[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 86 (Monday, June 17, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING SAINTS PETER AND PAUL MACEDONIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL ON 
                          ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 14, 2013

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I congratulate Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral 
as its congregation and church leaders join together in celebration of 
its 50th Anniversary. The congregation, along with Parish Priest, Very 
Reverend Tome Stamatov, and the Church Executive Board, including 
President Thomas Traycoff, Vice President Alex Kutanovski, Vice 
President Dejan Ristevski, Treasurer Naumce Pejoski, Financial 
Secretary Stojan Trajkovski, Secretary Dimce Alekovski, and Diocese 
Delegate Nick Nochevich, will be celebrating with a weekend of events 
from July 12 to July 14, 2013 at the cathedral in Crown Point, Indiana.
   Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral was consecrated 
on July 14, 1963 in Gary, Indiana, when a group of immigrants from 
Macedonia came together with the goal of preserving Macedonian culture 
and religious tradition. Saints Peter and Paul is known throughout the 
United States and Canada as the first official Macedonian church built 
in North America. The founders proclaimed the mission of their new 
church before the Indiana Secretary of State in Indianapolis, Indiana: 
``The purpose of this parish is to preach the word of God and take 
spiritual care of its members; to spread goodness, justice, brotherly 
love, and respect among its members.''
   The cathedral in Gary flourished for many years, and the 
congregation continued to grow. Due to an increase in membership, a new 
cathedral and cultural center were built in Crown Point, Indiana, in 
1989, and are still in existence today. The members and leaders of 
Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral played a major role 
in the establishment of additional churches throughout the United 
States and in Canada. Their determination, focus, and commitment laid 
the foundation for other Macedonian churches to come to life.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian 
Orthodox Cathedral on its 50th Anniversary. Throughout many hardships 
and trials, the congregation and leaders of Saints Peter and Paul have 
dedicated themselves to preserving Macedonian heritage, tradition, and 
spiritual beliefs. Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy 
of the highest commendation.

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