inquire further on National Philoptochos' commitment to Hellenic College / Holy Cross School of Theology, please contact Helen Lavorata, National Philoptochos Director, at 212-744-4390 or PhilosNY@aol.com .

Summary of Stewardship: Ladies Philoptochos Society

At the National Philoptochos Board meeting held on September 16 and 17, 2005 at the Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, Reverend Nicholas C. Triantafilou, President of Hellenic College / Holy Cross School of Theology, presented a "Summary of Stewardship: Ladies Philoptochos Society". Presentation will be made available.

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