By Joanna James

BROOKLINE, MA - For some, reading a good book can have an uplifting effect. Ann Bezzerides has read many good books having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in literature, but there is one book that stands out by far for her. Not Homer’s Iliad, nor Shakespeare’s sonnets, not even Hemingway’s mastered prose – there is one book that goes beyond the classics, that has affected her more than she had ever imagined.

“The most important literature is God’s word. Reading the Bible on a daily basis was such a transformative experience in my life,” Bezzerides said.

The youth director who encouraged Bezzerides to read scripture daily in high school paved a path for Bezzerides beyond her teenage years that has led to her career. Bezzerides began a full time position October 1 as director of vocation and ministry for Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology.

According to Bezzerides, one’s calling can be found in both an extraordinary moment or in a day-to-day job in any environment, as long as one is serving their neighbor through Christ. As director of vocation and ministry Bezzerides’ responsibility is to combine both of those elements to spread the Greek Orthodox faith.

She has taken charge of the mission by overseeing a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. that HC/HC has received to prepare a new generation of leaders for church and society. “I’m excited about the Lily Grant because it’s an amazing opportunity for us [HC/HC], to teach how your life with Christ affects others and you, on a day-to-day basis through your vocation,” she said.

Bezzerides is a prime example of using her vocation in serving others through Christ. Pursuing an interdisciplinary doctorate in theology and education at Boston College for the past three years, she was hoping to “quietly finish” her dissertation, and not planning to simultaneously work full time. But other than the persistent people at HC/HC, as she lovingly referred to them, who kept asking her to consider the position, she also said she had an inner sense urging her to work directly with people.

Ironically, she may have been influenced to take on more than her solitary studies and work with others, from the lessons of one of her favorite early church fathers who did the same. “John Chrysostom was an active teacher of lay people. Many early church fathers were working out documents, whereas most of the material from Chrysostom was preaching to ordinary people of the Church,” Bezzerides said.

Hence, Bezzerides joined HC/HC to reach out to the lay people through the Lilly Endowment funded program for the theological exploration of vocation, “We Offer These Gifts.” The program will be geared to HC/HC undergraduates, faculty and administrative staff to reflect and develop their vocations as well as a summer institute for high school students.

“Too often we forget to focus on the need of teachers in the Church to be great in presenting the faith, making the Gospel come to life…” she said. One of the biggest challenges, she said, is presenting the faith to the youth, to bring them back to the real reasons of the Church – Holy Scripture.

Other than raising the youth with great church education from parishes and family, camp experiences have proven to be successful, according to Bezzerides. She realizes this first hand having been an educator in various settings, including St. Basil’s Academy, a summer camp at St. Vladimir’s and other camp programs through the Metropolis of Boston. Bezzerides is in the midst of designing the summer high school program as part of “We Offer These Gifts” for HC/HC.

The Church has captivated her life in many ways. Other than her beliefs, her studies and her career – even her marital life was affected by the Church. Bezzerides met her husband during a coffee hour at St. Mary’s Antiochian Church in Cambridge. Now, Bezzerides is trying to spread the faith and love the Church has offered her.