Although the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the traditional beloved Ionian Village Summer 2020 program, the Administration team is still hard at work. The Office of Ionian Village has already begun, and will continue, to provide ministry virtually. From Vespers to devotional sessions, many opportunities exist for the youth of our Archdiocese, parish youth ministers, and parents to connect with our amazing life-transforming ministry.
The summer kicked off with a historic meeting of several former Directors of Ionian Village. Fr. Gary Kyriacou, the current Director of Ionian Village, met with Fr. Costas Sitaras, Michael Pappas, and Fr. Evagoras Constantinides on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The former Directors shared insights, traditions, and the influence that Ionian Village provided to thousands over the years. The Directors will continue to meet on a somewhat regular basis to discuss Alumni engagement and opportunities to help make Ionian Village affordable and accessible to as many youth of our Archdiocese as possible.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the traditional beloved Ionian Village Summer 2020 program, the Administration team is still hard at work. The Office of Ionian Village has already begun, and will continue, to provide ministry virtually. From Vespers to devotional sessions, many opportunities exist for the youth of our Archdiocese, parish youth ministers, and parents to connect with our amazing life transforming ministry.
The summer kicked off with a historic meeting of several former Directors of Ionian Village. Fr. Gary Kyriacou, the current Director of Ionian Village, met with Fr. Costas Sitaras, Michael Pappas, and Fr. Evagoras Constantinides on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The former Directors shared insights, traditions, and the influence that Ionian Village provided to thousands over the years. The Directors will continue to meet on a somewhat regular basis to discuss Alumni engagement and opportunities to help make Ionian Village affordable and accessible to as many youth of our Archdiocese as possible.
Every evening at Ionian Village begins with Vespers. The Office of Ionian Village hosts this service online weekly and will continue through the summer. Every Thursday evening at 8:30 PM ET, former campers, staff, directors, medical staff, clergy and their family members gather on Zoom to pray. The Office of Ionian Village has creatively outlined the best way to gather a large group to chant and read assigned parts by members participating from all over the country.
While many of our Greek-American teenagers may not walk through the gates of Ionian Village this summer, IV is still working to provide an opportunity to deepen the faith and appreciation for our shared faith and Greek culture online this summer. The COVID-19 pandemic has shut down many business and programs, but nothing will keep the Office of Ionian Village from making the love of Christ and His Church relevant for the youth of our Archdiocese.
Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America