NEW YORK, NY –
Two distinguished individuals, Rev. Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, a 1956 graduate of Holy Cross who taught Theology at the School for more than 40 years, and Jeannie Ranglas, President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos, will receive this year’s honorary degrees as Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology celebrates its 84th Commencement on May 16.
Holy Cross School of Theology will bestow an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity upon Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, while Hellenic College will honor Jeannie Ranglas with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities. Both recognitions were approved by the HCHC Board of Trustees during its February 2026 meeting in acknowledgment of each honoree’s exceptional service, according to an announcement by HCHC.
The ceremony will take place at the Maliotis Cultural Center, where nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate students will be awarded their degrees.
Archbishop Elpidophoros will offer a pastoral and paternal exhortation to the graduates. His Eminence will accompany Holy Cross senior students on their St. Helen’s Pilgrimage to the Phanar, Mt. Athos and Greece.
“Years of study and hard work culminate in earning a degree that has prepared our students to be contributors to parish ministry and wherever their careers may take them”, said Interim President Rev. Fr. Michael Lambakis noting that “HCHC alumni are visible members of their communities, as clergy, as lay assistants, counselors, parish leaders and many other capacities. We pray for God’s blessings upon them in their futures, which are undoubtedly bright”.
“The honorary degrees awarded reflect HCHC’s appreciation for two outstanding individuals whose faith, dedication, and leadership in serving others has strengthened the Church and inspired future generations”, he added. “Our students, faculty and staff are blessed to have such role models”.
Rev. Dr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, served the institution with distinction from 1967 until his retirement in 2009. Born in Mouzakion, Trifylias, Greece, and later immigrating to the United States in 1951, he pursued his theological education at HCHC, Boston University School of Theology, and Harvard Divinity School. He has served parishes including Annunciation Cathedral in Boston, St. Nicholas in Lexington, MA, St. George in Keene, NH and Kimisis in Dracut, MA.
Jeannie Ranglas is a native of Chicago but a longtime resident of southern California. She began actively participating in Philoptochos at age 22, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by- the- Sea, CA. Jeannie then served as chapter president for eight years and was later elected president of its Parish Council. Her service to her church community and the community at large is long and distinguished. In addition to being President of Cardiff Orthodox Housing (for low -income seniors), Jeannie has been active with Kids ‘n’ Cancer, Camp Agape, Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, and more. She has also served in numerous leadership roles with the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos as president and first vice president. She has also been on the National Philoptochos Board for more than 20 years.
