[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    FR. GEORGE G. PASSIAS HONORED FOR TWO DECADES OF SERVICE TO ST. 
                         NICHOLAS GREEK CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with my constituents and 
members of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church as they gather to honor 
Fr. George G. Passias for two decades of service to our community.
  Originally a native of Chicago, Fr. George received his early 
education in Morton Grove, IL. At the University of Illinois, he 
received his B.S. in structural science and mechanical engineering, and 
an M.S. in theoretical and applied mechanics. Against this background 
of intensive education, he married Mary Ellen Orlando and maintained an 
active participation in the parish of St. John the Baptist in Des 
Plaines where he served as a teacher in the church school, was the GOYA 
advisor, a parish council member and executive board member.
  In 1976, answering to a higher calling, Fr. George left his doctoral 
studies and with his wife moved to Boston to enter the Holy Cross 
School of Theology to undertake a master of divinity degree. He 
graduated in 1979 and received the Massachusetts Bible Society Award. 
At this point in their lives and with two children, Fr. George moved 
his family to Bayside, NY, and became assistant pastor of St. Nicholas.
  The next 20 years were not only years of dynamic growth for the 
parish, but also for Fr. George. He devoted his efforts to help in 
making St. Nicholas a parish known for caring, learning and serving 
people in fulfilling themselves. Under his efforts, the church's 
educational programs were expanded and the William Spyropoulos Greek 
American Day School was formed. In addition, he spearheaded the 
formation of the young adult league, adult Bible classes and retreats 
for members of all ages.
  In 1982, he was appointed pastor of St. Nicholas and undertook a 
program that rapidly expanded the physical building of St. Nicholas, 
increased its membership and brought to the parish a most warm and 
compassionate sense of dedication and involvement. It is now the 
largest parish in the archdiocese.
  After two decades of service, Fr. George has been appointed 
chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Church of America. In all his years as 
a priest, Fr. George has been endowed with a spiritual warmth that not 
only made him a builder of a church, but a builder who combines all the 
good and positive feelings in a person that leads to success and 
fulfillment. As he now assumes the chancellorship of the Greek Orthodox 
Church of America, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring this man who will now spread his warmth and 
compassion throughout our great country.

                          ____________________