Over the last several days, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology’s graduating seminarians participated in their annual Archdiocesan Seminar and visit to New York, New York.
Beginning their trip on March 31, 2025, the students visited St. Michael’s Home for the Aged, sharing a lunch with the residents, before traveling to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center for a presentation on the African American and Spanish ministries of the Archdiocese. The seminarians closed the day with a presentation at the National Philoptochos Headquarters.
The following day, April 1, 2025, was spent at the Archdiocese Headquarters, where students participated in the Matins service before attending a welcome breakfast with Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, National Chancellor, and presentations on various departments and affiliates: the Assembly of Bishops; Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations; Finance; the Holy Eparchial Synod; Religious Education; Information Technologies; National Ministries; and Internet Ministries. After spending some free time in Astoria, Queens, the seminarians finished their day with the Compline service at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
On April 2, 2025, students began the day by attending the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at the Archdiocese Headquarters. The rest of the day was spent further presentations from the following departments and organizations: Registry; Benefits Program; Ionian Village; Leadership 100; Y2AM & Youth Safety; Risk Management/Insurance; Clergy Sexual Misconduct; and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate/Order of St. Andrew.
The seminarians spent their final day in New York, April 3, 2025, by attending the Matins service and presentations from the remaining Archdiocesan departments: Archives; Communications; FREEDOM; Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism; the Center for Family Care; and the Center for Clergy Care. Before heading back to Brookline, Massachusetts, the students also attended lunch and a meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and visited St. Basil Academy in Garrison, New York.
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
