[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 95 (Tuesday, July 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATIONS TO RT. REV. MOUSHEGH MARDIROSSIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 1997

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rt. Rev. 
Moushegh Mardirossian for his elevation to the rank of bishop in the 
Armenian Apostolic Church. Right Reverend Mardirossian's inspiration 
and leadership is held with the greatest respect.
  On June 22, 1997, Right Reverend Mardirossian was elevated to the 
rank of bishop after a Pontifical High Mass in Antelias, Lebanon, at 
the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. This Episcopal ordination by 
the Catholicos came as a result of an official request presented by the 
Prelacy's National Representative Assembly, and the joint session of 
the Religious and Central Executive Councils of the Western Prelacy of 
the Armenian Apostolic Church.
  Right Reverend Mardirossian was born in Beirut, Lebanon. He completed 
his elementary education in Noubarian Armenian School in October 1969. 
He immediately entered the Armenian Seminary of the Great House of 
Cilicia, in Antelias. As a graduate of the Antelias Seminary, Right 
Reverend Mardirossian was ordained into celibate priesthood in June 
1976. Since that time, he has served in various capacities in both 
Lebanon and California.
  Right Reverend Mardirossian has functioned as vicar general and on 
November 17, 1995, the Joint Session of the Religious and Executive 
Councils of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of 
America unanimously elected him Locum Tenens of the Prelacy. He has 
been a member of the national representative assembly and member and 
chairperson of the religious council. Prior to his election as a 
prelate in May 1996, Right Reverend Mardirossian was the pastor of the 
Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Orange County, CA.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Rt. Rev. 
Moushegh Mardirossian for his elevation to the rank of bishop. His 
character and wisdom are symbolic of his outstanding service as a 
religious leader and human being. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
wishing Rt. Rev. Moushegh Mardirossian continued happiness and 
inspirational religious leadership.

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