[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 127 (Thursday, September 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CONSECRATION OF THE FIRST ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH IN 
                                ARIZONA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2009

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
consecration of the first Armenian Apostolic Church in Arizona, which 
will take place Sept. 20 in Scottsdale, and to honor the many valuable 
contributions the Armenian community has made to our state.
   The Armenian community first came together in Arizona in an 
organized way just over a half century ago, and it has grown and 
flourished ever since. The first Armenian clergy who visited Arizona 
performed their services in the homes of local residents while 
community members worked together to donate and save for a permanent 
worship center.
   In 1963 the State of Arizona officially acknowledged the Armenian 
Apostolic Church of Arizona. A few years later, a local Armenian family 
donated property in Scottsdale for the first church site. In 1992, the 
church established the Armenian Church Cultural Center and later the 
Eleanora Ordjanian Library on that site.
   And on Sunday, Sept. 20, this inspiring story will culminate with 
the consecration of the first Armenian Apostolic Church, a new 
sanctuary that was made possible with the support and hard work of 
countless community volunteers.
   Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the contributions of 
the Armenian community to Arizona and in wishing them well on the 
consecration of their new sanctuary.

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