[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 127 (Friday, October 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. GEORGE'S GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ON THEIR 75TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 6, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I congratulate St. George Greek Orthodox Church as they join 
together in celebration of their 75th anniversary. They will be 
celebrating this very momentous and special occasion October 14-17, 
2004.
  From their modest beginnings, St. George's has emerged as a 
cornerstone of the community. St. George was founded by Greek 
immigrants in October, 1929 in East Chicago, Indiana. In 1982, the 
parish moved to Schererville and held church services in a chapel. In 
March 1992, the parish celebrated a ``new beginning'' when a brand new 
building was constructed and the first services were held in the new 
church. A community which first started with 25 members has grown to 
over 500 members. The church stewards reside all across Lake County and 
the country.
  The spiritual Father Reverend Constantine Aliferakis has been St. 
Georges's leader for the past 16 years. Under Father Aliferakis's 
guidance, St. George continues to thrive, both in terms of spiritual 
growth as well as practical improvements. An integral part of the 
community is the St. George Ladies Philoptochos Society, which 
spearheads charitable works in and around the community.
  The celebration weekend begins on Thursday, October 14, 2004 with 
church services and the veneration of an actual relic of the body of 
St. George. On Friday, October 15, 2004 the church will hold a reunion 
basketball game and homecoming dance at Grimmer Middle School. 
Saturday, October 16 there will be an Anniversary golf outing at 
Scherwood Golf Center followed by the Anniversary Gala at the Grand 
Hall of St. George Greek Orthodox church. The celebration banquet will 
conclude the festivities on Sunday, October 17, when the church 
welcomes His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, leader of the Greek 
Orthodox Church of Chicago, for a Hierarchical Service followed by an 
Anniversary luncheon.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating St. George Greek Orthodox Church 
on their 75th anniversary. Throughout many hardships and trials, the 
members of St. George have dedicated themselves to providing a 
spiritual and guiding light through the protection of the Greek 
Orthodox faith and traditions for all of Northwest Indiana. Their 
constant dedication and commitment is worthy of the highest 
commendation.

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