CrossRoad July 2010

After our last chapel service and breakfast together, we had our closing activities and said goodbye as participants left campus and traveled home.

The last full day of CrossRoad began with Matins and Divine Liturgy in the Holy Cross Chapel. 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.

This morning students joined Dr. Rossi for Prayer and Purity Part 2, followed by the session on Vocation, Suffering, and Loss. Then CrossRoaders visited two different nursing homes, where they spent time talking and dancing to lively music with the residents. In the late afternoon, we had a Vespers service in the Holy Cross Chapel, followed by Vocation and Missions with Fr. Luke Veronis. Finally, CrossRoaders shared their thoughts during CrossRoad learners, marking the completion of Stage 3: "Vocation and Christ in the Face of the Neighbor."

Early this morning we traveled to Cambridge, MA, for a Breakfast Search (unable to be photographed). In small groups with CrossRoad staff, we invited homeless people to have breakfast and share their personal journey with us. Afterward, all the groups gathered together in Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church to share their experiences with everyone. Since we had risen so early in the morning, CrossRoaders were given time to rest in the afternoon and then were treated to a surprise: ice cream from J.P. Licks! Next, we visited Holy Trinity OCA Cathedral for dinner and vespers. Then Dr. Albert Rossi, professor at St. Vladimir's Seminary, spoke to us about vocation and relationships.

Today CrossRoaders finished their final day of classes. After classes and discussion groups, we spent the afternoon at the historic Faneuil Hall for lunch and shopping. Next we traveled to St. George Albanian Orthodox Church in South Boston for a brief service and dinner. We then returned to campus for CrossRoad Learners and an introduction to Stage 3 of CrossRoad: "Vocation and Christ in the Face of the Neighbor."

This morning began with a celebration of Matins and Divine Liturgy, followed by brunch. Then CrossRoad students began their classes with Dr. Demetrios Katos. Next, we visited St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and then walked to Lexington Battle Green for a tour of the ground that saw the opening shots of the American Revolution. After returning to campus, students were introduced to Fr. Cyprian, who spoke with them about Vocation and Monasticism.

After today’s classes, CrossRoaders were able to put their knowledge of Orthodoxy to the test in “Apologia.” In this activity, each staff person took the role of a member of a different religion or worldview, allowing the students to dialogue about their faith. Following "Apologia," the students visited St. Mary's Antiochian Church in Cambridge, MA, where they had Vespers and dinner. Then CrossRoaders returned to campus for their evening sessions: Night with Christ and Night with the Saints.

This morning CrossRoaders began their first classes with Fr. Paul Tarazi, covering the Old Testament scriptures. Students broke off into small discussion groups after the classes to reflect on what they learned. In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to take a Duck Boat tour around Boston. Then Holy Resurrection Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Allston hosted us for Vespers and dinner. Finally, participants were challenged by a presentation on Vocation and Pop Culture.

Today CrossRoad students had the opportunity to learn about Orthodoxy and the Arts. We visited Holy Epiphany Russian Orthodox Church to study the beautiful iconography and learn about Byzantine chant. Then CrossRoaders traveled to St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church, where we had the blessing to venerate their sacred relics. In the evening, students had a session on Vocation and Worship, then finished off the night by sharing their reflections on stage one of CrossRoad: "Wrestling with Vocation."

The first full day of CrossRoad began with Divine Liturgy in the Holy Cross Chapel. Then CrossRoaders went to Beverly, MA, to participate in a ropes course that helped them build trust and team work. They finished off the day with reflections on the sanctification of time.

Thirty CrossRoaders are here to take the challenge! They come from across the country, and in the next ten days they will grow together in Christ. The first day was full of activities for everyone to get to know each other and begin reflecting on vocation. Everyone is excited to begin the journey!