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HCHC Launches “The Catechist: The Art of Listening and Teaching” — New Orthodox Certificate Program for 2026–2027
Meta description: Hellenic College Holy Cross is launching a new Orthodox catechesis certificate program, “The Catechist.” Read all the facts on its structure, module schedule, and goals.
Introduction
On July 22, 2026, Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC), based in Brookline, Massachusetts, announced the launch of a new certificate program, The Catechist: The Art of Listening and Teaching. The program begins in the 2026–2027 academic year and is designed to prepare parish catechists — lay religious educators — for ministry within the Church.
What Exactly Was Launched
The program’s launch carries the blessing of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the approval of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The vision behind The Catechist was conceived jointly by Archbishop Elpidophoros and members of the Synod, in response to a growing pastoral need to prepare qualified lay catechists to assist the clergy in the Church’s apostolic ministry of teaching. That vision was given academic shape by the faculty of Holy Cross, under the leadership of Dean, the Rev. Dr. Eugen J. Pentiuc. The program will be directed by Dr. James C. Skedros, Associate Dean of Holy Cross.
Who the Program Is For
The year-long certificate program is designed for:
- lay parish leaders,
- parish educators,
- ministry volunteers,
- clergy spouses,
- recent converts to Orthodoxy,
- and all Orthodox Christians who feel called to the ministry of teaching.
Program Structure and Content
The program consists of five instructional modules that combine rigorous theological formation with practical catechetical training. Participants will engage in:
- asynchronous online lectures,
- assigned readings,
- weekly live seminars.
Topics covered include Sacred Scripture, Holy Tradition, the Nicene Creed, the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church, Orthodox spirituality, moral theology, and catechetical pedagogy. Those pursuing certification will also complete a supervised parish practicum and a capstone assessment, under the guidance and blessing of their parish priest.
Two Tracks
The program offers two paths:
- Certification Track — for those preparing to serve as commissioned parish catechists.
- Enrichment Track — for those seeking theological formation for personal growth and parish ministry, without certification requirements.
Timeline
- Module I begins on September 8.
- Four additional six-week modules follow throughout the academic year.
- The program concludes with a capstone assessment in June 2027.
Statements
Archbishop Elpidophoros, welcoming the program’s establishment, said that the ministry of catechesis has always stood at the heart of the Church’s apostolic mission, and that well-formed catechists will strengthen parishes by accompanying seekers and believers alike into the fullness of life in Christ.
Fr. Michael Lambakis, Interim President of Hellenic College Holy Cross, emphasized that The Catechist reflects the School’s enduring commitment to serve the Church through excellence in theological education, extending its academic resources beyond the classroom and into parish life.
Dean Fr. Pentiuc thanked the faculty for their enthusiastic embrace of the initiative, describing the program as a collaborative endeavor born from a shared commitment to serve the Church through theological education.
Key Facts at a Glance
- July 22, 2026: HCHC officially announced the launch of The Catechist: The Art of Listening and Teaching.
- The program begins in the 2026–2027 academic year, with Module I starting September 8.
- The launch carries the blessing of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the approval of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
- The program’s vision originated with Archbishop Elpidophoros and members of the Holy Synod.
- Academic development was led by Dean Fr. Dr. Eugen J. Pentiuc and the Holy Cross faculty.
- Program director: Dr. James C. Skedros, Associate Dean of Holy Cross.
- The program consists of five modules: an opening module plus four additional six-week modules.
- Two tracks are offered: Certification and Enrichment.
- Instructional formats include asynchronous lectures, assigned readings, and weekly live seminars.
- The Certification Track includes a supervised parish practicum under a parish priest.
- The program concludes with a capstone assessment in June 2027.
- Target audience: lay parish leaders, religious educators, volunteers, clergy spouses, recent converts, and any Orthodox Christian called to teaching ministry.
- HCHC is located in Brookline, Massachusetts, and serves as the principal school of theology of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
A Theological and Spiritual Perspective
The ministry of catechesis — religious instruction in the faith — is as old as the Church itself; since apostolic times, the handing on of the faith has gone hand in hand with teaching and listening. The program’s title, “the art of listening and teaching,” captures something essential: a true catechist is not merely a transmitter of knowledge, but someone who learns to listen to those being taught — their questions, doubts, searching, and joys.
That the program is open to recent converts and clergy spouses reflects an understanding that the teaching ministry is not the clergy’s task alone, but a shared responsibility of the whole people of the Church. Preparing lay catechists strengthens parishes from within and frees priests to focus on sacramental and pastoral ministry, entrusting structured, theologically grounded instruction to trained co-workers.
At the same time, every teaching ministry is ultimately a spiritual one — it demands not only academic preparation but also a personal life of prayer and humility, since the teacher hands on something that is not their own, but a truth the Church has preserved across the centuries.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, our Teacher and Shepherd,
You who taught on mountains, by the shore, and in homes, who listened to those who came to You before You answered them — bless all who are called to the ministry of catechist within Your Church.
Grant to those beginning their studies this fall in The Catechist program the wisdom to understand Your Word, the humility to hand it on, and the patience to listen to those they will teach. Never let them forget that teaching begins with listening, and that every soul who comes to them seeking bears the likeness of Your face.
Bless Archbishop Elpidophoros, the members of the Holy Synod, Dean Fr. Eugen Pentiuc, Director Dr. James Skedros, and all the faculty of Holy Cross who have brought this program into being. Give them strength and grace to continue serving Your Church through theological education.
Strengthen our parishes through lay co-workers who are preparing faithfully to hand on the truths of Scripture, Tradition, and the Creed. Help every catechist become not merely one who knows, but one who witnesses — a person whose life speaks the same truth they teach in words.
Be near to all who, through this ministry, seek the way to You, and bring them into the fullness of life in Christ.
Amen.
Trough all this I want to declare this is all from God and to God. All Glory to Him!
