[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF GEORGE PARASKEVAIDES

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to the honor the life and 
accomplishments of George Paraskevaides, a humanitarian of unmatched 
proportions. Mr. Paraskevaides was one of the most renowned Cypriot 
philanthropists of his day. His life story reads like a classic tale of 
rags to riches. Born in Athens, Greece in 1916, George Paraskevaides 
moved with his family back to Cyprus where he excelled in school and 
ultimately graduated from the Polytechnic Institute in Milan, Italy. 
After World War II, Mr. Paraskevaides, together with Stelios Ioannou, 
formed the most preeminent architectural engineering firm in Cyprus, 
Joannou & Paraskevaides.
  George Paraskevaides' keen intellect and unmatched work ethic, 
allowed Joannou & Paraskevaides to become one of the most prolific 
firms in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This lucrative company 
allowed Mr. Paraskevaides to engage in the work he enjoyed most: 
helping others. George quickly became recognized in Cyprus as a 
champion of Cypriot issues and sick children.
  His death on December 5, 2007 at the age of 91 has left a gaping hole 
in the hearts of Cypriots the world over. He was the voice of all that 
is true and good about the island nation. President of the Republic of 
Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, said of the passing of George 
Paraskevaides. ``He was a model of humanity, dignity and kindness. He 
offered a lot in a selfless way to those who needed help and was a 
benefactor for Cyprus, serving his country with patriotism. He leaves 
behind him charity work for which he will be dearly remembered as a man 
of high moral standards.'' I could not concur more with this sentiment.
  George Paraskevaides is recognized the world over for his good works 
and philanthropy. He has received innumerable awards including the 
Medal of Exceptional Contribution, the highest honor of the Republic of 
Cyprus, Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) by Queen Elizabeth II, the 
Order of Oman III, Class Civil by Sultan Qaboos of Oman, the Rotary 
Foundation Medal. and the Medal of Merit of the Lions International 
Club of Nicosia, the St. Paul's Medal by the Greek Orthodox Archbishop 
of North and South America, and the St. Marcus Medal by the Pontifice. 
He is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and 
was also honored with the Holy Cross of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In 
addition, the works of the George and Thelma Paraskevaides Foundation 
has been recognized for having formed links with Shriner's Hospital in 
Springfield. MA, and Children's Heart Fund Hospital in Minneapolis and 
has provided numerous scholarships for less fortunate Cypriots. 
Paraskevaides founded the Cyprus Kidney Association, the Surgical and 
Transplant Foundation and the Cyprus Heart Association.
  Madam Speaker, while the list of awards is impressive. I am sure the 
biggest award that George Paraskevaides won in his life was the love 
and affection of his wife, Thelma, and his family. He will be missed 
but never forgotten. May his memory be eternal!.

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