Ionian Village 2020 has been cancelled

We are disappointed to announce that Ionian Village 2020 has been cancelled. There is a real prospect that the COVID-19 virus will continue to be a reality in our world even as we move into the summer months. Ongoing conversations with medical experts, whose expertise has been shaping the national and international response to COVID-19, led us to this decision. Arriving at this heartbreaking conclusion demonstrates our love for the physical and spiritual welfare of the youth of our Archdiocese and those prepared to serve them. The health and well-being of all participants is the core of who we are as a Church and as a camping Ministry. ​
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IV2020- Cancellation Letter to Parents

March 31, 2020

There are circumstances in life that are out of our control.  When His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros honored me with the blessing of serving as the new Director of Ionian Village, I knew that there would be decisions that would have to be made following an abundance of prayers.  I never imagined making such a decision under these circumstances.

We are disappointed to announce that Ionian Village 2020 is cancelled. There is a real prospect that the COVID-19 virus will continue to be a reality in our world even as we move into the summer months. Ongoing conversations with medical experts, whose expertise has been shaping the national and international response to COVID-19, led us to this decision. Arriving at this heartbreaking conclusion demonstrates our love for the physical and spiritual welfare of the youth of our Archdiocese and those prepared to serve them. The health and well-being of all participants is the core of who we are as a Church and as a camping Ministry. 

Believe me, we know this hurts. Working with our youth and helping them develop their faith is a passion and a calling.  Our team was fully prepared to provide the most amazing summer for your child.  Presenting them with an understanding of Christ, in the presence of miraculous Saints and other Holy sites, is the substance of Ionian Village.   I lament the opportunity lost in getting to know your child and taking the Ionian Village journey of faith with them this summer. 

Even though IV 2020 is cancelled, there are a lot of year-round expenses associated with the program.  It would be a tremendous blessing if you treated your deposit, or even a portion of it, as a donation.  Should you choose to assist in that way, and are able to register your child for IV 2021 we would waive the amount of your donation from your deposit.  Please click here to log in to your CampMinder account and complete the deposit form.  In addition, if your child is currently a senior, please encourage them to apply next year for our Young Adult program, IV Next 2021.   
 
In the Gospel of John 9:1-38, we read “As Jesus went along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, for him to have been born blind?’ ‘Neither he nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered, ‘He was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”   Our God is a good God and does not let bad things happen to His faithful servants, rather these are opportunities for the “works of God to be displayed.”  Let’s approach this as opportunity for spiritual growth.  I have no desire to write a letter like this again.  However, as faithful Orthodox Christians we are called to, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)"

I pray the summer of 2020 provides an abundance of memories in the life of your family.  Although those memories will not include Ionian Village, when the time comes, we are hopeful to make lasting memories during the summer of 2021.  It would be a blessing to experience the dwelling of St. Gerasimos and venerate St. Dionysios with your child.  

With God’s Love,

The Ionian Village Admin. Team
Rev. Fr. Gary Kyriacou
Director, Ionian Village

Konstantine Salmas
Assistant Director

Alex Kuvshinoff
Program Director

Demi Kaitery
Program Coordinator