[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 148 (Thursday, September 21, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE EPIPHANY BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

                                 ______


                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 1995

  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Epiphany Byzantine 
Catholic Church of Annandale, VA, which is celebrating its 25th 
anniversary on Sunday, September 24, 1995.
  The parish was founded in 1970 by a few Slavic people with a vision 
and love for their Byzantine Rite. Many of the founders were first 
generation Americans who wanted a place to worship in the traditions of 
their Slavic ancestors. Since that time the parish has grown and become 
an integral part of the community and serves over 300 families of 
diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds who live in the Washington 
metropolitan area.
  In 1973, the construction of Epiphany Byzantine Catholic Church was 
completed and on April 29 was dedicated. Father John Danilak who served 
as pastor at that time wrote the following to parishioners: ``The 
erection of this beautiful edifice shall ever by a living testimonial 
of the generations of the unborn, and it will be a memorial to of your 
ardent faith and an inspiration for your children to manifest the God-
given faith and the glorious heritage that you will entrust to them. 
May the doors of the Epiphany Church be always open to all who seek the 
soothing balm of Christ's healing graces and that there be charity and 
love for the helpless, and that Epiphany serve as a reservoir of moral 
strength for the weak, a sanctuary for the oppressed and comfort and 
consolation for the aged and forgotten.''
  Since those words were written in 1973, Epiphany Byzantine Catholic 
Church has strived to fulfill this commitment. The parish has grown and 
people of different cultures and backgrounds attend and participate in 
the religious services. Yet, the goals set in 1973 remain unchanged. 
Epiphany Byzantine Catholic Church continues to nurture its family in 
the gospel of Jesus Christ, through the unique genius of the Byzantine 
Rite.
  In 1987, the multipurpose parish center was dedicated and serves as a 
place for parishioners and the community to meet for educational and 
social events. The parish not only continues traditions of the Slavic 
people but also the ethnic and cultural traditions of their parents and 
grandparents. Epiphany Parish is truly committed to the Byzantine 
Catholic Rite and welcomes all who desire to worship with them.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in honoring the Epiphany 
Byzantine Catholic Church on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.

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