The '''Antiochian Village''' is a center for Orthodox activities in Bolivar, Pennsylvania that was founded in 1978. It is under the jurisdiction of the [[Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America]] and consists of a conference center and a camp. It was the site of the [[Ligonier Meeting]] in 1994.
==Conference and retreat centerHistory==The conference center has one hundred guest rooms, meeting rooms, a banquet hallvision for our youth began in [[1973]], dining facilities, and a theological research library. The Saints Peter and Paul chapel is also located within the center. In 2004, the Antiochian Village Heritage Museum was opened, featuring historical artifacts of Orthodox significance, such as Metropolitan [[iconsPhilip (Saliba) of New York|Philip (Saliba)]] announced his vision and ultimate desire to serve and build the spiritual lives of our youth by creating a camping program for [[vestmentsAntiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America]].
"The Village" hosts Orthodox as well as external events and retreatsArchimandrite George M. The [[Orthodox Christian Fellowship]] East Coast College Conference takes place at the conference center each December. There is an annual Sts. [[Thekla the Protomartyr|Thekla]] and [[Raphael of Brooklyn|Raphael]] Pilgrimage every fall. Corry, St. Thekla is Michaels, Greensburg, PA, was appointed to the patron saint of an outdoor chapel on the camp groundstask along with his parishioner, Archdiocese Trustee, & long time friend, and StMr. Raphael is buried just next to the outdoor chapelGeorge S. The Antiochian Archdiocese has many Koury, of its national delegate's meetings and its biennial Clergy Symposium at the conference centerIrwin, due to PA. Together they began the central location and facilities that are conducive to host such meetingssearch in Western Pennsylvania.
==Camping program==The Antiochian Village Five years had past until a nice, useful facility was available for purchase in the Laurel Mountains of Western Pennsylvania. Camp program holds both Fairfield, a summer 280 acre campground, had cabin accommodations for 160 campers and winter camp each yearcounselors, and needed only cosmetic enhancements for its initial use. The summer camp consists of four 2-week sessions from June to August each yearexisting structures included 20 cabins, administrative offices, a dining hall with kitchen, nursing lodge and infirmary. Approximately one thousand campers between the ages of 9 The maintenance building, caretaker’s residence, and 17, as well as sixty staff, attend the house were judged to be “appropriate camp every summerstyle. Some main parts of ” Key to the summer camp program are daily services in the St. Ignatius chapelrecreational area was a nice size swimming pool, Christian education classeswith attached bath house, a challenge coursesoftball field, and volleyball, an overnight camping programbasketball, and afternoon sports and activities. There are two 4-day winter camp sessions for older campers (12 to 17 years old) over long weekend breaks from school in the winter. Winter camp includes a day trip to go snow tubing and various outdoor winter activitiestennis court. The camp also has a family camp land and its structures were perfect for families to attend together, the time and in 2005 started needs of the Vill''edge'' Adventures program for 16 to 18 year old campers. In the summer Archdiocese; while providing plenty of 2006, there will be "Sacred Arts Camps" additional land for [[Byzantine Chant|Byzantine Chanting]] and [[Iconography]]expansion.
In addition On March 31, 1978, the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America signed the final sales agreements to [[Thekla take ownership of what is now The Antiochian Village. The Metropolitan Philip immediately established two primary councils. The first was the Protomartyr|StAdministrative Council for daily operations, co-chaired by father George M. Thekla]] Corry and [[Raphael of Brooklyn|Stmr. George S. Koury. Raphael]]The second council was the Programming Council, the camp's patron [[saints]] are the child saint [[Artemius of Verkola|Artemius]]chaired and organized by father John Namie, [[Herman pastor of Alaska|St. Herman of Alaska]] and [[Ignatius of Antioch|StGeorge Orthodox Church, Houston, TX. Ignatius Father John was assisted by the then Youth Director of Antioch]]. The [[reliquary]] at the StArchdiocese, Mr. Ignatius Chapel includes [[relics]] Basil (Essey) of St. Herman, [[Moses the EthiopianWichita|St. Moses the EthiopianBill Essey]], and others.
The camp is currently conducting a capital campaign called "During the 33rd Archdiocese Convention in Houston, TX, Metropolitan Philip announced the purchase of the Antiochian Village 2010as " a new spiritual dimension to raise money for many neccesary upgrades to facilitiesour lives and will inaugurate a new era of religious maturity in our Archdiocese". The first Administrative Council was filled with the additional talent and energy of Theodore Mackoul, the V. Rev. John Badeen, Thomas Hier, John Roman, Elsie Kaleel, Albert Joseph, Fred Simon, William Salem, Richard Tony, Michael Anthony, Michael Shamey, and Dennis Slyman. The Storiginal Programming Council was similarly enhanced with the addition of: Dr. Ignatius Chapel will be expandedJohn Boojamra, Edward Joseph, Brenda Joseph, John Litsios, the Very Rev. James Meena, Pearl Nahass, father Anthony Scott, five new cabins will be builtfather Joseph Shahda, a new dining hall will be createdVladimir Swydan, as well as numerous other projectsand Donna Yazge.
