[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 85 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E863-E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN MEMORY OF POLOSKO-KUMANOVSKI METROPOLITAN KIRIL OF THE MACEDONIAN 
                            ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of 
Polosko-Kumanovski Metropolitan Kiril of the Macedonian Orthodox 
Church. His recent passing is a great loss for Macedonia, the entire 
Macedonian Orthodox Church and its followers, particularly those from 
the Polog/Tetovo region of Macedonia.
  I had the privilege of meeting Bishop Kiril and can attest to the 
strength of his conviction as a member of the Macedonian Orthodox faith 
as well as his firm and unwavering commitment to the moral betterment 
of the Macedonian people. Bishop Kiril was a true advocate of both the 
Macedonian Orthodox Church

[[Page E864]]

and the people of the Macedonian heritage worldwide and was 
instrumental in the development and growth of our Southeast Michigan 
Macedonian community.
  Bishop Kiril played an integral role in resurrecting the Macedonian 
Orthodox Church--Ohrid Archbishopric, after two hundred years since its 
abolishment by the Ottoman Sultan, upon returning to Macedonia in 1967 
after attending the Moscow Theological Academy. He was the only 
surviving signatory of the autocephalous declaration and a leading 
advocate for the establishment of an independent Republic of Macedonia.
  Bishop Kiril founded both the American-Canadian and Australian 
Macedonian Orthodox Dioceses and served as a central administrator in 
each until 1987 and 1982 respectively. As a result of his steadfast 
leadership and resonant influence, Bishop Kiril catalyzed an 
international expansion of the Macedonian Orthodox faith throughout the 
course of his lifetime. The breadth of his legacy is confirmed in the 
more than fifteen cities in the world where he has been declared an 
honorary citizen.
  Once again, I offer my deepest condolences for the passing of Bishop 
Kiril. His presence in the Macedonian Orthodox Church is irreplaceable 
and his manifold contributions to the people of Macedonia and 
Macedonians abroad, including in my district in Sterling Heights, 
Michigan, are of lasting value and cornerstone importance. I will 
cherish my acquaintance with Bishop Kiril, and am truly grateful for 
his years of service to his Macedonian Orthodox faith and people.

                          ____________________