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St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) will host the third session of the CrossRoad Summer Institute on its campus from July 5-15 this summer, welcoming a group of 32 high school juniors and seniors for the intensive ten-day program. Three other sessions will take place this summer in Boston and Southern California to support a total of 128 11th and 12th-grade students. The Institute combines focused classroom sessions with forays into the host city and visits with local parishes; attendees describe the experience as ‘life-changing.’
Members of the SVOTS faculty have been actively involved in CrossRoad since its inception in 2004, but this is the first time it will be held on campus. This new initiative was brought forward by Interim President and Academic Dean, Dr Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, and is being coordinated by senior staff member Ted Bazil and seminarian Ana Legaspi (M.A. ‘25). Ana participated in the Institute last summer as a summer staff member; she was hired as CrossRoad Summer Program Director in August 2024.
“CrossRoad is coming home! It was a great joy to work with our alumna, Dr Bezzerides, to bring one session of CrossRoad to the St Vladimir’s Seminary campus this summer,” commented Dr Tudorie. “The mission of CrossRoad Institute, especially its emphasis on theological education, is so closely related to ours at St Vladimir’s Seminary; we pray that all program participants discover a newfound strength in their faith during their time here.”
The list of SVOTS faculty members who have advised, taught, and provided spiritual guidance at past CrossRoad Institute sessions begins with none other than the Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, who worked closely with Executive Director, Dr Ann Bezzerides (M.Div. ‘00), when the Institute was in its early stages of development. Another faculty member who has participated in CrossRoad since its beginning is Dr Albert Rossi, who has dedicated weeks each summer over the past 20 years to serve as a counselor and session facilitator for the students. The Very Rev. Dr Alexander Rentel, Dr John Barnet, Dr Peter Bouteneff, and Dr Michael Legaspi have all participated as teachers for the program, and the Very Rev. Dr Bogdan Bucur will teach for the program for his first time on the SVOTS campus this summer.
Over the years, there have been several seminarians who have found meaningful opportunities to learn about youth ministry through working as CrossRoad summer staff members. Pavlo Kurganov (M.A. ‘24, Th.M. ‘25) served last summer alongside Ana Legaspi for the San Francisco and Chicago sessions; he recounted his experiences in glowing terms, saying,
“The summer of 2024 was unforgettable! Over the course of 10 days, we learned from several professors of theology and guest speakers on relationships, mental health, and Orthodoxy in public life. There were nine staff members: the director, interns, and summer staff members. We were counselors, teachers, leaders, but most importantly— friends. We became a real team, and we felt a spirit of trust, support, and love among the staff, but also with the participants. We grew in our relationships with Christ, discovering the Church and each other. We asked ourselves daily: Who is this strange person, my neighbor? How great it is to be a part of our big and diverse Orthodox faith!
I’m thankful to God for that experience and this summer 2025 I want to dive into it again!”
Reflecting on her experience with CrossRoad in Summer 2024, Ana Legaspi spoke about what motivated her to continue working with the Institute as Program Director, saying,
“It is hard to describe the impact that a program like CrossRoad can have in the lives of young people. Seeing teenagers commit to this program, give up their cellphones, and unplug from distractions to focus on loving God is a truly unique and beautiful experience. The transformations that occurred over the span of ten days are a testament to the power of God’s love in a heart that is open to accepting Him. The thirst for God that was evident from both the participants and staff members continues even now to strengthen me. I feel truly blessed to serve the Church in this capacity and to work alongside such devoted and faithful servants of Christ!”
All those with a family member, friend, or parishioner who may be interested in applying to join the CrossRoad Summer Institute as a participant, please click the button below to learn more and apply. The deadline to apply for the Summer 2025 program is February 18, 2025.
About the CrossRoad Summer Institute
CrossRoad is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and invites them to connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition in a deep and meaningful way. CrossRoad offers a space for young people to form authentic and lifelong friendships, ask hard questions, and explore their calling as an Orthodox Christian in the 21st century.
Interested participants and their parents are encouraged to watch the following videos to learn more about the program:
