Greetings from New York!
The first few days of CrossRoad New York have flown by, and participants have already completed Stage 1 of the program: Who Am I?
During Stage 1, participants spent time reflecting on their strengths, talents, interests, and sense of vocation. Through staff-led sessions such as Orthodox Anthropology, StrengthsFinder, Orthodoxy and Mental Health, Pop Culture and Technology, Sanctification of Creation, and an Emmaus Walk across the beautiful St. Vladimir’s campus, they explored what it means to be created in the image of God and how God is at work in their own lives.
One of the highlights of the week so far has been watching participants settle into life together. Conversations over meals are lasting a little longer, familiar faces are becoming close friends, and the group is quickly finding its rhythm.
On Thursday, participants officially entered Stage 2: Who Is God? We were excited to welcome Fr. Michael Azar, who led sessions on Scripture, and Fr. Demetrios Harper, who introduced participants to theology through an Orthodox lens. The group was also blessed to spend time with His Eminence, Metropolitan Tikhon, who spoke about prayer and the life of prayer in the Orthodox tradition. Together, these sessions sparked thoughtful questions and conversations that continued in small groups throughout the day.
CrossRoad isn’t all classrooms, though. Earlier this week, participants challenged themselves on the ropes course, visited the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese headquarters, and enjoyed a harbor cruise with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. On Thursday evening, the group also visited Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church for Vespers, giving participants another opportunity to experience parish life in the New York area.
The week is moving quickly, and it’s been exciting to watch participants ask thoughtful questions, encourage one another, and make the most of every opportunity CrossRoad has to offer. With several more days of classes, excursions, and conversations ahead, we’re looking forward to all that’s still to come.
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 each one of them and look forward to the rest of the week together.