[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HAPPY 60TH ANNIVERSARY ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 23, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, any student of history knows that one of the 
strongest nations to offer leadership to the world in the development 
of civilization, culture, philosophy, and science is the nation of 
Greece. And it is equally no secret to any student to religion that one 
of the strongest faiths known to us is that offered by the Greek 
Orthodox Church. This Saturday, the Greek Orthodox Church, St. 
Demetrios, in Saginaw, MI, is celebrating its 60th anniversary of 
providing a place of worship, solitude, and support for its many 
members.
  Just as the structures of ancient Greece provide us today with a 
moving reminder of the strength of that great era, St. Demetrios church 
provides a guidepost for its parishioners, including many of Greek 
heritage. For nearly 100 years people of Greek descent have been an 
important part of the Saginaw community. Since the mid 1920's, there 
have been services in the Greek Orthodox faith within the community. 
The growing population in the area resulted in the founding of St. 
Demetrios Greek Orthodox church in 1937, with Rev. George Stathis as 
the first established priest.
  The many activities throughout the history of the church are a 
wonderful lesson in faith and culture. A Greek language school was held 
in Saginaw and Bay City for many years. Young men visited Greece, and 
returned to St. Demetrios with their brides. A Greek war relief fund 
was established, with the grade school children dressing in native 
Greek costumes to help solicit contributions to help families in Greece 
who were ravaged by World War II.
  A wonderfully detailed history of the church reports of the many 
proud moments of its history, its growth, its concerns, and its 
challenges. The church was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1950. A new 
church was built in 1969. A classroom wing for Sunday school and Greek 
school was dedicated in 1982. The Hellenic center was built in 1991. 
And through each of these efforts, the most important component of St. 
Demetrios--its dedicated and supportive members--was the key to its 
continued success and endurance. The women of the church have seen 
their role elevated from individuals of support and devotion to that of 
leadership with three women becoming members of the parish council in 
1995--Soula Economou, president; Mary Kookootsedes, secretary, and 
Elaine Rapanos, treasurer.
  Mr. Speaker, as this place of holiness celebrates its 60th 
anniversary, I invite you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
wishing Rev. Mark Emroll, the pastor, and all members of St. Demetrios, 
a very happy anniversary, with best wishes for many more to come.

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