[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S1971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    WELCOMING FATHER PETER CHRISAFIDEIS TO THE UNITED STATES SENATE

  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I would like to welcome Father Peter 
Chrisafideis to the United States Senate this morning, and to thank Dr. 
Ogilvie for graciously extending his hospitality to him.
  Allowing guest chaplains to open the United States Senate with prayer 
helps to highlight the important role that clergy of different faiths 
play throughout the United States--from the largest cities to the 
smallest towns. It is a statement that we are a nation of men and women 
for whom spiritual guidance and fulfillment is a vital part of daily 
life. Our country's spiritual leaders play an indispensable role in 
helping us to forge a sense of community, and I would like to take this 
opportunity to thank each and every one of them for their service.
  For me personally, growing up, the Greek Orthodox religion was a 
constant and important presence in my life. My father was a Greek 
immigrant; my mother, the daughter of immigrants. So, ever since my 
early childhood, Greek Orthodox religious traditions have been at the 
center of my upbringing, and have helped shape my beliefs and my life.
  Father Peter, as he is referred to by his congregation, has been a 
part of that tradition for me, serving formerly at Holy Trinity Church 
in Lewiston, Maine, where I am a member of the congregation. In fact, 
while it's hard for me to believe it could have been that long ago, 
Father Peter officiated at my own wedding almost exactly ten years ago. 
And he must have done a great job, because we are still going strong 
and looking forward to the next ten years!
  Today, Father Peter leads the congregation of the St. George Greek 
Orthodox Church, where he serves the spiritual needs of Greek-Americans 
in the greater Bangor community. In addition, he has served a number of 
parishes outside the State of Maine throughout the years, helping 
members of the Church to nourish their beliefs and come to know their 
faith.
  I again want to thank Father Peter for his service to the Church, as 
well as his personal friendship and support. And I want to extend my 
appreciation once more not only to Dr. Ogilvie, but to all of the 
nation's spiritual leaders for the tremendous inspiration and wise 
guidance they provide in helping people to live happier, better, and 
more fulfilling lives.

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