[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 18 (Monday, March 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                IN HONOR OF ARCHIMANDRITE FATHER PAVLOS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 1998

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Archimandrite Father Pavlos on the occasion of his ordination and 
enthronement as Metropolitan Pavlos.
  On Sunday, March 1, at the ordination ceremony, the Holy Synod of the 
Genuine Orthodox Christians of Greece announced the creation of a new 
Metropolis of America, which will absorb the former Diocese of Astoria. 
The newly enthroned Metropolitan Pavlos will rule the Metropolis.
  Metropolitan Pavlos is a life-long resident of Astoria, which I 
represent. He was born Petros Strategeas in 1955 to Panagiotes and the 
late Maria Strategeas. He completed his elementary and secondary 
education in the United States and Greece and graduated from the 
American Community School in 1977. He graduated from the College of 
Theology of the National and Kapodistriac University of Athens with a 
degree in theology in 1978.
  In 1979, he was ordained Deacon by the late Metropolitan Petros of 
Astoria and renamed Pavlos. Six years later, in 1985, Pavlos was 
ordained Presbyter by the same Metropolitan and received the title of 
Archimandrite.
  Over the years, Archimandrite Father Pavlos provided himself to be 
dedicated to the Astoria community. At his church, Saint Markella 
Cathedral, Father Pavlos' dedication to Astoria's children is strongly 
evident. He began a day care program for young children at the church 
which he hopes to increase; his after-school homework assistance 
program has helped many students.
  His magnanimous nature extends far beyond Astoria's young people. 
Father Pavlos provides comfort for the sick, refuge for those in need 
and assistance to people who are new to and unfamiliar with Astoria and 
the United States. Since 1987, he has maintained direct contract with 
the Greek community through a television program on National Greek 
Television.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to 
the newly enthroned Metropolitan Pavlos of the Genuine Orthodox 
Christians of America. His tireless efforts for Astoria residents and 
the Greek community is outstanding. I am proud to have Metropolitan 
Pavlos as a constituent.

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