The Last full day of CrossRoad began with Orthros and a session on “Life Giving Relationships.” Then, we left for some fun in the sun at a beach on the North Shore of Massachusetts. CrossRoaders and Staff spent the afternoon playing and relaxing before returning for the closing activities.
Following Orthros, students joined Dr. Rossi for “Prayer and Purity” Part II. After lunch, CrossRoaders visited two different nursing homes, where they spent time talking with the residents. In the late afternoon, participants attended a Vespers service in the Holy Cross Chapel, followed by “Vocation and Missions” with Fr. Luke Veronis.
Today, The CrossRoad participants were up early to embark on a “Breakfast Search” (unable to be photographed). In small groups with CrossRoad staff, we invited some of the homeless population to have breakfast and share their personal journey with us. Since we had risen so early in the morning, CrossRoaders were given “Be Still Time.” This is a time to reflect on their experiences thus far, write in their journals, read, or nap. In the evening the participants attended Vespers at St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church and had a session on “Prayer and Purity” from our guest speaker, Dr. Albert Rossi.
Today, the participants enjoyed their last seminars with Fr Hopko and Dr Beck. Following the presentations, the participants had a chance to call home, visit the bookstore and hang out with each other. The day ended with an evening Liturgy for Sts Peter & Paul.
Today, the CrossRoad participants attended a third day of classes. Afterward, the participants went into Boston for some time in the Boston Commons. The participants visited Holy Resurrection Bulgarian Orthodox Church where they had vespers and supper. In the evening, they participated in the staff-led “Vocation & Suffering” session.
Today, the CrossRoad participants attended their second day of classes. After lunch, they attended a session on “Faith and Science.”After a visit to St. Mary’s Antiochian Church, the participants shared a “Night with the Saints,” where they learned about the lives of some of the Saints of the Church and venerated some of the Saints’ relics in the Holy Cross Chapel. They also heard from Father Peter Chamberas and had a beautiful evening memorial service for Bishop Gerasimos Papadopoulos at his graveside behind the Chapel.
The day started with a lecture from Fr Thomas Hopko and Dr Beck. Following the theological discussion, the group headed to Fanuiel Hall in Boston. Vespers was held at St Savas Serbian Orthodox Church, followed by dinner and fellowship. And to finish off the day, the students had the oppurtunity to hear about Vocation & Monasticism.
Today, after Orthros and Breakfast, the participants enjoyed a Nature & Creation seminar. Here, they explored Orthodoxy and Beauty and enjoyed a beautiful day – sunny and eighty degrees. In the afternoon, they visited St. Mark’s Coptic Church. In the evening we had a session on “Vocation and Pop Culture” followed by a reflection by CrossRoad Participants on the first stage of CrossRoad, “Wrestling with Vocation.”
Day 1, All CrossRoad participants arrived safely today. After getting settled in the dorms, they attended a Vespers service in the beautiful campus Chapel and enjoyed a delicious meal together. After staff introductions, the participants played icebreaker games and performed skits about the signature themes they learned about through the StrengthsFinder assessment. They are so excited for their first full day of learning and activities tomorrow!
Day 2, we began our first full day of CrossRoad! After an early lunch, our group boarded a bus to Project Adventure for team building activities. We returned to campus in the evening to discuss the afternoon’s activities and for a session about the “Sanctification of Time.”
