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Follow Ionian Village this summer as we travel across Greece, visiting monasteries and venerating relics of our Orthodox Saints.
Byzantine Venture (BV) 2010
Monday July 26, 2010
Our tired and weary (but very excited) travelers have arrived at camp! Our busses pulled into camp at 10:30 pm. The late arrival did not matter to our staff members who greeted them with cheers, whistles and horns. A quick bite to eat (Greek Chicken and Potatoes ala Kyria Sophia), salad, feta, and of course, watermelon then it was off to the amphitheater for a warm welcome from the 2010 staff members and IV Director, Fr. Jason Roll.
Lights out at midnight... busy day tomorrow.
Byzantine Venture 2010 has begun!
Tuesday July 27, 2010
An awesome in-camp day today as campers created "giving-gold" books to be used on the last day of OL, learned the Lord's Prayer in Greek as well as the learned the Greek National Anthem, and played "Photo Scavenger Hunt" after dinner. Campers got to know each other a little better as they gathered for OL in the pines. Fr. Vasileios Flegas from Denver, Colorado offered a beautiful and inspiring sermon at vespers tonight, inviting campers to open their minds and hearts to this unique experience. In celebration of our 40th year staff members performed a skit tonight celebrating IV over the years- starting wtih the 1970's and ending with present day. The evening closed with a few traditional camp songs in the amphitheater, and a few new ones introduced by campers. In addition, campers watched a brief slide show of photos from the evening activity where they were asked to act out scenes from popular movies, build a cabin pyramid and spell their cabin name in the sand as they solved riddles at each location around camp. It is clear to see that cabins are bonding after just one day at camp. The enthusiasm and excitement among the campers is amazing. It must have something to do with all this IV AGAPE...
Wednesday July 28, 2010
In addition to the regular daily rotations of OL, MGC and Athletics campers tie-dyed camp shirts and prepared for one of our most exciting evening activities: Junk-Yard Wars! Campers participated in a series of goofy activities to earn "junk" to then build a vehicle to race against the other cabins. JYW has quickly become one of the camp's favorite activities in that it combines sportsmanship, team work and friendly competition. Campers showed 100% enthusiasm for the event- painting their faces, pulling together team uniforms and not only cheering on their own cabin but cheering on all the others.
Thursday July 29, 2010
This morning campers participated in their first excursion. Destination: Castro Chlemoutsi! Castro Chlemoutsi was built in 1220 order to protect the town of Glarentsa which was one of the most important commercial towns of Medieval Europe. Built atop a 300 yard hill, it was used a lookout tower as well as an escape proof prison. Today, campers climbed and walked the perimeter of the castle then cooled off with a cold drink in a local cafe. It was a beautiful view as well as great way for the campers to experience life in a Greek village. Upon returning to camp and after a few sessions of learning about the symbolism behind the Orthodox Priest's vestments and making jewelry in Arts & Crafts, it was time to relax on the beach with some music and a Gyro before turning in for the night.
Friday July 30, 2010
Another great in-camp schedule today- rinsing out our tie-dye shirts and making travel pillows for our upcoming excursions. Campers also learned a few more traditional Greek dances in MGC. We invited the music of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi and Cindy Lauper to camp tonight- as we celebrated the 80's! Campers really got into dressing the the part- headbands, leggings, blue eye-shadow, polo shirt collars up and side ponytails. In addition to dancing to the classic 80's tunes, campers had a chance to practice the new dance moves they've been learning in MGC.
Saturday July 31, 2010
Our day began with a visit to Ancient Olympia where campers were guided among the ruins. Campers visited the Temple of Zeus which was built in 460 BC and at one time housed a 38 foot tall statue of Zeus made of wood, ivory and sheets of gold. The most well preserved structure at Olympia is the Temple of Hera which is where the statue of Hermes was found. The statue is now housed in the museum at Olympia.
