[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING REVEREND FATHER KEVORK ARAKELIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor Reverend Father 
Kevork Arakelian on the occasion of his 30th Anniversary of Ordination 
and Consecration into the Sacred Priesthood of the Armenian Apostolic 
Orthodox Church. Father Kevork will be recognized at an event held in 
his honor on September 28th in Fresno, California.
  Born in 1943, Father Kevork and his family moved from New York City 
to Pasadena, California, after World War II. He attended Pasadena City 
Schools and became very active in sports. Father Kevork played 
baseball, football, and handball both for school and outside local 
teams. After graduating from Pasadena High School, he attended San 
Antonio College and received his A.A. degree. He then earned his B.S. 
degree in Business Administration at California State Polytechnic 
University, and attended Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary 
in 1971.
  Father Kevork's religious activities have been as far-reaching as 
they have been significant. He was ordained to the Diaconate in 1967 
and to the Priesthood in 1973. Father Kevork served as Church School 
Associate Director in Pasadena for two years; Counselor and teacher at 
St. Nersess Summer Study Program; Chaplain at Susquehanna Valley home; 
and held many other positions of great value to churches and schools. 
He is currently the Parish Priest of St. Gregory the Illuminator 
Armenian Church in Fowler, California, where he serves on several 
different levels.
  Father Kevork has served at St. Gregory's since 1980. St. Gregory the 
Illuminator is the fourth largest Armenian Church in the United States. 
He has been the Committee member for the 1700th Anniversary of the 
acceptance of Christianity in Armenia; Secretary to the first Alumni 
Association of St. Nersess Seminary; Chairman of the first Camp Board 
of Directors; and has taught various classes at retreats, camp 
programs, and workshops. St. Gregory's has grown considerably in people 
and extracurricular activities since Father Kevork has presided there.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Father Kevork Arakelian 
for his years of service and to thank him for his dedication to the 
congregation of St. Gregory and to the Armenian community of the 
Central Valley. I invite my colleagues to join me in extending him best 
wishes for his future.

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