[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 131 (Tuesday, September 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO REVEREND FATHER DEMETRIOS KAVADAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2003

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Reverend Father 
Demetrios Kavadas of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, who will receive 
the 2003 ``Alexander Macomb Citizens of the Year'' award at the 20th 
annual March of Dimes dinner on Wednesday, September 24, 2003.
  Father Kavadas will be the recipient of the 2003 Man of the Year 
Award. Father Kavadas takes great pride in accepting this award as the 
first clergyman and the first citizen of Hellenic background to be 
honored as Man of the Year.
  He married Rodothea Palaiologou and they had four children: 
Iphigenia, Stephen, John, and Basil. Four years after being ordained he 
was appointed the ``Protopresbyter'' of the Assumption congregation 
which is now located in St. Clair Shores. He served in this capacity 
for 42 years before his retirement.
  Through Father Kavadas's infectious passion, sense of humor, and 
charismatic sermons, Assumption has grown to become one of the largest 
churches in the Metro-Detroit area. His commitment to building a 
vibrant church not only served parishioners, but the surrounding 
community as well. Our family has had the privilege and pleasure of his 
friendship for many years.
  While at Assumption, he created a cultural center that residents of 
all ages and religious backgrounds have come to depend on for exercise 
classes, cooking lessons, driver's training courses, basketball games, 
seminars, senior expos, etc. He also oversaw an award winning PreSchool 
which was open to all in the community.
  In his years serving the metro Detroit community, Father Kavadas has 
received many awards and served in various ways. His achievements 
include being an active member of groups that have touched the 
community, especially groups that have fought illnesses, from 
thalassemia (a disease particular to the Greek community) to MIRA 
(Mental Illness Research Association, founding member). He coordinated 
COPS FOR KIDS for more than 25 years, helping needy children of St. 
Clair Shores.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend 
Father Demetrios Kavadas for his service to his community as he 
receives the Alexander Macomb Citizens of the Year-Man of the Year 
Award.

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