Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) offers a truly unique academic and spiritual journey as the only accredited Eastern Orthodox college, seminary, and graduate school of theology in the entire Western Hemisphere. Nestled on a beautiful 52-acre campus in Brookline, Massachusetts, HCHC stands as a vibrant center for Orthodox Christian learning and leadership. It uniquely combines a rigorous liberal arts education with a deep theological foundation, preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service within the Orthodox Church and beyond.

Founded in 1937 by Archbishop Athenagoras of America, the institution began as The Greek Archdiocese Institute in Pomfret, Connecticut, driven by the vision to train American-born men for the priesthood. While its early years were marked by challenges, a testament to the dedication of its founders and pioneering students, its mission remained unwavering. The school soon became known as Holy Cross Theological School and moved to its current, more accessible location in Brookline in 1947.

A significant transformation occurred in 1968, establishing its modern dual structure: Hellenic College, an undergraduate liberal arts institution, and the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, a distinguished graduate theological school and seminary. This allows HCHC to cater to a broad spectrum of students—from those seeking a foundational liberal arts education imbued with Orthodox principles to those pursuing advanced theological studies for ordained ministry or academic leadership.

HCHC is proudly affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and holds prestigious accreditations from NECHE for Hellenic College and ATS for Holy Cross. This dual accreditation assures prospective students and their families of the highest academic standards. With a close-knit community of 64 undergraduates and 135 postgraduates (Fall 2023), students benefit from a supportive environment that nurtures intellectual growth and spiritual formation, making HCHC an unparalleled choice for those seeking an education rooted in faith and tradition.