After lunch, campers spent the hot afternoon playing soccer, volleyball, sun-bathing, sliding and swimming at Aqua Splash- an outdoor water park. It was a great way to relax, hang out out with new friends, cool off and enjoy a frappe or some ice cream. Back at camp we prepared for Sunday's Divine Liturgy by spending time with Fr. Vasilios and Fr. Jason in "Ask Father", learning the basics of chanting, learning about the symbolism in Icons and making Prosforo in what we call Night with God.
Sunday August 1, 2010
After Divine Liturgy in the outdoor chapel we feasted on Loukoumades and then prepared for one of IV's most traditional days. Cabin and group photos were taken today and after siesta we began the Sand Castle Competition. Cabins were to create a group sand sculpture in 45 minutes. They then presented the sculpture to the judges with a song or chant.
Our evening activity was a updated version of capture the flag called "Underground Church." Campers were divided up into Romans and Christians and some of the Romans were even "underground-Christians." The goal of the game is to capture Christians and take them to jail before they arrived safely at the underground Church location. Caesar made a brief appearance for soldier moral. In the end it was victory for the Christians! Of the four games played the Christian's won all four.
Fr. Jason closed with a talk about forgiveness and unconditional Christian love as we prepare for our trip to Zakynthos tomorrow.
Monday August 2, 2010
Early to rise in order to catch an 8:00 ferry to Zakynthos, the closest island to Ionian Village. The Church of St. Dionysios houses the relic of St. Dionysios, the saint well know for his unending forgiveness. At the age of 21 St. Dionysios became a monk at the Monastery of Strofados. Late one night a man came to him in desperation and confessed that he had committed a murder and was being pursued by the slain man's family. He asked for refuge which St. Dionysios gave him. Later, the saint learned that the man who was murdered was his own brother. Rather than turn the man over to the authorities he pretended to know nothing of the crime nor of the man who was on the run. While St. Dionysios could do nothing for his brother, he could forgive the murderer and instructed him in repentance. According to local stories, after escaping the monastery the man returned and became a monk.
Also on the island of Zakynthos campers visited the statue of Dionysios Solomos, writer of the Greek National Anthem. Campers and staff gathered around the statue to sing the national anthem, something campers have been learning in Music and Greek Culture sessions.
Upon returning to camp it was time to put on a toga for Greek Drama Night. Cabins worked together to present a skit depicting a classic Greek tragedy.
Tuesday August 3, 2010
After siesta, campers boarded buses headed for Patra for an evening in the third largest city in Greece and the largest in the Peleponnese.
We visited the old and new church of St. Andrew and venerated his holy relics as well as the "X" shaped cross on which he was crucified. St. Andrew is known as the "first-called" apostle and is the patron saint of the city of Patras.
After visiting the church, campers had some time for shopping in the city. Dinner and dancing followed at a little restaurant above the city with a beautiful view of the Rio-Antirio Bridge which connects Patras and northwestern Greece.
Wednesday August 4, 2010
We kept busy today at camp with OL sessions and MGC. Campers made and decorated icons in A&C and played a few intense games of Ultimate Football Frisbee in Athletics. A swim on the beach, siesta and some free time to play tavli, make a bracelet for a friend or jump into the popular game of "Ninja."
Before Paraklesis service, campers learned how to make Kolyva, and after the service we held a Memorial Service where campers could submit names for prayer of family or friends who have recently passed away.
We ended the evening with a bonfire on the beach. Early to bed as we are traveling tomorrow- some campers will travel to Kalavrita while others will travel to Kefalonia.
Thursday August 5, 2010
Today, half of the campers and staff traveled to Kephalonia and the other half traveled to Kalavrita. Upon returning to camp, we were visited by the surrounding area town's clergy, mayor's and dignitaries, the town of Glyfa's marching band and a local dance group. The dance group gave a performance and stayed afterward to dance together with the campers at our glendi. Today's blog will include comments from camper's first-hand experiences from their travels.
