History of Ionian Village

Church at NightIonian Village began as a Vision of Archbishop Iakovos intending to preserve Orthodoxy and Hellenism for Greek American youth. His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos envisioned the creation of a “Golden Bridge” between the youth of the first-generation Greeks and Greece; a summer camp program in Greece for Greek American youth operated by the Archdiocese. Young people would connect with the land of their ancestors, discovering religious, linguistic, political, and cultural treasures of their own heritage.

IV Timeline

1966:

Land is granted for a period of 99 years to the Archdiocese of America by Prime Minister, Stephanos Stephanopoulos.

1968:

Building begins on the Ionian Coast region known as Bartholomio.

1970:

Phase One nearly complete, and Ionian Village hold its inaugural camping session. Over 300 Greek American teens participated, visiting Ancient Olympia, Zakynthos, the Acropolis and many other cultural and religious sites. They learned traditional Greek dances, learned the Greek language and participated in catechetical discussions.

1970’s and 1980’s:

Campers exceed in numbers averaging 350 campers per summer and occasionally exceeding 450 campers in number

Although the general program remains the same, through the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Ionian Village continues to grow and flourish. Our alumni base is over 16,000 strong and continues to grow.

 

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