[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2011

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Saint John the 
Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church, who will celebrate its 100th 
anniversary on October 22, 2011. Saint John the Baptist Orthodox 
Catholic Church has been serving the community of Nanticoke, Luzerne 
County, Pennsylvania, since it was started in October 1911 by 11 
families of Carpatho-Rusyn settlers from Poland and Slovakia.
  St. John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church has been helping form 
the youth of Hanover and Nanticoke through its extensive youth 
ministry. The church ensures that children understand the value of 
assisting not only those in their parish, but also those in their 
communities, their country and the world. These youth work with the 
elderly at senior living homes, send school supplies to children across 
the world who otherwise would not have any, and have been cleaning up 
their parish to make more space for their activities. Creating an 
environment where children can learn how to selflessly give to others 
and celebrate their faith is important, and I applaud the church's 
efforts.
  Providing ministry to the aged is also a priority of Saint John the 
Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church. Because elderly who live in senior 
citizen homes cannot always maintain an active spiritual life inside a 
church, Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church brings its 
ministry to the seniors, enriching their lives and providing community 
outreach.
  Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church has a very involved 
and dedicated parish membership. Since its inception, parishioners have 
been critical in the advancement of the church.
  Mr. Speaker, today, Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church 
stands as a pillar of faith in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. I commend them 
for their 100 years of committed service to their faith, their 
community, and their country.

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