Kefalonia: The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is only a 90 minute ferry ride from Ionian Village. Visiting the old church of St. Gerasimos and the New Jerusalem Monastery, campers venerated the relics of St. Gerasimos and climbed into the cave where St. Gerasimos lived for many years.
"We had a life changing experience at Kefalonia. We had the opportunity to venerate the body of St. Gerasimos and climb down a narrow ladder to visit the cave where he lived and prayed for over 10 years. The hole we crawled through looked too small to fit through, but somehow, most likely through our faith, not one person regardless of their shape or size had difficulty fitting through the hole!" --Cabin Psara
Kalavrita: Rich in national and spiritual history, Kalavrita was the the center of resistance against the German and Italian invaders in the 1940's. Campers visited the village and the actual site where over 1300 men and boys were executed by the Germans in 1943. Campers also visited the monasteries of Agia Lavra and Mega Spilaion.
The following are comments from campers in Cabin Pella:
"Visiting Kalavrita really reminded me what nationalism is about and how proud I am to be Greek!" --Christina, New York
"Visiting Kalavrita reminded me of how rich in History Greece is, and how proud and faithful her people are." --Carolyn, Florida
"Kalavrita gave me a new sense of pride for the country where my family is from." -- Antonia, New York
"Finally meeting Papa Giorgi after hearing so much about him was really exciting!" --Catherine, Virginia
Friday August 6, 2010 * Guest Blogger: Eleni D. from Long Beach, CA *
"As I departed from Athens to return to reality three years ago, I remember thinking how I had just experienced the best summer of my life. Ionian Village has impacted me so immensely that just the thought of it gives me chills, brings tears to my eyes, and puts a huge smile on my face. In one word, this experience is truly unforgettable.
My name is Eleni D, and I am from Long Beach, California. I attended IV in 2007 and now again in 2010. I met my best friend Vicky here three years ago and inevitably we are back again at the birthplace of our incredible friendship. I would seriously attend IV every summer if I could!
Three days remain at this awesome camp in the small town of Glyfa and as Father Jason gives tonight's closing words, it hits me: my time here with my newfound family is almost done. I break down into tears just imagining "breaking the circle" and leaving these amazing people. Cabin Olympia: ten new best friends, ten additional sisters that I will never forget. It amazes me how quickly eleven unique young women can bond and connect in less than three weeks. I love my cabin mates and each has easily left an imprint on my heart.
The campers, essential as they are, are only part of why Ionian Village is so unforgettable. It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn from Father Jason. From questions about God to my relationship with other people, his advice really hits home for me. In him I am truly blessed to have found my spiritual father. His lessons not only guide me and the other campers on our spiritual journey, but also educate the heart-- an education that is truly priceless.
Twenty days disconnected from reality have allowed me to mature spiritually and emotionally. This camp creates a feeling of belonging, a sense of agape around us. I cannot get enough of this camp! I have created so many memories that will last a lifetime. Three years ago I was mistaken to think it was the best summer of my life- because now I believe 2010 has literally been the best summer of my live! " So let me say before we part: so much of me is made of what I learned from you. You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart..."
Saturday August 7, 2010
Today, some of the members of Cabin Kerkyra will share thier experience about visiting the island of Kefalonia.
"I really liked getting to see a saint from hundreds of years ago in tact and perfectly preserved. It was an eye-opening experience for me." -- Spiro. Sacramento, CA.
"Crawling into the cave where St. Gerasimos lived for 10 years was amazing and made me speechless." -- Alex. Queens, NY.
"Crawling through St. Gerasimos' cave was one of the most amazing experiences of my live. It got my heart beating but I said the Jesus Prayer over and over and made it through easily." -Nicholas, Sacramento, CA.
"To see where St. Gerasimos lived, in a secluded cave, made me realize that you don't need all the "needs" society tells us we need, and we can comfortably live without them." -- Athanasios. Seattle, WA.
