[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 144 (Thursday, November 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO ST. STEPHEN'S ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF HARTFORD-NEW 
            BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT AND ARAM ``OTTO'' BAYRAMIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2005

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
congregation, St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New 
Britain, Connecticut, which is celebrating its eightieth anniversary on 
November 6, 2005. The Church is also honoring in memoriam Aram ``Otto'' 
Bayramian, a beloved parishioner and extraordinary leader.
  St. Stephen's is the oldest Armenian church in Connecticut and one of 
the oldest in our Nation. Armenians began immigrating to the United 
States in large numbers in the late 19th century when troubles in their 
historic land, now part of Eastern Turkey, began mounting. They brought 
their Christian faith with them and began conducting religious services 
in rented churches. Fundraising for St. Stephen's began in 1912, but it 
was interrupted several times by world events. The groundbreaking took 
place in 1925, the culmination of many years of arduous work.
  St. Stephen's is honoring extraordinary parishioners during its 80th 
birthday celebration and the event's special honoree is Aram ``Otto'' 
Bayramian, who died in 1996. He served St. Stephen's with distinction 
for more than 20 years.
  Otto's father, Umrah Bayramian was one of the founders of St. 
Stephen's. Otto, a lifelong resident of New Britain, was one of the 
most respected business and community leaders in the region. He was a 
decorated veteran of World War II, flying eight subpatrol and 40 
missions successfully, retiring as a Captain in the Air Force.
  Upon returning home, Otto joined his father in the family business, 
founding the Epicure Market in Farmington, Connecticut. It became known 
as the ``gold standard'' in the food business throughout Connecticut.
  Otto graced the stage of the theatre, including the New Britain 
Repertory, the Mark Twain Masquers, the Producing Guild, and the 
Waterbury Civic Theatre.
  He was an organizer and Charter member of the Joel Eshoo Post 1 
Assyrian American War Veterans which was established in 1946.
  His great love was St. Stephen's Church and he did everything 
possible to strengthen its future.
  It is highly appropriate that as St. Stephen's celebrates its 
founding 80 years ago, that the life of Otto Bayramian and his 
countless contributions to the betterment of St. Stephen's is 
celebrated as well.
  It is also fitting that the Church's three archdeacons, Aram-Sumpad 
Khachoyan, Sebouh Asadourian and Edward Varjabedian are being honored 
for their 25 years of dedicated service on the altar. The Annual Youth 
Award recipient is choir member Maral Firkatian, and parishioners 
Dirouhi Avakian, Mary Boornazian and Susan Shabazian will each be 
presented with certificates of appreciation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Stephen's 
Armenian Apostolic Church of Hartford-New Britain on the occasion of 
its 80th anniversary, honoring the life and contributions of the 
beloved Otto Bayramian, and in extending thanks to those being honored 
at the anniversary celebration.
  Our Nation has been enriched by the lives and the faith of 
generations past, as well as parishioners of St. Stephen's today. We 
are unmistakably a better community and a more decent Nation because of 
the Church, because of Otto Bayramian and because of the contributions 
the Parish continues to make.

                          ____________________