[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATIONS TO FATHER EVAGORAS CONSTANTINIDES

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity and admiration 
that I wish to congratulate Father Evagoras Constantinides on the 50th 
Anniversary of his ordination into the Holy Priesthood. Father 
Constantinides will be recognized at a banquet in his honor at the 
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Sunday, 
February 26, 2006, which will also be a celebration of the 60th Wedding 
Anniversary of Father Evagoras and his wife, Presvytera Mary.
  Father Constantinides was born in Lapithos, Cyprus in 1918 and was 
educated in his village through his second year of high school, where 
he graduated with the Gold Medal Award for academic excellence. He 
entered Athens College in 1932, where he was accepted on a yearly 
scholarship with the school's science section. Father Constantinides 
had no trouble maintaining his scholarship for six years, and he 
graduated with honors while receiving the Delta Public Speaking Prize 
and the English Language Prize. This dedication and commitment to his 
studies exemplifies the hard work on which Father Constantinides prides 
himself.
  After finishing college in Greece, Father Constantinides traveled to 
the United States to continue his studies and broaden his experiences. 
In 1938, he enrolled at Fenn College, which is now Cleveland State 
University, where he studied civil engineering. During his four years 
at the University, he served as a Greek teacher and as the Hellenic 
Board of Education Secretary for the Greek Orthodox Community of the 
Annunciation of Cleveland, Ohio. Although he enjoyed his time in 
Cleveland, his final year was interrupted by World War II. As a British 
subject, Father Constantinides entered the Canadian Army as a private 
in the fall of 1942. After completing his basic training, he was 
enrolled in the officer training program, from which he graduated as a 
2nd Lieutenant in the Engineer Corps with proficiency in explosives, 
mines, and demolitions. His outstanding ability as a military officer, 
coupled with his excellent intellect, allowed Father Constantinides the 
opportunity to work for the United States Central Intelligence Group 
translating Japanese documents and the Greek Constitution into English.
  After being discharged in 1947, Father Constantinides returned to the 
United States and began extensively studying theology. On March 11, 
1956, Father Constantinides was ordained into the priesthood, and on 
September 1, 1969, he was appointed pastor of the Saints Constantine 
and Helen parish in Gary, Indiana. Since arriving in Northwest Indiana, 
the graciousness and generosity of Father Constantinides has touched 
many lives. In 1971, Father Constantinides was instrumental in the 
construction of the Hellenic Cultural Center in Merrillville, Indiana, 
as well as in the design and construction of the Saints Constantine and 
Helen Cathedral, one of the ten largest Orthodox churches in the 
Americas, in 1975. During his years of service, Father Constantinides 
has also become deeply involved in the work of Hospice of the Calumet 
Area.
  In addition to the many contributions within his own parish, Father 
Constantinides has committed himself to improving the community, the 
nation, and the world. To name just a few of the appointments and 
accolades bestowed upon Father Constantinides throughout his years of 
service, he was honored with the office of Protopresbyter in 1972, and 
he served as the Treasurer and member of the National Presbyters 
Council from 1970-1974, and again from 1980-1982. He received the Greek 
Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America Service Award and Gold 
Cross in 1976 for his struggles and lobbying activities for the 
liberation of invaded Cyprus. Father Constantinides has shared his 
immense wisdom and faith in various countries, including Russia, Kenya, 
Uganda, and India. Remarkably, Father Constantinides has even found 
time to author four Sunday school books for children and has translated 
six Orthodox Service books from Greek to English.
  Since his retirement in June 1995, Father Constantinides has devoted 
his time to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center through writing, 
lecturing, and substituting at churches in the Chicago Diocese, but he 
has also been able to devote much of his time to his loving wife, Mary, 
and their four children. Presvytera Mary has stood by her husband's 
side for the past 60 years. I am sure Father Constantinides would agree 
that the unwavering support of his loving wife has been a major factor 
in the many achievements he has reached in his lifetime. Father 
Evagoras and Presvytera Mary are a shining example of true dedication 
to their vows and each other.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in thanking Father Evagoras Constantinides for his 
contributions to the members of his parish, the citizens of Northwest 
Indiana, and his fifty years of service to people throughout the world. 
I also ask that you join me in congratulating Father Evagoras and 
Presvytera Mary Constantinides on their 60th wedding anniversary. Their 
love for each other and for all mankind is truly an inspiration to us 
all, and I am proud to be their representative in Congress.

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