[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        ST. ELIJAH SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I congratulate St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral as they join 
together in the celebration of their 40th anniversary. They will be 
celebrating this very momentous and special occasion on Saturday, 
November 20, 2004.
  The Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Elijah the Prophet is comprised 
of faithful descendants who came from many parts of the world such as 
Hercegovina, Bosnia, Lika, Banat, Dalmatia, and Serbia. Some also came 
from sections of America and Canada. The thriving steel mills offered 
ready employment. For many descendants, their relatives, friends, and 
acquaintances were already located in Northwest Indiana. Each soul 
believed that Eastern Orthodoxy and the Serbian Orthodox Church, as 
well as the continuance of their Patronal Feast ``Krsna Slava,'' was a 
priceless inheritance and worthy of great sacrifice. They gathered 
together under the banner and intercessions of St. Elijah the Prophet, 
with faith in God Almighty in Trinity to found a church-school 
congregation in Merrillville, Indiana.
  St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral is led in its faith by the Very 
Reverend Archpriest Lazar Kostur. In 1986, Protopresbyter Stavrofor 
George Lazich, retired, and the St. Elijah Cathedral Church 
Congregation elected Father Lazar to the status of permanent parish 
priest. On November 5, 1989 he was elevated to the dignity of an 
Archpriest by Bishop Mitrophan. Father Lazar, along with his wife, 
Protinica Mira and their beautiful children has served the Serbian 
Orthodox Church faithfully. The proud parishioners are thankful for the 
spiritual and emotional leadership he has provided during the years 
since his ordination.
  His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher, His Grace Bishop Longin, His 
Grace Bishop Mitrophan, and His Grace Bishop Peter have all been 
invited along with clergy of the Gracanica Diocese and Midwestern 
Metropolitanate. St. Elijah Cathedral Choir will sing the responses in 
the church. Hieromonk Irinej Dobrijevic of Belgrade, Serbia, and 
consultant to the Holy Assembly of Bishops will be the featured 
speaker. The celebration will include performances by the St. Elijah 
``Frula'' Folklore Group, St. Elijah Cathedral Choir and the Czar Lazar 
Men's Choir of Pittsburgh. A dance with live music from Mladost and 
Drina will begin after Vespers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox 
Cathedral on their 40th anniversary. The members of St. Elijah have 
dedicated themselves to providing a spiritual and guiding light through 
the protection of the Serbian Orthodox faith and traditions for all of 
Northwest Indiana. Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy 
of the highest commendation.

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