GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA 8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10075-0106 Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0215 Web: http://www.goarch.org Email: communications@goarch.org
January 15, 2008
Contact: Nikki Stephanopoulos Tel.: 212-774-0244 communications@goarch.org
SPECIAL COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO APPRAISE NEEDS OF IONIAN VILLAGE
New York, NY - Archbishop Demetrios of America has appointed a Special Committee to examine and appraise the current needs of Ionian Village, the travel abroad summer camp program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Now in its 37th year, this international youth program has been offering Greek Orthodox Christian youth an opportunity to visit some Greeceâ??s most important religious and historical sites while also participating in a traditional camp program.
During the Committeeâ??s inaugural meeting in December 2007, Archbishop Demetrios offered three key objectives for the Committee to study in order to address the most crucial issues currently facing Ionian Village. The first is to formulate a strategy for the renovation of the 37 year old camp facility. The second objective is to find ways of making Ionian Village more accessible for participants from low and middle income families. The third objective initially given by Archbishop Demetrios is to increase the promotion of the Ionian Village program. Currently, approximately 250 young people participate each summer, along with some 30 to 40 volunteer adult staff members. The two existing summer session can accommodate 200 campers each.
The Committee had an opportunity to review preliminary architectural plans for renovation, and discuss the objectives presented by His Eminence. Other topics discussed include pursuing supplementary resources for funding of the renovations and possibilities for future programs and ministries at the Ionian Village facility. Additionally, the members discussed strategies for the enrichment of the existing Ionian Village program. Committee members were given specific areas to research and will continue to meet in the coming months as they finalize and begin to execute the strategy for Ionian Villageâ??s future growth and enhancement. Archbishop Demetrios thanked members for their sacrifice in offering their talents and expertise to the committee, and stated that Ionian Village is, â??A truly excellent program, which has great potential.â??
Appointed to the Committee are Fr. Costa Sitaras, Ionian Village Director 1973-1996; Fr, Mark Leondis, National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries; Fr. Constantine Lazarakis, current Ionian Village Director; Mr. Jerry Dimitriou, Executive Director of Administration of the Archdiocese; Mr. Michael Parlamis, Archon of the Ecumenical Throne, and an engineer; Mrs. Elaine Jaharis, Archdiocesan Council member; Mr. George Anderson, Archon of the Ecumenical Throne and Archdiocesan Council member; and Dr. Gregory Papadeas, Archdiocesan Council member. Most committee members are alumni of the camp, having either participated as campers or served as Ionian Village staff.
For more information contact: Fr. Constantine Lazarakis by email at FrConstantine@goarch.org or call 646 519 6190.