[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 145 (Wednesday, November 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1753-E1754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. THOMAS CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2012

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Greek 
Orthodox Church of St. Thomas. The month of October 2012 marked the 45 
year anniversary of this tremendous parish. Nearly a half century ago, 
a small group of Greek Orthodox from South Jersey saw a need for a 
church to serve the Philadelphia metropolitan area and its New Jersey 
suburbs. This parish has been paramount in reaching out to the Southern 
New Jersey community, teaching the Greek language and heritage, and 
sharing the traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith.
  Perhaps most worthy of praise are the number and variety of group 
organizations the church provides. Among them are the ``Philoptochos,'' 
a philanthropic society for lady parishioners who are committed to 
serving the sick, destitute, elderly, and others in need of assistance. 
The Hellenic Heritage Dance

[[Page E1754]]

Group teaches youth the traditional dance of Greece. From the Hellenic 
Orthodox Primary Enrichment, HOPE, a group devoted to the early 
introduction of kindergartners to the Orthodox fellowship to the 
Maturity Club for senior citizens, all ages are able to meet and 
celebrate their faith through church outings, meaningful discussion 
groups, retreats, service projects, and athletics.
  Let us commemorate, on the record, the Church of St. Thomas in its 
45th year of operation for the invaluable service it provides to the 
Greek Orthodox faith and the South New Jersey community at large.

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