NEW YORK - Ionian Village, the travel abroad camping program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has begun another summer in its camp facility in Greece, promising to continue the tradition as one of the strongest and most exciting youth ministry programs of the Archdiocese.

For almost forty years Ionian Village has provided thousands of young Orthodox Christians from the U.S. with an opportunity to experience firsthand their faith and their Hellenic heritage.  

Thirty-four staff members from United States arrived in Greece June 19, to prepare the Ionian Village summer camp facility in the northwest coast of Peloponnesus near the town of Vartholomio.

"We truly are blessed to have such a large group coming to us this summer," said Fr. Jason Roll, the newly appointed camp director. "We have an incredibly talented and gifted staff from all over the country, and we look forward to meeting the campers in Athens in a few days. We are also excited to be joined by representatives of the Orthodox Christian Network, an agency of SCOBA, who will share, worldwide, all of the wonderful things happening at IV through their numerous affiliate land and Internet base radio programs."  

Joining Fr. Jason is Fr. Mark Leondis, the Archdiocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, as well as Miss Elisabeth Lourie, Resource Coordinator for the National Youth Department and Mr. Andrew Baker, award-winning educator and experienced counselor.

Over 175 campers joined the staff in Greece on Saturday June 27th for the first session of camp.  The second session will begin July 24. Campers from parishes in every Metropolis of the Archdiocese are expected to participate in this year's program.

Faithful in the United States and around the world are encouraged to visit the web site of Ionian Village www.ionianvillage.org and OCN at www.myocn.net to view daily activities and progress.  Coverage will include photos and interviews with campers and staff.

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