"Going down the ladder to enter the cave in which St. Gerasimos lived for over 10 years and looking at the 2'x2' wide hole that I needed to crawl through made me stop in my tracks. I reassured myself that not only being 6'3 and 215 lbs, as long as I have faith the Lord will guide me through. I went in and out of the hole with ease and all I could really do at the end was smile in amazement." -- Peter, Brooklyn, NY.
"St. Gerasimos is my family's patron saint, so I was excited to visit the island of Kefalonia. I was also looking forward to praying for a family friend, whose name is Gerasimos, who is suffering from Lou Gehrig's Disease. As I was in St. Gerasimos' cave praying for my friend, I truly felt the saint was with there listening to me. -- Nick, Ohio.
Sunday August 8, 2010 * Guest Blogger: FAITH Scholarship recipient Christine B. from Sacramento, CA.*
"The midnight Liturgy is definitely one I will never forget. Even after a long day of traveling, the whole camp had the energy to participate strongly and put all our effort into prayer. Father Jason and Father Vasilios kept our minds focussed by explaining the meaning behind everything they do during the service. I especially appreciated this because as a female, I do not get the opportunity to participate in the service from the altar. It was a night filled with learning, praying and singing together.
Gathered in the amphitheater all of Ionian Village held lit candles creating a holy and peaceful environment. Standing outside praying together in the middle of the night and seeing the glow of the candles on everyone's faces was an unexplainable feeling creating emotions I've not experienced before. I am thankful and grateful for the experience."
Monday August 9, 2010
Wrapping up our time at camp today, we played a little soccer, made travel chapels, participated in "giving gold" in OL and played a little game of Greek Jeopardy in MGC. After packing our bags and praying Paraklesis together one last time, we ate and danced at our Panagiri celebration. It is hard to believe our time at camp is over, however our next few days will be very busy and exciting as we venture off to Athens via Delphi and Ossios Loukas.
Tuesday August 10, 2010
Campers and staff arrived safely in Athens tonight! After saying goodbye to the beautiful grounds of Ionian Village, our first stop was Ancient Delphi where we hiked to the ruins. It was an unusually cool and breezy day which made the hike a lot more pleasant. After lunch in Delphi we headed to the Monastery of Ossios Loukas to venerate the relics of Venerable Luke and view mosaics dating back to the 10th century. After spending some time taking in the beautiful views of the monastery it was time to head to Athens- where it was lights out after dinner. Our Athens fun begins early tomorrow morning as we will be the first to arrive at the Acropolis.
Wednesday August 11, 2010
We woke early this morning and arrived at the Acropolis in time to see the guards march down from their post. We witnessed something most in our group had never seen before- the lead guard shouting down to the city at attention "Kalimera Ellada! Good morning Greece!" Quite a fascinating site...
After spending the morning at the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum campers and staff spent the afternoon shopping, bargaining and haggling for souvenirs in the Plaka and Monastiraki areas. Before dinner we watched the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Sounion is about 200 feet above the sea's rocky coastline, and about 35 miles outside of Athens.
Thursday August 12, 2010
The island of Aegina has been without electricity for two days, however, this did not stop the campers and staff from boarding an early ferry and arriving on the island to visit the beautiful monastery of the Holy Trinity and the relics of St. Nektarios. St. Nektarios is known as “the Saint of our century”- as he is
one of the more recently canonized saints in our church. He lived a life of accusations and false rumors. Throughout all of his tribulations and suffering he prayed for his enemies and remained stedfast in his faith. Campers walked through the home where he lived at the monastery, stood where he prayed in his room, viewed his tomb and venerated his relics.
Back in Athens it was a time for goodbyes, as our evening's farewell dinner-dance included a slide-show from the camp session's events and a goodbye hug-line. Campers will awake early in the morning to board the airplane back to the United States. There were many tears shed at the farewell dinner as campers and staff have built a special bond this summer and find it difficult to say goodbye. We have shared so many great and spiritual experiences with one another in the past 20 days. As Fr. Jason reminded everyone during the goodnight talk, it is the prayer of this summer's staff that our dear campers will continue to LIVE Orthodoxy as they have been doing so beautifully these past few weeks, and that they continue to "Be the Bee" as they return home to everyday life and all of it's challenges.
