[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 20, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO SAINT GEORGE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm and sincerity 
that I take this time to congratulate Saint George Romanian Orthodox 
Church as they join together in celebration of their 100th anniversary. 
The church, formerly of Indiana Harbor and now located in Lansing, 
Illinois, will be celebrating this exceptional milestone with 
festivities beginning on September 23, 2006, and continuing through the 
followmg day.
  The cornerstone for Saint George's, laid in Indiana Harbor on 
November 4, 1906, represented the culmination of the efforts of the 
first Church Council, led by Father Moise Balea, President. These 
Council members, realizing the need for a church due to the growing 
Romanian population in Northwest Indiana, began fundraising efforts 
that eventually led to the completion of the first Saint George 
Rumanian Orthodox Church, dedicated on November 23, 1908, by the 
parish's first priest, the Reverend Father loan Tatu.
  The Very Reverend Father Simion Mihaltian took the reins of Saint 
George's on June 20, 1908, and he remained the church's leader for an 
astonishing 55 years. Under Father Mihaltian's spirited guidance, Saint 
George's continued to grow. While fires posed challenges, the church 
continued to expand, relocating within the Indiana Harbor and adding a 
dining hall and, eventually, a school. Though he passed away on New 
Year's Eve in 1963, Father Mihaltian's impact on his parish continues 
to touch the lives of the members today. Father Mihaltian resonates 
today as a shining example of selfless service and unwavering 
commitment to the community.
  From their modest beginnings, Saint George's has emerged as a pillar 
of the Romanian community. In 1976, Saint George's relocated to 
Lansing, Illinois, where it remains today. The move came under the 
leadership of the Very Reverend Father John Bugariu, who realized the 
need for more opportunities for its members and planned the 
construction of a recreation center. After serving the parish for 16 
years, Father Bugariu, who had been named to the esteemed position of 
Archdiocesan Vicar, retired in 1979.
  In 1979, Saint George's current leader, the Very Reverend Father loan 
Ionita, was named parish priest. A highly educated and esteemed member 
of the religious community, Father lonita has faithfully served the 
parish for the past 27 years. A testament to his dedication and to the 
community's admiration of him, Father Ionita was appointed Vicar of the 
Archdiocese by Archbishop Nicolae Condrea in 2003.
  The celebration of Saint George's 100th anniversary will begin on 
Saturday, September 23, 2006, with a hospitality night and will 
continue on Sunday, September 24, with a very special liturgy, presided 
over by Archbishop Nicolae Condrea. The liturgy will be followed by a 
gathering at the Wicker Park Social Hall in Highland, Indiana and will 
conclude with Saint George's Anniversary Banquet at the same location.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Saint George Romanian Orthodox 
Church on their 100th anniversary. Throughout the years, the clergy and 
members of Saint George's have dedicated themselves to providing 
spirituality and guidance through the protection of the Romanian 
Orthodox faith and traditions.
  Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of our admiration.

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