New York, NY - Ionian Village, the summer camp and travel program operated by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, according to Director Michael Pappas, is gearing up for an unforgettable summer as preparations are underway to celebrate its 30th Anniversary.
Since 1970, nearly 15,000 teenagers and young adults from the United States and Canada have passed through this idyllic setting on the shores of the Ionian Sea. And for three decades Ionian Village has served as a lens through which young people have deeply experienced their rich Greek culture and their precious Orthodox faith.
Whats more, says Pappas, Ionian Village is a place where memories and friendships are made to last a lifetime.
While campers travel to some of the most significant historic sites in Greece, like the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion, Delphi, and Ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic games, the heart of Ionian Village is experiencing life in an Orthodox country and walking where Orthodox saints once walked.
Participants travel to the pristine mountain village of Kalavrita and then to Mega Spileon to venerate an icon of the Theotokos by St. Luke the Evangelist. They also journey to the Ionian island of Zakynthos and to the shrine of St. Dionysios. And while touring the Saronic Gulf islands, campers make a stop on the island of Aegina to visit the monastery of St. Nektarios, canonized in 1961. In Patras, they will gaze in amazement at the holy X-shaped cross where St. Andrew was martyred upon, and venerate the relics of the First-Called Apostle of Christ.
Ionian Village offers three exciting programs: Summer Travel Camp, for ages 12 15; Byzantine Venture for ages 16-18; and Spiritual Odyssey for young adults, 19 and older.
Ionian Village is also actively recruiting for talented and committed Orthodox Christian young people to work in the following areas: Arts and Crafts, Athletics, Music and Greek Culture, Orthodox Life, Lifeguards (certification required) and nurses or doctors for the Infirmary (RN or MD required).
Staff members must be dedicated Orthodox Christians, 21 years of age or older by June 25, 2000, and available to work from June 25, to August 16, 2000.
For more information on Ionian Village or on becoming a staff member please contact 212-570-3534, or email us at [email protected].