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Summer Travel Camp (STC) 2010
Friday July 2, 2010
Campers, Clergy, Medical and Volunteer staff all arrived safely this evening! Thanks be to God! After an awesome meal prepared by Kyria Sophia and her staff, the entire camp gathered to watch a skit presented by the staff celebrating IV's 40- years. Fr. Jason, Director of Ionian Village, welcomed everyone. Lights out at 11:00... good night tired travelers!
Saturday July 3, 2010
Campers woke early and prayed Orthros together led by Fr. Nicholas Jonas, a veteran to the Ionian Village program. After breakfast, we began the daily rotation of Arts & Crafts (A&C), Orthodox Life (OL), Music & Greek Culture (MGC) and Athletics. Campers are tired from the long day of travel yesterday, but are very excited to be here and making new friends quickly! Time for a swim in the Ionian Sea, lunch and "siesta"...
After a loud and rowdy dinner filled with cheers and chants from all 10 cabins, we set into our evening activity. This evening's activity was "Night with God." Campers spent time with our camp clergy asking questions about our faith, learning about icons, learning the songs of Liturgy and baking Prosfero for tomorrow's Divine Liturgy.
Rumor has it... Kyria Sophia is not only preparing for Loukoumades for breakfast tomorrow, but also Galatoboureko for our Fourth of July dance tomorrow night. Campers are excited for the first dance of THE GREATEST SUMMER OF THEIR LIVES!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy Fourth of July from Greece to our friends and family in the US! Today began with Divine Liturgy in the outdoor chapel, then Loukoumades and patriotic chants and songs for breakfast. Drew, this year's Program Coordinator states "I love the 4th of July!". (He's from Virginia and is a huge history buff.)
After Gyro's for dinner we kicked off our Fourth of July celebration. Campers enjoyed dancing- both American and Greek- under the Trapezaria on a cool and breezy evening. Little ice cream cones dipped in chocolate or "Pagotini" ended out the evening.
Goodnight campers! Sleep well... another busy and eventful day tomorrow!
Monday, July 5, 2010
It was back to the basics after our big Fourth of July dance- A&C, MGC, OL and Athletics.
Campers finished making their IV Journals in Arts & Crafts, and started making travel pillows. In MGC, campers spent time with IV Clergy staff learning about the different parts of the Church, as well as the definition and symbolism behind each article of a Priest's vestments. Athletics activities included a great game of capture the flag.
After a souvlaki dinner campers played an activity called Picture Scavenger Hunt where they were sent all over the grounds finding clues and doing goofy things such as building a pyramid, spinning in circles and racing and posing in a cut out board. After the antics a slide show of the evening was projected in the Amphitheatre. After the clapping and yelling from Drew's traditional "are you having the GREATEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE?!", as the cheers calmed a camper shouted out "Greatest camp ever!!" Sounds like everyone is having a good time...
Looking forward to our first excursion tomorrow- Kastro here we come!
Tuesday July 6, 2010
A quick visit to Kastro today to visit the castle, take in the view of the western Peloponisos and enjoy a cold drink at a local cafe. Upon returning to camp we had free swim at the beach, lunch and siesta. Sessions this afternoon and tonight... Gyros on the beach.
