Hello from Boston!
It’s hard to believe we’re already moving into the second stage of CrossRoad. The first few days have gone by quickly 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 reflected on their strengths, talents, interests, and sense of vocation. Through sessions such as Orthodox Anthropology, Faith & Science, and Pop Culture and Technology, they discussed what it means to be created in the image of God and how they might use their gifts in the world around them.
One of the best parts of the week so far has been watching the group get comfortable with one another. The dining hall conversations are getting louder, inside jokes are starting to develop, and participants who were strangers just a few days ago are settling into life together surprisingly quickly.
On Tuesday morning, we officially entered Stage 2: Who Is God? We were fortunate to welcome two faculty members from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology: Fr. George Parsenios, Professor of New Testament, and Dr. James Skedros, Professor of Byzantine Studies and Early Christianity. Their lectures have given participants plenty to think about, and the conversations have continued long after class ends.
Of course, CrossRoad isn’t all lectures and discussion groups. Participants have also spent time exploring Boston, visiting local Orthodox parishes, attending Vespers, and enjoying lunch on Boston Common and at Faneuil Hall. These experiences help connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the wider life of the Church and the city around them.
The week is moving quickly, and it’s been exciting to watch participants engage with the material, ask thoughtful questions, and make the most of their time together.
As always, you can follow along with daily photos on our Flickr page. Thank you for sharing your students with us—we’re enjoying getting to know them and look forward to the rest of the week ahead.