[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 106 (Thursday, July 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 45TH ANTIOCHIAN ARCHDIOCESE CONVENTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2001

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and send my personal 
greetings to all those gathered for the forty-fifth Archdiocese 
Convention of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North 
America. In welcoming the diverse spiritual leaders of the Church that 
are gathering together, I want to especially welcome His Excellency, 
Issam Fares, Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon.
  I would like to commend the Antiochian Archdiocese for using this 
convention to search for ways to help young people and families 
struggling with the challenges of our society. This biennial convention 
is an opportunity to share the history, cultural heritage and religious 
dedication of the members throughout North America. The work of 
Antiochian Orthodox Church through such programs as the International 
Orthodox Christian Charities, the bone marrow testing drive, health 
fairs and the Jerusalem Project, are the finest examples of the 
religious freedom that only we share in the United States.
  I wish to congratulate the members of the Antiochian Orthodox 
community on their efforts and wish them many years of success in their 
work throughout the United States.

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