[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY AND SHOGHAGAT 
                            ARMENIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2006

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Holy Virgin Mary and 
Shoghagat Armenian Church located in Swansea, Illinois.
  The Church has historically been an integral part of the Armenian 
community. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its 
official religion in 301 A.D. So it was natural that the Independent 
Club, an organization of Armenian Americans, would seek to start a 
church for their community in 1956.
  The new Church, then named Holy Shoghagat Armenian Church, began in a 
small white structure at 13th and Summit Avenue in East St. Louis, 
Illinois. A neighboring parish house and additional parcel of land were 
later acquired.
  Circumstances required that the original church properties be sold in 
the early 1970's and for several years the congregation had to 
celebrate the liturgy in different local churches. Throughout this 
difficult period, the parish family stayed together and finally, in 
1978, the new Church in Swansea, Illinois was consecrated.
  On the occasion of their 50th Anniversary, in addition to celebrating 
that milestone for their local Church, the members of Holy Virgin Mary 
and Shoghagat Armenian Church are paying tribute to their ancestors who 
were victims of the Armenian Genocide, both those who lost their lives 
and those who survived. A large khatchkar, carved in Armenia, will be 
dedicated to honor those who suffered during that terrible period in 
history.
  For 50 years, Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church has 
served, not only as a place of worship, but as a unifying religious 
center for the local Armenian community. Though their numbers may be 
small, their dedication to their Church and their culture remains 
strong.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 50th 
Anniversary of Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church and to 
wish the best to them for many years to come.

                          ____________________