Wednesday July 7, 2010
Our day began by boarding the busses bound for Ancient Olympia- the location of the first Olympic games. We also visited the Ancient Olympia Museum which houses the Statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, one of the best preserved classical statues dating back to 343 BC. After lunch, we headed back to camp for a few sessions of OL, A&C and some free time. We were visited by the Mayor of Bartholomou who welcomed us to the region and joined us for dinner. After dinner, campers and staff prepared for our evening activity: Junkyard Wars! Cabins competed in singing, jump roping and other goofy activities to earn "junk." Once they earned this "junk" they were given one roll of duct tame and 15 minutes to build a moveable (and race-able) contraption. Each contraption was allowed one driver and one engine (aka someone to push!). Cabins competed for the trophy: Mrs. Beatrice Baklava for the girls cabin winner, and Mr. Lou Koumades for the boys cabin winner. Congratulations to cabin's Pella and Tripoli on your 2010 championship! 
Thursday July 8, 2010
Tonight we visited Patras and the Church of St. Andrew. Patras is the third largest city in Greece and the largest in the Peleponnese. We spent time in the new church of St. Andrew which was completed in 1979 and houses the skull of St. Andrew as well as pieces of the "X" shaped cross he was crucified on. Campers drank from the well outside the church, where it is said that St. Andrew baptized early Christians.
After visiting the church and spending sometime shopping in downtown Patras, everyone enjoyed a nice dinner and dancing at a little restaurant carved into a mountainside overlooking the city of Patras and the Rio-Antirio Bridge which connects Patras and northwestern Greece.
Friday July 9, 2010
Today in MGC, campers learned the tricks of "Tavli" and how to make the perfect Frappe. In Arts & Crafts, campers made and decorated Travel Chapels: small tins with a paper icon and a votive candle inside. There was a lot of drama tonight in the Amphitheater, as we celebrated the stories of Greek Mythology at "Greek Drama Night." Early to bed tonight as campers and staff prepare for our trip to Zakynthos tomorrow.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Today we traveled to the island of Zakynthos to venerate the relics of St. Dionysios. It was an extraordinary day. Staff member Jackie Limberakis has visited this church seven times- as a camper and as a staff member. She describes this particular visit as overwhelming and beautiful. "In the seven times that I have been to this church, I have never seen anything like this. Campers are crying, holding arm and arm with one another, on their knees praying... some of my campers even asked if they could cut back on their shopping time to go back into the church!"
A first to Ionian Village, this evening we celebrated Divine Liturgy during a candlelight midnight service under the stars in the Amphitheater. As a teaching liturgy, Fr. Nick Jonas celebrated while Fr. Jon Boukis commentated. Campers, staff and clergy described it as one of the most magical, blessed and beautiful liturgies they've ever been a part of.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Since we celebrated Divine Liturgy at midnight last night, this morning we prayed Orthros together and then headed to the Trap for Loukoumades. After a morning of laundry and camp photographs, it was off to the beach for the well known IV Sandcastle Competition! Congratulations to cabin Epiros for taking the title.
This evening, we enjoyed camp songs on the beach by the campfire. It was a perfect night to enjoy our IV beach, the sunset and reflect on the spiritually fulfilling weekend we had, as well as reflect on the week ahead- our last week at camp before heading to Athens to complete the camp session.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Today was a day of OL sessions, kick-ball, tie-dying our camp shirts and a little capture-the-flag type game called "Underground Church." Tomorrow half of us will travel to Kefalonia, the other half to Kalavrita.
With the potential for such an amazing day of travel ahead of us, we pray it will be blessed with safe travels and hearts ready to receive the beauty and grace of the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Today, we split up: half of the campers and staff traveled to Kefalonia while the other half traveled to Kalavrita. Today's blog will talk about Kalavrita- Thursday's blog will cover Kefalonia.
Kalavrita is known as the birthplace of Greece's fight for Independence from the Turks in 1821. Today, we visited the site of the in Kalavrita where in 1943 German soldiers murdered approximately 1300 men and boys above the village. Only 13 survived to tell the story of the massacre. Today, Fr. Georgios Birbas, one of the 13 survivors, shared his stories of the event with us.
We also visited the monastery of Agia Lavra, where Bishop Germanos declared Greece's independence from the Ottoman Turks in 1821. This monastery also houses the skull of St. Alexios, Man of God, and the relics of St. Philarette.
