Office of Ionian Village Successfully Completes IV Next 2021
The office of Ionian Village completed IV NEXT 2021 on Thursday, August 5th, its first program since the summer of 2019. IV Next, funded in part by a generous grant from Leadership 100, provides a unique opportunity for young adults to grow through a hands-on experience with our Greek Orthodox faith and Hellenic identity.
Seventy six young adults from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America arrived in Athens on Monday, July 26. The itinerary included pilgrimages to Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Patras, Osios Loukas and Aegina to venerate the incorrupt relics of St. Gerasimos, St. Dionysios, St. Andreas, Osios Loukas and St. Nektarios. The young adults prayed at the monastery of Panagia Skafidia, just outside Amaliada, Greece. They experienced the turquoise waters of the local beaches and visited Athens’ legendary Monastiraki. Shopping, classic Greek tavernas, and local interactions were enjoyed across the Peloponnese.
While at our beautiful Ionian Village campsite, the delicious cuisine of Kyria Sophia Nastoulis nourished the participants with love and philoxenia. Mediterranean relaxation was found and savored by the luxurious pool and the adjacent Παραλια (beach). Lively conversations on developing within our Orthodox Faith resounded as the nights came to a close, and many Orthodox Life sessions were led by the IV NEXT 2021 staff.
Special presentations were offered via ZOOM by members of Leadership 100 and faithful stewards of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. “Next Steps and What to Expect Entering the Workforce,” was hosted by Mrs. Demetra Manis, a Member of Leadership 100 and Chief People Officer for S&P Global. Fr. Jim Kordaris, MBA and former Morgan Stanley financial officer as well as current Director of Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America partnered with Mr. Chris Kyriazi, an Investment Banking Analyst with Lazard, and led Development Session Three: “Managing Finances and what Stewardship really means.” Hollywood Screenwriters and Producers, former GOYAns and acolytes from St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, NJ brothers Vlas and Charley Parlapanides, crafted a blockbuster presentation entitled, “Maintaining Faith in Our Compromising Careers.”
A heartfelt and very special thanks is given to our IV NEXT 2021 Program Staff: Alex Kuvshinoff (Program Director), Konstantine Salmas (Assistant Director), Nicole VanKuilenburg (Nurse), Nina Mitchell (Nurse), Dean and Victoria Tiggas (Trip Leaders), Marissa Garoufalis (Director of Wellness), and Isabella Calpakis (Program Coordinator) and Presvytera Christie Kyriacou (Assistant Program Coordinator). Through hard work and selflessness, this remarkable team passed the blessings of Ionian Village to another faithful generation.
For more information, please feel free to reach out to the Director of Ionian Village, Rev. Fr. Gary Kyriacou at [email protected].
