[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ARCHBISHOP SUMBAT LAPAJIAN FOR A LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 1998

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, our nation is as diverse in character as it 
is in geography. Our communities are held together by faith, spirit, 
and a commitment to a bright future for our children. Recently many of 
my constituents celebrated an important anniversary by saluting a 
prominent religious leader who has exemplified those values. Today, I 
echo those same sentiments by honoring the life's work of Archbishop 
Sumbat Lapajian.
  A native of Beirut, Sumbat was ordained to the priesthood in 1958 and 
began a distinguished career of public service. His work was recognized 
by his peers, and he was soon appointed to serve as rector at the 
Armenian Apostolic Holy Cross Church of Los Angeles, a position he held 
until June of 1973 when he was consecrated Bishop by His Holiness 
Khoren I of Cilicia.
  Already well established in his own parish, his work in our community 
continued to expand. Bishop Lapajian was instrumental in establishing 
after school and weekend programs for children and worked throughout 
Southern California to build a strong faith-based educational system. 
He also worked to build from the ground up three of the largest 
Armenian Apostolic churches in the Los Angeles area, of which one, St. 
Mary's Church, is in my hometown of Glendale, California. All continue 
to flourish today.
  In April of 1981, Bishop Lapajian was honored by Catholicos Khoren I 
with the title of Archbishop in the Armenian Apostolic Church--one of 
its highest honors.
  Mr. Speaker, for 40 years, Sumbat Lapajian has dedicated himself to 
educating our youth, comforting the sick, inspiring students, and 
unconditionally working for others. His faith, devotion, and life's 
work are an inspiration to us all. For his lessons of love, compassion, 
and humility, and in honor of his lifetime of public service, I ask my 
colleagues here today to join me in saluting His Eminence Archbishop 
Sumbat Lapajian.

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