Hc/Hc Triumphant in spite of Attempts to Bring Down the School

hellenic times - June 11-24, 1999

We received word from Father Ganas, President of Hellenic College/Holy Cross, that the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has lifted their warning status and allowed Holy Cross to retain, not extend, its accreditation.

Congratulations to George Behrakis, chairman of the school's Advisory Committee on Accreditation, for a job well done.

ATS and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accepted the committee's report and found nothing wrong with it. All the school has to do now is go along with its own plan, which is outlined in the approved report.

In spite of certain individuals attempts to hurt the school and a vigorous writing campaign to discredit the school, both agencies have deemed that the school should stay accredited, and that the school should not be placed on probation.

I would like to point out that it is inaccurate to say that the school's accreditation has been extended for two more years. By putting it in those terms, critics are trying to make it seem like the school is on probation. Every ten years, a review takes place, and the next evaluation, scheduled since 1991, will take place in 2001, two years from now. The school is not on probation, so we shouldn't listen to those who try to tell us otherwise.

On that note, I would also like to say that I can't believe people who call themselves God-fearing Orthodox Christians would go out of their way to hurt our sacred school.

Holy Cross is the one theological school we have. It is the backbone of our Church's future. It is the institution where young men are trained for the holy priesthood. It should be our pride and joy. Like my friend Jim Paulos said, it's time to stop throwing rocks at our theological school.

There may have been some problems, but why would any of us want to tear it down by actually inviting the judgement of outside agencies, instead of working together to solve those problems? This just doesn't make any sense.

Again, most heartfelt congratulations to George Behrakis, George Safiol and other members of the school's Board of Trustees for their splendid efforts to keep the school moving in a positive direction.

[ hellenic times - June 11-24, 1999 - p. 4 ]