[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF CHORBISHOP BERNARD C. KHACHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Chorbishop Bernard C. Khachan, upon the occasion of his retirement that 
follows 45 years of service, faith, ministry and leadership within the 
Maronite Catholic Church.
  Chorbishop Khachan was ordained a Maronite Catholic Priest in Lebanon 
in 1960. In 1965, he journeyed to South America to serve for one year. 
After his ministry there was complete, he returned to Lebanon. During 
that time, leadership in Rome had established the first Maronite 
Diocese in the United States. Chorbishop Khachan was soon asked to 
serve as Pastor of a Maronite parish in a region of Pennsylvania where 
his relatives lived. With grace, dignity and an open heart, Chorbishop 
Khachan accepted the challenge of his new country. While always holding 
Lebanon alive in his life and close to his heart, Chorbishop Khachan 
also proudly embraced his new home in America. In 1972, Chorbishop 
Khachan became a citizen of the United States. In 1987, he was 
appointed Pastor of St. Maron Church of Cleveland, Ohio, where he 
served with kindness, guidance, support and compassion for the past 
eighteen years.
  Chorbishop Khachan's vision, concern for others and focus on 
uplifting our community has had a significant effect on countless 
members of the parish and on residents who live in the surrounding 
neighborhoods. His focus on restoring Maronite traditions and culture 
have succeeded, along with his successful restoration of the church 
building, social hall, parking lot and surrounding grounds. Chorbishop 
Khachan's insight and focus have served to increase the number of 
parishioners from 500 families to 1,300 families--a remarkable 
achievement.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Chorbishop Bernard C. Khachan, upon his retirement that highlights 
45 years in faithful service to others. Though he will be greatly 
missed, his gifts of faith, leadership, guidance and compassion will 
forever illuminate hope and faith within St. Maron parish community of 
Cleveland. We wish him an abundance of health, happiness and peace as 
his journey guides him back to Lebanon.

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