It’s hard to believe we’re already moving into the second stage of CrossRoad! The first few days have flown by as participants settled into campus life, got to know one another, and began exploring CrossRoad’s first big question: “Who Am I?”
During Stage 1, participants spent time reflecting on their strengths, talents, interests, and calling. Through staff-led sessions like Orthodox Anthropology, Faith & Science, and Pop Culture and Technology, they explored what it means to be created in the image of God and how they might use the gifts He has given them to serve others. Along the way, they also deepened their understanding of the Orthodox faith and their relationship with Christ.
On Tuesday morning, we officially began Stage 2, which asks the question: “Who is God?” We were blessed to welcome two outstanding faculty members from Hellenic College Holy Cross: Dr. Bruce Beck, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and Fr. Nicholas Ganson, Associate Professor of History at Hellenic College. After each lecture, participants gathered in small groups with staff members to discuss what they learned, ask questions, and wrestle with new ideas together.
Of course, CrossRoad isn’t all classrooms and discussion groups! We’ve also been exploring Boston and experiencing the richness of Orthodox life in the area. Participants enjoyed lunch on Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, and have visited both Antiochian and Greek Orthodox parishes for tours and Vespers. These visits give participants the chance to experience the diversity and beauty of Orthodoxy beyond their own home parishes.
Today we’ll head into the city again to visit Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, where participants can explore, grab lunch, and pick up a few souvenirs before returning to campus.
The conversations, questions, friendships, and laughter continue to grow each day, and it’s been a joy to watch this group come together so quickly.
As always, you can follow along with daily photos at flickr.com/crossroad. Thank you for sharing your students with us—we’re enjoying getting to know each one of them!