After our last full day of Session 3, it’s time to say goodbye to what we’ve called “home” for a beautiful 10 days together. We enjoyed our remaining activities and couldn’t help but reflect on all we’ve gained this week at CrossRoad.

The morning began with our usual routine of Orthros and breakfast, followed by a session focusing on gratitude. We discussed the importance of displaying gratitude and had the opportunity to write hand-written thank you notes to the many supporters of CrossRoad that helped make this summer, specifically the Chicago session, possible.

Afterwards, we headed to Forest Beach in Lake Forest, IL where we had nothing but sunny skies and clear water! The CrossRoaders enjoyed a picnic lunch, ultimate frisbee, and, of course, relaxing on the warm sand.On the way back to campus, the staff surprised the participants with ice cream and we then headed back to campus with full stomachs and hearts!

Last evening, the participants were then given an opportunity to reflect on all they learned in Stage 3. It was truly inspiring to hear how their definition and view of their ‘neighbor’ had changed over the course of a few days. Additionally, last night was made even more special, as we were joined by many of our local CrossRoad Alumni. They shared their own vocation stories and how CrossRoad impacted them. They also offered their involvement in different Orthodox resources that could be useful to the CrossRoaders during their time in college and into their young adult lives. It was wonderful to hear how even 10+ years later, the lessons they learned in the Reading Room were still relevant, important and keeping them involved in the Church.

After, the staff surprises continued with a Chicago classic:deep dish pizza!! The group was able to grab some before heading over to our open mic stage to share their talents with one another! Wow, you have some talented children!! The room was filled with laughter, love and happy tears.

Early Tuesday morning, the CrossRoaders and staff went to Michigan Avenue to break bread with the homeless. In small groups, the CrossRoaders approached people on the streets, offered them breakfast, and joined in conversation to learn about their lives. It was an extremely enlightening experience for all. It is profound to acknowledge Christ in the face of our neighbor, especially those that we often overlook. The participants have been busy learning how to act upon the lessons they learned in the classroom!

In the afternoon, the participants engaged in the staff-led session, “Sanctification of Time”.  

Last evening, we visited St. George Cicero Antiochian Orthodox Church. We were warmly welcomed by Fr. Antony and participated in a beautiful Vespers service together. It was humbling for the participants to not only hear the story of their Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Cicero, but to be able to witness and venerate the icon as well.

For our evening session, we had the blessing of listening to our beloved Dr. Albert Rossi, a CR guest speaker since the beginning of CrossRoad in 2004, talk about Prayer & Purity.

We are so blessed to be experiencing our faith in such a rich and impactful way. Please continue to keep us in your prayers!

On Sunday morning, we celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church. After the service, the CrossRoaders had brunch at the parish Greek Festival! 

When we returned to campus, the participants engaged in their third scripture and theology courses. They are learning so much and asking many intriguing questions!

After our classes, we ventured downtown for the second time! CrossRoad spent the afternoon at Navy Pier, which encompasses more than fifty acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and exhibition facilities! The participants were able to walk around, choose from a variety of Chicago classics for lunch and explore the shops!

The evening concluded with a staff-led session that involved exploring vocation and suffering.

On Friday morning, the participants had their first day of scripture and theology classes with Dr. Bradley Nassif (Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies, North Park University) and Dr. George Demacopoulos (Professor of Theology at Fordham University; Fr. John Meyendorff & Patterson Family Chair of Orthodox Christian Studies; Co-Director, Orthodox Christian Studies Center). Following each lecture, the participants broke out into small staff-lead discussion groups to breakdown the lecture material. 

In the afternoon, we ventured to Millenium Park near the Jay Pritzker Pavilion where we enjoyed a picnic lunch together. Of course, the CrossRoaders were eager to see the heart of the city, the famous “Bean”! Afterwards, we went on a Chicago Lake & River Tour. This was a highlight for many participants as they could see the entire Chicago skyline on the beautiful sunny day!

After our Chicago sightseeing, we returned to campus for a very special staff-led activity: “Night with the Saints.” In this session, the participants are invited to get to know the lives of the saints and their role in our Orthodox faith. Then, we had the unique opportunity to join the Serbian Orthodox summer camp of the Midwest Diocese at the New Gracanica Church in Libertyville, IL. We joined their 100+ youth and counselors for a meal and fellowship prepared by their staff; we were so grateful for their hospitality!

The most impactful portion of the evening was the tour of their church – which was filled with beautifully written and detailed iconography – and then traveling to St. Sava Monastery for an Akathist to the newly canonized St. Mardarije. The opening of his tomb just two years ago revealed St. Mardarije’s holy relics to be incorrupt. It was a true blessing to be able to venerate the relics of an incorrupt Saint with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This powerful and moving experience left many of our participants and staff overwhelmed with emotions of love and joy. The takeaway of the evening is that the Saints are our friends and we are all called to sanctification.

The CrossRoaders began their second day together with Orthros and a staff-led session on the topic of “Orthodox Anthropology”. 

In the afternoon, they departed for a ropes course where they engaged in collaborative team-building exercises. The participants worked together to complete various tasks including a high ropes challenge! With each activity, you can see them growing closer as a group.

After the ropes course, we returned to the North Park University campus for a session that introduced an integral aspect of Stage 1: Vocation. The participants were invited to understand vocation, from the lens of Orthodoxy, as “your unique and ongoing response to Christ’s call to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.”