[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 17, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN CREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WESTLAND, MI

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, this Sunday, May 22, 1994, the Saints 
Constantine and Helen Creek Orthodox Church of Westland, MI, will 
celebrate the groundbreaking for the construction of their new church 
complex. When completed, the church will encompass 12,000 square feet 
and seat 680 people, making it the largest Greek Orthodox church in the 
State of Michigan.
  The construction of this church is the last step in the fulfillment 
of the longstanding dream of the community of Sts. Constantine and 
Helen. Founded in 1930 by a few dedicated immigrants, the church had 
its beginnings in a storefront on the corner of Grand River and 14th 
Street in Detroit. As the community grew and prospered, a new facility 
was built on Oakman Boulevard at West Chicago. Again, the community 
continued to grow and so a new home was needed.
  Seven years ago the community purchased land to relocate their 
church. The construction was divided into two phases to allow time to 
raise funds. Phase I of the project, the building of the Hellenic 
Cultural Center, was completed in 1986. Parishioners currently attend 
Sunday services in the cultural center where a large photograph of the 
beautiful white marble altar from Oakman Boulevard stands as a reminder 
of the boxed pieces, currently in storage, that will be reconstructed 
in the new church.
  Phase II, the construction of the church itself, will at long last 
provide a permanent home for the community and its beautiful 
ikonostasio (altar cover), pulpit, and altar table. Today the community 
has 450 families who worship and participate in religious, social, and 
cultural activities. With the addition of the church to the already 
existing Hellenic Cultural Center, they will have the opportunity to 
expand its activities and grow with its parish. I congratulate the many 
dedicated people of Saints Constantine and Helen for their dedication 
and hard work, and join them in their joy and celebration. I wish the 
parishioners many years of happiness in their new home.

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