September 2026 News & Updates
Dear Saint Basil Academy Friends,
September was full of fun, faith, fellowship, and service at Saint Basil Academy! As we welcomed a new school year, our children and program members jumped right back into routines, activities, community projects, and plenty of special adventures.
We are so grateful to the many friends, organizations, clergy, parishes, and supporters who continue to make these experiences possible. Here are some of the highlights from September!
Back to School!
The school year is officially underway! Our children across each of our programs have returned to school and are settling into their new routines.
We kicked off the school year with a Back-to-School Ice Cream Social, giving everyone a chance to celebrate the start of another year together.
Our regular Vespers and prayer services have also returned to our weekly routine. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather together in prayer and fellowship. Please keep all of our children in your prayers as they begin a new school year!
Adventures Aboard the Celtic Quest IV
Ahoy! Thanks to the incredible generosity of AHEPA Chapter 319, our children had the opportunity to board the Celtic Quest IV off Long Island for an unforgettable fishing trip!
For many of our children, this was their first time fishing, and they had an absolute blast learning something new, spending time together, and enjoying the beautiful views out on the water. One child even caught 17 fish by himself! Our kitchen later cooked up the catch, and everyone had a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
We are so grateful to AHEPA Chapter 319 for creating such a special experience for our children. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, excitement, and plenty of memories!
A Subway Series to Remember!
Take me out to the ballgame!
Our kids had an incredible time cheering on the New York Yankees during the Subway Series! For many of our children, it was their first time attending a baseball game, making the experience extra special.
A huge thank you to AHEPA Chapter 367, George Papaeleas, and Jeanne Palaigos for making this wonderful outing possible. Our kids had an absolute blast, and we are so grateful for the memories they were able to make!
St. Anastasia Paraklesis
We are so grateful to continue our partnership with the Saint Anastasia Fellowship.
This month, we gathered together for a beautiful Paraklesis prayer service to St. Anastasia. We are especially thankful for the way Father Nikolas Delaveris and the Saint Anastasia Fellowship continue to use their addiction ministry to serve and support our program members.
May St. Anastasia intercede for us all, and continue to guide, protect, and strengthen our community.
Giving Back with Our Neighbors
September also gave us an opportunity to give back!
Together, we created 100 back-to-school kits filled with school supplies to be distributed to children across the United States through the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).
It was a wonderful reminder that even small acts of service can make a big difference in the lives of others.
Thank you to IOCC for all that you do and for giving our children and program members the opportunity to serve others!
A Life-Changing Experience
We were incredibly honored to have some of our program members participate in the Annual Concordia Summit in New York City, thanks to the generosity of George Logothetis and Libra Philanthropies!
Two of our teens had the extraordinary opportunity to participate as Rising Global Leaders! Everyone attended workshops and sessions featuring global leaders, explored opportunities for professional development and continuing education, and connected with others from around the world.
It was an inspirational and truly meaningful experience for our young people. We are beyond honored to have been part of such a life-changing event and are grateful to George Logothetis and Libra Philanthropies for investing in the future of our program members.
Did You Know?
Saint Dionysios of Zakynthos Chapel
On our campus, we have many old buildings that have been converted into special spaces. One particular vertical building, that was once a tower/aviary of Jacob Ruppert, is now home to our St. Dionysios Chapel! St. Dionysios of Zakynthos is a particularly important saint to our ministry. He is known as the Saint of Forgiveness for forgiving the man who had murdered his brother! His life is an incredible example to us all. We also have two relics of his here on campus- his slippers- gifted by the Geronta of the monastery! He is known as a “walking saint” and continues to help people to this day. St. Dionysios is also the patron saint of Ionian Village, another ministry we have partnered with for years and is very near and dear to our hearts. Because of the unique shape of the chapel, when we have services there, the children will often stand in the lofts above, looking down into the chapel as they pray. May St. Dionysios intercede for us all!
Looking Ahead!
Please share with loved ones, family and friends. Come support us at our annual Walk-a-Thon!
Follow us on social media!
Support Our Work
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, Saint Basil Academy depends upon the financial support of its beloved friends and donors. Our supporters contribute in many different ways, from monetary and material donations to naming Saint Basil as a beneficiary in life insurance and estate planning. Saint Basil Academy also has several earmarked funds in place for therapeutic art classes and outdoor excursions. Sponsoring a resident, becoming a host family, and/or referring a child to Saint Basil Academy are other vital ways of providing support as well. When you give to Saint Basil Academy, you are helping a child in need in a powerful way.
© Saint Basil Academy