[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 22 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO FATHER AUGUSTINE SZEKULA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2004

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly honor Father 
Augustine Szekula. Father Szekula is being honored on the joyous 
occasion of 60 productive years of distinguished service and leadership 
in Armenian, religious, cultural and literary endeavors.
  Father Szekula is a man for all seasons--devoted parish priest, 
distinguished educator, prolific author and editor. He is highly 
respected by the Armenian communities throughout the world, especially 
in the United States, Lebanon and Austria, where his dedicated service 
and visionary leadership has impacted a score of students and priests.
  Father Augustine Szekula was born on September 19, 1921 in a city 
called Gyergyoszentmiklos, Transylvania, which currently is Gheogheni 
in Romanian. His ancestors emigrated in 1913 from the city of Ani, part 
of the historic Armenia. In 1931, Father Szekula attended the 
Mekhitarist Seminary of Vienna and was granted membership into the 
congregation in 1938. In 1946, he received his masters degree from the 
State University of Vienna. From 1946 through 1993, among his other 
duties, he served as director of the Mekhitarist ``Madenataran,'' the 
museum, and the Chancery and editor of ``Hantes'' Armenological Review. 
Father Szekula went on to become Vice-Superintendent of the Mekhitarist 
Seminary in Vienna, Austria, principal of the Mekhitarist school in 
Hasmie, Lebanon and parish priest of the Armenian church in Budapest, 
Hungary.
  Today, he is the Principal of the Mekhitarist Fathers' School and 
continues to serve the Armenian community with his leadership and 
wisdom. Please join me in extending congratulations to Father Szekula 
on his 60 years of exemplary community service.

                          ____________________