Dear Brother Archons and Friends of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
Jeannie Ranglas, the beloved wife of Regional Commander Archon Gerry Ranglas and Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos President, received an Honorary Doctorate in the Humanities at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The Citation for the Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree describes Jeannie as “the embodiment of a friend of those in need, a philanthropist, and a devoted servant of the church.” She is all that and more. Jeannie has energetically and selflessly supported the school for years, especially during her tenure as President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos, which administers the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund. Over the last 42 years, that fund has provided over $4 million in financial assistance to seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco.
Jeannie is also deeply involved in her parish, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, where she has served in leadership positions with the Parish Council, Philoptochos and Cardiff Orthodox Housing Foundation.
As Jeannie accepted this award, she made a statement that we all should take to heart, not just for Hellenic College Holy Cross, but for all the worthy recipients of our philanthropia: the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, the Exarch’s Appeal, and all the important organizations and activities of our Holy Orthodox Church in America and beyond. “I accept this honor,” Jeannie said, “not as something I have earned, but as a reminder of the responsibility we all share.” She noted of Hellenic College Holy Cross that “this school matters. It matters to our Archdiocese. It matters to our future. And it matters to every life it touches.” It is precisely to the protection of the future of faith that all our actions as Archons are dedicated.
Archon Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas are fulfilled FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation and Dominion Donors to the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center (Dominion Donors contribute between $1 and $2 million). They stated: “We view the Saint Nicholas National Shrine as a beacon of faith, hope, and love for the Orthodox faith in America.” In addition, Archon Gerry and Jeannie are members of Leadership 100 and benefactors of the Metropolis of San Francisco. They are the lead donors of the Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas Ancient Greek History Chair at the University of California, San Diego. Jeannie was mentioned as one of the “Extraordinary Greek People” in Archon Andrew E. Manatos’ book of that name.
And all that is just the beginning. Please read the Orthodox Observer press release here. It details the extraordinary philanthropy of Jeannie and Gerry that has become legendary. Jeannie is a servant leader at the highest level who makes us all so very proud! Congratulations, Madame President Jeannie! Axia! Axioi!
Yours in the joyful service of our Holy Mother Church,
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis
Archon Grand Aktouarios
National Commander
