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St. Vladimir's Seminary Hosts CrossRoad Summer Session
CrossRoad's New York session immersed Orthodox youth in theology, worship, and the rich diversity of Church life.
YONKERS, NY — Orthodox Christian high school students from across the United States and Canada recently gathered at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary for the CrossRoad summer program, combining theological study, vocational discernment, and visits to Orthodox parishes and landmarks throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Hosted on the seminary's campus, the program featured contributions from faculty and clergy representing several Orthodox institutions. Among them were Mitered Archpriest John Kowalczyk, director of vocations and spiritual formation at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary; and Rev. Dr. Demetrios Harper, professor of dogmatic and systematic theology. Fr. John encouraged participants to reflect on purpose, vocation, and Christian mission, while Fr. Demetrios presented a four-part lecture series examining Christ's saving work, the human person, ascetic discipline, and obedience in the Orthodox spiritual life.
Participants also explored the diversity of Orthodox Christianity through visits to several parishes, including St. Nicholas of Myra Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, St. Mary of Egypt Georgian Orthodox Church, Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America, Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center. The group also toured the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, visited Central Park, and took a boat tour around the Statue of Liberty.
For more than two decades, CrossRoad has introduced Orthodox youth to the theological, liturgical, and vocational dimensions of the Church while encouraging them to discern how God is calling them to serve. Organizers and faculty expressed gratitude to St. Vladimir's Seminary, the participating parishes, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and everyone who helped make this year's New York session possible.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Mark gave thanks following St. Tikhon's Summer Camp 2026.
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