NEW YORK – Under the Spiritual Leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the National Philoptochos completed the contract signing to purchase a building in New York City to be known as the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. Present at the signing was His Grace Bishop Sevastianos, National Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor. Representing National Philoptochos were Aphrodite Skeadas, National President; Joanne Kakoyiannis, National Treasurer; Anita Kartalopoulos, National Legal Advisor; Helen Lavorata, Director and Mona L. Lao, attorney.  The property closing is expected to occur in November 2012.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios shared his vision and gave his blessing in 2009 for Philoptochos to purchase a permanent residence in New York City.  The entire Society with the support of its 485 Philoptochos Chapters and 27,500 members nationwide has worked tirelessly since then to secure the funds to “Open the Doors” to its Philoptochos home ensuring, with permanence, the continuation of its noble mission.

National Philoptochos launched its “Open the Doors” Campaign with YouTube videos, online giving, and print materials and with the support of the Metropolises, the Chapters, Stewards and friends of Philoptochos has raised $2 million to date.  The Philoptochos Chapter Giving Tree Campaign was unveiled at the 2012 National Philoptochos Convention in Phoenix, AZ with an overwhelming response of over $200,000 pledged in support of the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy.

National President Aphrodite Skeadas reflected upon the importance of this final campaign to raise the funds to purchase the Center and stated “We are honored to announce an immense demonstration of generosity to our beloved Philoptochos assisting us to “Open the Doors”.  The Mary Jaharis Challenge Gift will match every $1,000 Leaf with another $1,000 up to a total of $500,000. The Chapter Leaves and the munificent Mary Jaharis Challenge Gift will generate the $1,000,000 needed to complete our purchase.”

The Chapter Giving Tree will greet all who enter the new Philoptochos home and will include a Leaf for each Philoptochos Chapter nationwide that will be permanently displayed at the Center.
Philoptochos was established in 1931 and celebrated its 80th Anniversary of service and philanthropy in 2011. Learn more at www.philoptochos.org.

For more information call: Christine Karavites, National Public Relations Chairman, 508.982.4276

 NEW YORK – The Office of Ionian Village announces the dates for its 2013 Summer Programs. Ionian Village is the camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with campgrounds located in Peloponnese, Greece across from the island of Zakynthos. After 43 years, Ionian Village continues to offer the Orthodox Christian youth of America an unparalleled spiritual and cultural camping experience.

Ionian Village Summer 2013 Camping Programs

The picturesque Ionian Village campgrounds sit along the shores of the pristine Ionian Sea and are equipped with a private beach, an Olympic-sized pool, air-conditioned cabins, and various athletic courts and fields. Campers actively explore their Orthodox faith and heritage, both through the daily camp program and through excursions to culturally and religiously significant sites throughout Greece. Excursions vary slightly between the two sessions and will include Ancient Olympia, Patra, Zakynthos, Kefallonia, Kerkyra, Aegina, Epidavros, Mystras, and Athens. Each 20-day session is open to young people who have completed grades 8 through 12.

Summer Travel Camp (STC): June 23 – July 12, 2013

Byzantine Venture (BV): July 20 – August 8, 2013

Ionian Village Spiritual Odyssey Pilgrimage

The Spiritual Odyssey program offers young adults the opportunity to intimately encounter our culture and faith through focused pilgrimages.  Spiritual Odyssey is open to young adults between the ages of 19-28.

Spiritual Odyssey: Cyprus and Crete: May 30 – June 9, 2013

While in Cyprus, participants will experience our faith and culture first-hand, visiting sites where the Apostles once preached, also learning about the Cypriot struggle and ongoing division of the island. Participants will also explore the beautiful beaches, food, and culture of the island of Cyprus. Participants will then travel to Crete where they will marvel at the ancient ruins in Knossos and experience the island’s rich religious heritage.

Applications to be a part of our summer Staff will be posted on our website on November 5, 2012.
For more information regarding any of our 2013 Summer programs, to apply to be a Staff, Medical, or Clergy

Member, or to register for our ever-expanding Alumni Project please visit the Ionian Village website at www.ionianvillage.org.