[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SAINT NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH AS THEY CELEBRATE 
                         THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the Reverend George Lardas, members of the congregation, and 
the Stratford, CT, community in extending my sincere congratulations to 
the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church as they celebrate its 75th 
anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this community treasure 
and I am proud to help them celebrate this momentous occasion.
  The St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church was founded in 1929 by 
Russian emigres who came to Stratford to work for Igor Sikorsky. The 
legendary Igor Sikorsky, the father of the modern helicopter, was a 
founding member of the church as well as one of its staunchest 
supporters throughout his life. With nearly all the members employees 
of Sikorsky's company, a Russian community quickly grew around the 
church. Soon, what began as a neighborhood church in a Lake Street home 
moved to its present location and today welcomes congregants from 
several surrounding communities as well. The striking golden cupolas of 
the church, a unique characteristic of the building, along with the 
warm and welcoming arms of the congregation have made St. Nicholas a 
lasting landmark in Stratford.
  Our churches play a vital role in our communities--providing people 
with a place to turn to for comfort when they are most in need. By 
strengthening our bonds of faith, St. Nicholas gives its members a 
place to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their 
values. The members of St. Nicholas' have also given much to the town 
of Stratford. Throughout the years, as their membership grew so did 
their commitment to the enrichment of our community.
  It is with great pride and my heart-felt congratulations that I rise 
today to join with the congregation and the Stratford community in 
celebrating the 75th anniversary of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox 
Church--a true community treasure.

                          ____________________