Jeannie Ranglas, Philoptochos President for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, faithful steward, philanthropist, and dedicated volunteer, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree during the 84th Commencement of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Jeannie has been a longtime supporter of the School, especially through her years as President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos which administers the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund. For over 40 years this fund has provided financial assistance to seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco to alleviate the financial burden of their education, especially for those pursuing the priesthood. Over the past 42 years, the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos has contributed more than $4 million for this purpose. Her involvement extends deep into the life of her parish – Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA – where she served in leadership positions with the Parish Council, Philoptochos and Cardiff Orthodox Housing Foundation.
In the Citation for the Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree, Jeannie was described by the HCHC leadership as “the embodiment of a friend of those in need, a philanthropist, and a devoted servant of the church.” The citation further states, “You have advanced the mission of Christ and His church with your courage, zeal, and compassion. For your steadfast faith, your transformative generosity, and your inspiring example of Christian leadership, we honor you. Thus, Jeannie Ranglas, we are most thankful to you for allowing us the singular privilege and great joy of bestowing upon you our sacred institutions highest honor, the degree of Doctor of Humanities.”
In her acceptance remarks Jeannie stated, “This honor is not about me. It is about this sacred institution. Hellenic College Holy Cross is a treasure of our Church. It is the only accredited Greek Orthodox college in the United States, and the only place in our Archdiocese that forms our clergy and prepares our lay leaders. It is where faith is shaped, where hearts are formed, and where the future of our Church is being prepared every single day. I accept this honor not as something I have earned, but as a reminder of the responsibility we all share, to support this school, to strengthen it, and to ensure that it continues to flourish. I promise to continue to use my voice, my time, and my resources to advocate for Hellenic College Holy Cross, and to encourage others to do the same. Because this school matters. It matters to our Archdiocese. It matters to our future. And it matters to every life it touches. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco offered this reflection, “Those who know Jeannie understand that her life has always been centered on serving others quietly, faithfully, and generously. Yet it is important for the Church to recognize such examples of selflessness, philanthropy, leadership, and love, so that others may be inspired to emulate these good works. The entire Metropolis conveys our love, congratulations and gratitude to Jeannie on this well-deserved honor. AXIA!”
Jeannie Ranglas Biography
Jeannie Ranglas has dedicated her life to the service of the Greek Orthodox Church through visionary leadership, philanthropy, and ministry. She is currently the longest serving President of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos, and has served for 23 years as a member of the National Philoptochos Board of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Under Jeannie’s leadership, the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos has expanded impactful ministries including the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, which has provided more than $4 million over 40 years in scholarships and financial assistance to Hellenic College Holy Cross students from the Metropolis of San Francisco pursuing ministry and service to the Church. Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape is also a longstanding ministry of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos that serves children with cancer and their families through four regional camps, providing care, love and support as they face a life-threatening illness. Jeannie’s current service to the Metropolis also includes the Metropolis Council, the All Saints Foundation Board of Trustees, and the Board of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Jeannie was active in the Greek Orthodox Church with her family from a young age before moving to San Diego following her marriage to Gerry Ranglas in 1978. At Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff by the Sea, she became involved in Philoptochos at the age of 22, where she learned the importance of service to others and began a lifetime commitment to ministry and leadership within the Church. Her parish service has included leadership roles on the Parish Council, as Greek Festival Chair, and as President of the Cardiff Orthodox Housing Foundation.
The Ranglas’ personal philanthropy extends to Hellenic College Holy Cross, as members of Leadership 100, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, and benefactors of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine.
Jeannie and Gerry have been married for 48 years and are blessed with two children – Athan and Alexis, daughter-in-law Briana, son-in-law Romin, granddaughters Juliette and Georgia, and they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first grandson who will be born this July.
Jeannie’s enduring dedication, generosity, and love for Christ and His Church continue to serve as a powerful example of faithful leadership and service.
