Greetings from New York!
As the program enters its final days, participants have completed Stage 2, Who Is God?, and begun Stage 3: Who Is My Neighbor?
Throughout the week, CrossRoaders have continued exploring big questions through their theology courses and staff-led sessions, including Faith & Science and Suffering. These conversations have encouraged participants to ask thoughtful questions, wrestle with new ideas, and continue exploring how faith shapes everyday life.
Participants also spent time with His Eminence, Metropolitan Tikhon, who spoke about prayer and the life of prayer in the Orthodox tradition.
The group has also enjoyed several opportunities to experience the diversity of Orthodox life in the New York area. During an interparish activity in Manhattan, participants visited St. Nicholas Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, St. Mary of Egypt Georgian Orthodox Church, and Holy Virgin Protection OCA Cathedral. One of the most memorable parts of the day was walking together through the Lower East Side as parishioners from each community accompanied the group from one church to the next. That evening concluded with Night with the Saints in the St. Vladimir’s chapel, followed by a Sunday barbecue on campus.
As part of Stage 3, participants are being challenged to look beyond themselves and pay attention to the people around them. This morning, the group gathered at the Yonkers Public Library for Liturgy on the Streets, an experience that invited them to encounter Christ in their neighbors and consider what it means to carry the life of the Church into the world.
Later today, participants will take part in a session on Orthodox relationships led by Dr. Albert Rossi, whose warmth, wisdom, and practical advice will help them think more deeply about friendship, vocation, and healthy relationships.
Tomorrow, participants will continue Stage 3 with a visit to St. Michael’s Home in Yonkers, followed by time in Central Park and a visit to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center.
The conversations continue to deepen, the friendships continue to grow, and it’s been exciting to watch participants make the most of every opportunity CrossRoad has to offer.
As always, thank you for sharing your students with us. We look forward to sharing one final update as CrossRoad New York comes to a close, and don’t forget to check out the latest photos on Flickr!