CrossRoad June 2009 Photos

After Divine Liturgy for Ss. Peter & Paul, we enjoyed brunch and then traveled to Cambridge for a little bowling. Afterwards, we went west to visit historic Walden Pond in Concord, MA, where we enjoyed a walk and some swimming. Afterwards we headed back to campus for a yummy kabob dinner and closing night activities.

This morning we celebrated Divine Liturgy on campus. Following brunch, we separated into groups and were blessed to visit two local nursing homes and spend some time with the residents.  Upon returning to campus we shared our experiences with the rest of the group, and then welcomed Dn. Nicholas Belcher, HCHC Dean of Students, for a session on Vocation, Suffering, and Loss. After Vespers and dinner we were challenged by a session on Vocation and Pop Culture.

In the morning, we went on a Breakfast Search (unable to be photographed) in Cambridge.  In small groups with CrossRoad staff, we invited homeless people to have breakfast and share their personal journey with us. Since we had risen so early for this, after lunch we rested during Be Still Time.  Then we participated in Orthodoxy & the Arts Part II, each choosing either an iconography or chanting workshop. This was followed by Vigil at the OCA Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Boston.  Upon returning to HCHC, Fr. Luke Veronis, professor and missionary, spoke to us on Vocation & Missions.

Today, after attending their fourth and final class sessions, CrossRoaders travelled to historic Faneuil Hall for shopping and lunch. Afterwards, Fr. Arthur Liolin hosted us at St. George Albanian church in South Boston for discussion, dinner, and a brief evening service. Participants then returned to campus for CR Learners and an introduction to Stage 3, "Vocation and Christ in the Face of the Neighbor."

Today after classes the participants were able to put their knowledge of Orthodoxy to the test through "Apologia," an activity in which they practiced dialoguing about their faith. This was followed by a surprise trip to JP Licks, a local ice cream cafe. The participants then visited the Holy Epiphany church in Roslindale, returning afterwards to campus for their evening sessions, Night with Christ and Night with the Saints.

Today, CrossRoad participants celebrated the Nativity of St. John the Forerunner with Orthros and Divine Liturgy. Following services, they had their second day of classes with Dr. Bruce Beck and Fr. Thomas Hopko. Dr. Rossi delivered Part II of his series on Prayer & Purity, followed by a Q&A. We ate dinner in the monastic style (silent except for one person reading aloud), and had quiet reflection time. The night finished with a presentation by our monastic speaker, Mother Thekla, and Small Compline in the chapel.

Today, the CrossRoad mini-courses with Rev. Dr. Thomas Hopko and Dr. Bruce Beck have begun. These daily lectures are followed by with small discussion groups and reflection. Through this process our participants continue to articulate their Orthodox Christian faith and reflect on what they have learned.

After classes, we had the opportunity to take a duck boat tour around Boston. Afterwards,The Holy Resurrection Bulgarian Orthodox Church hosted us for discussion, dinner and a small evening service. Upon returning to campus, Dr. Rossi, professor at St. Vladimir's Seminary, spoke about Vocation and Relationships.

Today the CrossRoaders participated in workshops on iconography and chanting. These workshops, Orthodoxy in the Arts, took place at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cambridge and began with a discussion led by Dr. James Skedros titled, "Holy Places and Spaces," in the nave. The CrossRoaders then had a presentation on Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF). Following vespers at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church and dinner, the staff led activities on Vocation & Worship and the CrossRoaders ended the evening sharing with one another what they have learned so far.

On Day 2, CrossRoad began the day with liturgy.  In the afternoon, we headed to Beverly, Massachusetts for a Project Adventure Ropes Course stressing teamwork and trust. Though the weather brought some rain, the participants and staff did not let it cloud their day! The evening activity theme was the Sanctification of Time.

CrossRoaders from 17 states are ready to take the challenge! See the CrossRoaders on their first day learning about each other in a series of games and activities.