==History==The Antiochian Village was May 28, 1979, the vision Order of His Eminence [[PHILIP(Saliba) of New York|Metropolitan Philip]] of the Antiochian ArchdioceseSt. The 280-acre grounds were purchased from Camp FairfieldIgnatius granted $10, 000.00 to the Administrative Council to produce a Presbyterian campprofessional land use study, plus $60, in 1978000.00 for equipment purchase, chapel and the first camping season building repairs. The original A-frame Presbyterian chapel was the summer of 1979granted a $30,000. 00 gift from The Conference and Retreat Center was built in 1985 and doubled in size in 1990Order to be converted into St. Ignatius Church as a true Orthodox House of Worship.
Camp Directors:That same year, at the 34th Archdiocese Convention in Hollywood, FL, His Eminence began looking ahead at the possibilities beyond camping and introduced the idea of an all year conference facility to be used by and for clergy retreats and conferences, programs for youth ministry, liturgical practice and sacred music, Christian education, theological research, marriage workshops, SOYO, Teen SOYO, Antiochian Women, The Order of St. Ignatius, and the Archdiocese Board of Trustees.
1979-1988 FrThe first camping year was termed “disappointing results”. Word spread as campers and staff traveled back to their home parishes and spoke of their experience at The Village. Under the direction of father John Namie 1989 Fr. Matthew George1990-1991 Fr. Paul Finley1992 Fr. George Alberts1993-1996 Fr. Joseph Purpura1997-2006 Fr, the camping program made great strides, not just in the number of campers, but in the quality of the camping program. Michael Nasser2007-Present FrMany other Orthodox dioceses began to use The Village for their retreats, and The Village summer camping program quickly fulfilled the dreams and prayers of those directly involved, especially the hundreds of youth partaking in the awesome Village experience. Anthony Yazge
Fr. John Namie served The weekend of September 29, 1979, the Antiochian Village was dedicated in front of 1,200 faithful, and the following was declared by His Eminence: “The Antiochian Village is not here to serve only the people of this great Archdiocese, but is offered as a gift to all Orthodox Christians in this country, and because “I do not dream impossible dreams, I merely interpret the camp's founder dreams and first camp directoraspirations of my flock. Under his tutelage The Antiochian Village was the dream of my people, and leadership I have only striven to translate these dreams into realities. Each achievement presents us with another beginning. There is no summit, only height in the camp grew from a meager 2 camper session into an ACA accredited camping program that served hundreds doing the work of Orthodox Youth each summer bringing our country's children closer to their faithJesus Christ. ”
After an unsteady 8 years of turnover The outreach continued to grow. September, 1979 was the dedication of The St. Thekla Chapel and 1st Annual Pilgrimage. Hundreds came from all over the camp director position, FrUnited States to begin this journey and offer their petitions. The St. Michael Nasser brought the turbulent camping program back on trackThekla Pilgrimage continues today, as busloads of the camp again started faithful travel from all over to realize Metropolitan PHILIP's original visionparticipate and refresh their spiritual lives.
Under Fr. Michael's guidance and genius the camp grew from a 3 session summer program into the perennial powerhouse of all Orthodox camping and youth development institutions in all the universe. In 1982, The camp now contains 4, 2 week summer sessions, as well as 2 winter camp sessions, 2 family camp sessions, iconography camp, chanting camp, Villedge Adventures, and the Villedge Roadtrip. Through his work the camp now reaches out to over 1000 Orthodox Youth throughout North America. Fr. Michael Nasser left his final mark on the Antiochian Village received accreditation by jump starting the Village 2010 campaign, which ensures a brighter future for continuing success in ministering to America's Orthodox youthAmerican Camping Association.
Fr. Anthony Yazge completed his first full year as camp director continuing Fr. Michael's work towards the 2010 program. He also hired the best staff of all The Antiochian Village Camp continues to grow and offer memories that no other event or time in Village history in the summer of 2007can offer. Greg Hakim led an all-star set of male counselors as they reached out and transformed the troubled lives and ensured the salvation of hundreds of of Orthodox youth within the borders of Lebanon, Brazil, CaliforniaThe camping sessions are usually filled very quickly, and Canada. This incredible male staff also created campers call their own personal prayer friends from previous years to help bind and unite make sure that they will see them together again during the same session, in their undivided purpose of promoting the Christian lifestylesame cabin, and relive The Village Magic that only a “Villager” will understand.
Along with Greg Hakim's excellent guidance of the male counselors, a few of his counselors stepped up their game. Namely his cousin The Conference and 3 time returning all-star counselor Dan Hakim, Retreat Center was built in 1985 and younger brother of Charles Abdelahad, Nick Abdelahaddoubled in size in 1990. Both served as challenge course facilitators and thrived in every aspect of Fr. John Namie was the first camp lifedirector from 1979 to 1988. NickUnder his directorship, better known as the camping program grew from a two-camper session 2's session priest Fr. Michael Abdelahad's son, survived the to an ACA accredited camping program that served hundreds of Orthodox Youth each summer without any major injuries, as is his norm.