One more stop to Mega Spilaion, meaning "Monastery of the Great Cave" where we venerated an icon of the Theotokos crafted from beeswax and gum mastic on wood. This icon is one of several icons attributed to Saint Luke. We drank from the spring located underneath the monastery. Mega Spilaion also houses the relics of many saints including the skull of Saint Barbara and the hand of Saint Theodore.
It was a spiritually uplifting day surrounded by many relics of the saints of our faith , but also an emotional day as we visited sites and learned of the young lives that were lost in the fight for Greece's independence.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
It was a day of cheering, chanting, face-painting, toga-wearing and friendly competition at IV today as we celebrated the Olympic Games of the 40th Year. Opening ceremonies took place on the basketball courts where each cabin participated in a group chant, rap or song.
Cabins united to compete in running races, splashing competitions, relay races, water balloon tossing and of course, a watermelon eating contest.
The most exciting part of the day was watching cabins not only cheer-on their cabin-mates, but cheer-on their competitors and show signs of good sportsmanship. It was a good time all around!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Today's blog will cover our trip to the island of Kefalonia to venerate the relics of St. Gerasimos. His relics are housed in the old church which is built over a cave where he retreated for several years. We climbed down a narrow metal ladder into the small two-room cave which is dark and cold. You can feel the air getting thinner and your lungs getting tighter when you are in the cave, however, you can also feel that it is a very sacred place where St. Gerasimos prayed unceasingly.
We visited the new church where the iconography is still in the works. It is a massive and beautiful church just down the road from the old church.
Upon returning the camp we prepared for music night- where campers and staff were to make-up a song relating their experiences at IV. As we draw close to the end of our time at camp and prepare for our trip to Athens, it was touching to hear so many nice and endearing things being sung about IV.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Time to say goodbye to camp and hello to Athens...
Today was a day of "giving-gold" in OL, creating cabin stepping stones made of cement and tiles to decorate the flowerbeds of the grounds, packing, and saying goodbye to what has become our home-away-from-home for the past two weeks. Tomorrow we head to Athens via Delphi and Ossios Loukas Monastery.
Our farewell tonight was topped off with a traditional Panagri celebration. Included was a celebration for Ionian Village's 40th year with a special cake made by Kyria Sophia.
Lights out for the last time. Our bags are packed... Athens here we come!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Woke early this morning and said goodbye to our beautiful IV as we boarded the busses bound for Athens. A few stops along the way... first Ancient Delphi to view the temple of Apollo, then to the Monastery of Ossios Loukas to view some of the most beautiful and well preserved mosaics- some dating back to the 11th Century. We venerated the relic of Ossios Loukas and enjoyed the amazing view before boarding the busses to head to our final destination for the day: Athens.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Today we took on Athens- starting with the Acropolis and ending with ice cream at the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In between, we visited the new Acropolis Museum, strolled and shopped the streets of Monastiraki, dined in Plaka and attended a performance by the Dora Stratou dancers.
Monday, July 19, 2010
A brief but early bus ride this morning to take us to the port of Pireaus on our way to visit Holy Trinity Monastery and venerate the relics of St. Nektarios on the island of Aegina. St. Nektarios was canonized in 1961 becoming the first modern day saint to be canonized in the Greek Orthodox Church.
After visiting the monastery we enjoyed shopping and lunch in the port of Aegina.
We then prepared for our farewell dinner-dance, and said goodnight and our final goodbyes with a traditional "hug-line" which was full of tears buy both staff members and campers. It's hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful time... In the morning, campers will head to the airport to board their planes heading back to the US.
We have grown closer to our faith and our culture, stayed-up late and woke-up early, tie-dyed, painted, prayed together, danced, sang, washed our laundry by hand, and made 180 new best-friends, all in a matter of 20 days. Farewell STC campers- travel home safely. Please keep IV Agape alive in your heart and BE the BEE!
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