[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 62 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANNUNCIATION GREEK 
                      ORTHODOX CHURCH OF PENSACOLA

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
100th anniversary of the founding of Pensacola's Annunciation Greek 
Orthodox Church. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the years 
of great work by the church.
  The year 2010 is a relatively small occurrence on the timeline of 
Orthodox Christianity, a faith that traces its beginnings all the way 
back to the apostles and dates many of its earliest traditions back to 
the days of St. John Chrysostom. 2010 also marks the 100th anniversary 
of Pensacola, Florida's oldest Orthodox congregation. The first Greeks 
to come to Pensacola were seamen who migrated during the 1860s. As the 
Greek community continued to grow, it was decided to build a church 
where Greek ideals and customs could be preserved as well as a place 
where spiritual needs could be met. Today, the Annunciation Greek 
Orthodox Church of Pensacola is a place of worship for more than 150 
families of various ethnic backgrounds.
  In thinking about the tremendous occasion before us and the countless 
good deeds that have been carried out in the name of the Father by this 
body, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote to the 
church of Galatia, ``And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due 
season we shall reap, if we faint not.'' On this 100th year anniversary 
of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Pensacola, I ask that they 
too heed the words of the Apostle Paul. After all these years, I 
encourage the church not to lose heart in doing what is good, but 
rather continue to serve the Lord and accomplish His work. I ask that 
they don't give up, but continue to show the fruit of the Spirit which 
is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 
gentleness and self-control.
  Madam Speaker, it is my great privilege to honor Pensacola's 
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on their centennial anniversary. 
These 100 years have been a testament to the compassion and good will 
that exists among mankind.

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