As if Greg's influence could go no farther, he revolutionized the art of late night food runs in the unit. Instead After a succession of sticking the the typical pizza and Sheetzdirectors, he brought us a new and exciting way to enjoy each other's company in the unit. This consisted of piles and piles of Dino's meat filled wingsFr. Although the excessive wing's sauce smothered the top of Joseph Purpura was the picnic tabledirector from 1993-1996, unit 4 campers were still unable to detect during which time the previous evening's eventsLigonier meeting was held.
To experience the male staff's love and unity, you need not look farther than their revolutionary alarm clock systemFr. Michael Nasser was made director in 1997. With reliance on each other and their undeniable faith in God above, He grew the camp from a three-session summer program into the male staff worked to ensure punctuality in attendance current format of Daily Orthros four fortnight-long summer sessions, as well as two winter camp sessions, two family camp sessions, an iconography camp, a chanting camp, Village Adventures, and Divine Liturgy, the climax of Village Roadtrip. Through his work the camp now reaches out to over 1000 Orthodox Christian lifeyouth throughout North America. The importance One of this is invaluable because as we all know early is on time, and on time is latehis final moves was to start the Village 2010 campaign.
The current director is Fr. Anthony Yazge. He took up this position in 2007, having previously participated in the camping program as session priest.
Edited by: Dan Hakim ==Conference and Nick Abdelahadretreat center==The conference center has one hundred guest rooms, meeting rooms, a banquet hall, dining facilities, and a theological research library. The Saints Peter and Paul chapel is also located within the center. In 2004, the Antiochian Village Heritage Museum was opened, featuring historical artifacts of Orthodox significance, such as [[icons]] and [[vestments]].
"The Village" hosts Orthodox as well as external events and retreats. The [[Orthodox Christian Fellowship]] East Coast College Conference takes place at the conference center each December. There is an annual Sts. [[Thekla the Protomartyr|Thekla]] and [[Raphael of Brooklyn|Raphael]] Pilgrimage every fall. St. Thekla is the patron saint of an outdoor chapel on the camp grounds, and St. Raphael is buried just next to the outdoor chapel. The Antiochian Archdiocese has many of its national delegate's meetings and its biennial Clergy Symposium at the conference center, due to the central location and facilities that are conducive to host such meetings.
==Top Village QuotesCamping program=="Early is on time, on time is late, The Antiochian Village Camp program holds both a summer and late is really really latewinter camp each year. The summer camp consists of four 2-week sessions from June to August each year.""I'm Approximately one thousand campers between the Bishopages of 9 and 17, not as well as sixty staff, attend the answering machinecamp every summer.""Do you know what an idiot is? An idiot is a stupid person.""Where was Andrew? Maybe he was fishing. Too bad for him.""If you invite your best friend to your wedding, you're marrying Some main parts of the wrong person.""Through Christ we summer camp program are always together.""We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us...I mean we could.""Ma ma hoo hoo""Haha floor is bed.""What if daily services in the basketball courts are on fire?""Modest is HottestSt." ==Best Bombers=="Hey Metropolitan PHILIPIgnatius chapel, Christian education classes, a challenge course, you are really dopean overnight camping program, you're way way way better than the Popeand afternoon sports and activities.""Hey construction workers, you work all There are two 4-day winter camp sessions for older campers (12 to 17 years old) over long, you must be pretty strooooongweekend breaks from school in the winter.""Hey Fr Winter camp includes a day trip to go snow tubing and various outdoor winter activities. Anthony The camp also has a family camp for families to attend together, you know that we love you, with Fr. Michael gone I guess youand in 2005 started the Vill''edge''ll have Adventures program for 16 to do18 year old campers. In the summer of 2006, there will be "Sacred Arts Camps"Hey Nurse Pat, we come to you for answers, but I broke my arm [[Byzantine Chant|Byzantine Chanting]] and you gave me Jolly Ranchers[[Iconography]]."
In addition to St. [[Thekla the Protomartyr|Thekla]] and St. [[Raphael of Brooklyn|Raphael]], the camp's patron [[saints]] are the child saint [[Artemius of Verkola|Artemius]], St. [[Herman of Alaska]] and St. [[Ignatius of Antioch]]. The [[reliquary]] at the St. Ignatius Chapel includes the [[relics]] of St. Herman and St. [[Moses the Ethiopian]].
The camp is currently conducting a capital campaign called "Village 2010" to raise money for many necessary upgrades to facilities. The St. Ignatius Chapel will be expanded, five new cabins will be built, a new dining hall will be created, as well as numerous other projects.
==Directors==
* 1979-1988: Fr. John Namie
* 1989: Fr. Matthew George
* 1990-1991: Fr. Paul Finley
* 1992: Fr. George Alberts
* 1993-1996: Fr. Joseph Purpura
* 1997-2006: Fr. Michael Nasser
* 2007-present Fr. Anthony Yazge
==External links==
*[http://www.antiochianvillage.org/ Antiochian Village]
*[http://www.antiochianvillage.org/camp/camphistoryabout/history.html Antiochian Village History]
[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Pilgrimage Sites]]
[[ro:Satul antiohian]]