BROOKLINE, MA – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross to conduct an ‘Aghiasmos’ (blessing of the waters) at the newly renovated Maliotis Cultural Center. The Service was a fitting celebratory symbol of the Center's rebirth after a protracted period of legal difficulties, recently resolved successfully thanks largely to the mediation of His Eminence and HCHC's President, George M. Cantonis.

Addressing those gathered for the service, His Eminence said, "despite the pandemic, the work of our Archdiocese has not stopped, nor will it stop. We continue to perform our work not only liturgically, but also pastorally and philanthropically, in the service of the people of God. Today we celebrated the ‘aghiasmos’ at the Maliotis Cultural Center with passion and zeal for the advancement of our Greek culture and language, which are the foundations of today's civilization, science, law, and the values of democracy and freedom. I thank the leaders of our School and of the Center for their work and the Greek government for supporting this effort."

View of the renovated Maliotis Center. (Photo: HCHC)

The Center bears the name of its founding benefactors, Costa and Mary Maliotis, who gave it to the school in 1974. Its purpose is to foster the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of Hellenic culture while also serving as a multifaceted resource for HCHC. Although it may be some time before the Center can once again host public events because of COVID-related restrictions, this interval of dormancy has provided opportunities to explore virtual programming and to make major renovations to the building.

Archbishop Elpidophoros surrounded by officials of HCHC and Maliotis Center. (Photo: HCHC)

Overseeing this process is the Maliotis Cultural Center Committee of the Board of Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross, chaired by Dr. Maria Koulmanda. Speaking at the event, Dr. Koulmanda said, "we would like to thank His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros for all the support he has given us at the Maliotis Cultural Center. Today's participants reaffirmed their vision for the Maliotis Cultural Center to be the premier institution in New England for the advancement of Hellenic Culture and Greek language, and their determination to achieve this goal."