[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 122 (Friday, September 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      VERY REVEREND NAHAS HONORED

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 1999

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Very 
Reverend Herbert G. Nahas from Northeastern Pennsylvania. This month, 
Rev. Nahas will observe the 50th Anniversary of his ordination at a 
community-wide celebration on September 19. I am pleased to have been 
asked to participate in this tribute.
  Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Rev. Nahas is the son of Rev. George 
Nahas and Elizabeth Kassab. He graduated from Brown University. Before 
entering the priesthood, he served his country in Army Intelligence for 
five years. Because of his fluency in both French and Arabic, young 
Herbert Nahas accompanied General Martin G. Eddy, of the Ninth Infantry 
Division in the invasion of North Africa, and was later assigned to the 
staff of General Eisenhower in Algeria.
  Rev. Nahas' interest in theology began at an early age as he served 
and studied the church under his father. He later studied with Father 
Wakeem Dalack of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn.
  Rev. Nahas came to our area in 1951, spending 47 of his 50 years as a 
priest at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wilkes-Barre. 
Celebrating its 95th anniversary this year, St. Mary's holds the 
distinction of being one of the oldest Antiochian Churches in the 
nation. In 1961, Bishop Anthony made Revered Nahas an Archpriest with 
the title of ``Exarch.'' Shortly thereafter, the Reverend began to 
raise funds for a new church and the new building was completed and 
dedicated by 1968.
  In addition to serving his parishioners, Rev. Nahas has also served 
the Wyoming Valley community. He has served on numerous local boards, 
including those of the United Way and American Heart Association. He 
organized ``Father Nahas' Senior Citizens Organization.'' After Wilkes-
Barre was inundated by tropical Storm Agnes in 1972, Rev. Nahas opened 
his parish hall for use as a shelter for displaced flood victims. He is 
a much sought-after speaker, frequently addressing the local Rotary, 
Kiwanis, and Lions clubs.
  Mr. Speaker, Rev. Herbert Nahas is an icon in Northeastern 
Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Alice, raised three children here and 
now enjoy five grandchildren. His commitment to his parish and the 
community is legendary. He is loved by all those who have been 
fortunate enough to have been touched by his spiritual guidance and 
kindness over the years. I am proud to join with the community in 
sending my very best wishes to the Very Reverend Herbert G. Nahas on 
this momentous occasion.

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