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The National Herald - December 16, 2024

Clarifications, Assurances, and Confirmations
by Dimitris Katos the President of HCHC

By Theodore Kalmoukos

The President of Hellenic College - Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Demetrios Katos is giving the interview to TNH

BOSTON – Following the significant response to the revealing article published by The National Herald, titled ‘Emergency Meeting at the School Due to Financial Impasse’, which appeared in the online edition on December 15, Dimitris Katos, President of Hellenic College-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, sent an internal email to faculty, staff, and trustees to “correct certain inaccuracies,” as he stated. Mr. Katos also included the full article from The National Herald.

In his email, Mr. Katos confirmed the unpaid medical insurance bills, making specific mention twice of the insurance company Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. He noted that “The unpaid premium to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care had been approved internally last Friday to be paid this week.” The National Herald article had stated: “Among the debts are health insurance premiums for faculty, staff, and students, as revealed by confidential documents obtained by Τhe National Herald. Specifically, the school owes $103,633 to Harvard Pilgrim Health Insurance, a payment that was due on November 2, 2024. Although a grace period extended the deadline to December 1, the debt remains unpaid.”

Mr. Katos assured faculty and staff that their salaries would not be reduced, stating, “Please know that your salaries are not being considered for any reduction. Neither I nor the senior leadership team proposed across – the- board s salary reductions to the trustees.”

The National Herald article had also reported: “Asked about the school’s financial predicament, President Demetrios Katos suggested budget cuts.” In the next paragraph the article revealed that “sources indicate that during a staff meeting weeks earlier, he proposed salary reductions of up to 15%, but this was met with strong resistance and ultimately abandoned.”

In his email, Mr. Katos highlighted the interest and efforts of the trustees to improve the School’s finances and mentioned promises of $2.5 million in funding. He emphasized that “the institution’s priority will always be its students, faculty and staff.”

In conclusion, Mr. Katos expressed his gratitude and praised Archbishop Elpidophoros “for his leadership and support,” while also thanking all members of the Board of Trustees, especially Bill Spell.

As The National Herald had reported in its article: “Mr. William Spell, a member of the executive committee, has pledged to donate $1 million.”

[ The National Herald
  www.thenationalherald.com/clarifications-assurances-and-
  confirmations-by-dimitris-katos-the-president-of-hchc/
  December 16, 2024 ]