[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 65 (Friday, May 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

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                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 1996

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the congregation of 
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy on the dedication of their 
new church Sunday, May 19, 1996. Founded in 1936 by a small group of 
Greek immigrants in Detroit, this congregation now numbers 700 families 
drawn from around the metropolitan Detroit area and is one of the 
leading Greek Orthodox parishes in the United States.
  The history of this church mirrors the history of many of the ethnic 
congregations of southeast Michigan. The original parish was known as 
the Greek Orthodox Church of the north side. They pooled their 
resources and talents and met in a converted bank building to worship 
in the faith of their fathers and celebrate the culture of their 
homeland. As they prospered and grew their facilities became 
inadequate. In 1953 Archbishop Michael, head of the Greek Orthodox 
Church in North and South America, consecrated a new facility in Palmer 
Park during a 3-day observance. An outstanding example of Byzantine 
architecture, the church was designed in the shape of a cross, and its 
size and majesty both awed and inspired parishioners and visitors.
  As the size and vision of the congregation grew there was a need to 
relocate again, and in 1987 land was purchased in Troy and another 
ambitious building project was begun. Architect Constantine George 
Pappas was commissioned to design a modern church which expressed the 
ancient tradition. Sculptor Michael Kapetan received the commission to 
design and execute the icon screen; he, too, was challenged to create 
this essential religious artifact combining new ideas with the form and 
style of the past. This rotunda facility, already the winner of five 
State and local honor awards for distinguished architecture, 
engineering, and masonry, will be consecrated on May 19 by His Grace, 
Bishop Maximos, bishop of the diocese of Detroit.
  The congregation, led by Father Nicholas Harbatis, now includes third 
and fourth generation descendants of the founding members. In addition 
to religious studies, Greek language studies for children and adults, 
folk dancing, and classes in other Greek cultural traditions are 
offered by the parish. The Greek festival, held annually in the summer, 
is a celebration enjoyed by parishioners and the public. This summer 
the cultural exhibit will honor the centennial of the modern Olympics, 
founded on the ancient Greek contest. The new church and cultural 
center represent completion of phase I and II of a plan which includes 
a future gymnasium for youth and retirement complex for senior adults.
  Guided by philosophies and principles which are unchanged over 2,000 
years, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a true representation of 
the continuing faith of orthodoxy in America and a spiritual 
fulfillment for the community. The design of the church building, 
itself, is an icon for the community, just as the symbolic interior 
decoration is an icon for the faithful. And this complex represents an 
ethnic tie and a bond with Greek immigrants and their homeland.
  The consecration of this new house of worship is indeed a tribute to 
the faith and vitality of the members of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox 
parish and the Greek American community. I share their joy on this 
auspicious occasion and wish them well in future years.

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