Ionian Village Alumni - Alumni Memoirs

For more than 30 years Ionian Village has built faith, friendships, and memories that have lasted a lifetime for thousands of young people throughout the Archdiocese. In an effort to further support the friendships founded at Ionian Village, we have posted some of your favorite IV moments and photos. Enjoy browsing through these moments from the past!

The memories of the Ionian Village have truly lasted a lifetime. I remember it most vividly, the people, places, the camp community. Without question, to this date, it was an experience that has endured my entire adult life. I often flip back through the pictures. From services outside the chapel in the amphitheater, to chasing our camp mascot "Jake" (the goat) around the grounds. Zakinthos to Delphi, it was as if we were National Geographic Explorers in search of our roots, history, and tradition.

God Bless,
Dean Savas
Camper, 1970


I was a counselor from 1982-85. My favorite story was in 1984 when we had Greek night. Christoforo got a donkey from the village and I rode it in for evening announcements at dinner. The camp went crazy (BV2)! The teenagers couldn't get on that animal fast enough to get their pictures taken on a Greek donkey.

Anyway... We serve the parish of HOLY TRINITY In Canton Ohio and have 2 children. We pray that the camp keeps thriving with Our Lord's helps so that my kids can enjoy the IV experience.

In His Love,
Presvytera Eleni Stavropoulos
(Formerly Elaine Madonis)


I loved being a camper at Ionian Village. One of my most vivid memories was definitely the night of cabin relays. A lot of us campers were getting sick, and Michael Pappas, the camp director at the time, announced when the night was over that wake-up time would be pushed back to 9:00am for the next day. Everyone was elated, and right after he said that the boys of cabin Tripoli stood up and started singing "Kyrie Eleison." I still smile and chuckle when I think about that night. I will never forget the experiences I had at IV, the people I met: campers, counselors, and priests alike. Thank you for this opportunity!

Love,
Stephanie Philis
Camper 2000 (Cabin Delos)


Should you want to share your memories or photos with other alumni members, please email them to us at ionianvillage@goarch.org, or mail them to us at 83 St. Basil Rd Garrison, NY 10524.