[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF SAINT EPHRAIM'S SYRIAC 
             ORTHODOX CHURCH IN CENTRAL FALLS, RHODE ISLAND

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                        HON. DAVID N. CICILLINE

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial 
celebration of Saint Ephraim's Syriac Orthodox Church in Central Falls, 
Rhode Island.
   In the late 19th century, a small, close-knit group of Syriac 
families living in Turkey and Iraq arrived in America after fleeing the 
collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
   After coming to Rhode Island, this small faith community chartered 
Saint Ephraim's Syriac Orthodox Church--a parish center and chapel for 
worship that have remained strong symbols of the strength of Rhode 
Island's Syriac Orthodox residents.
   The church claims a wealth of theological, liturgical, and musical 
traditions. Indeed, to this day, every Sunday the parishioners in 
Central Falls, Rhode Island conduct liturgy in the original Aramaic 
that was spoken during the time of Jesus Christ.
   The parish of St. Ephraim's has contributed mightily to our 
community in northern Rhode Island. Whether newly arrived immigrants 
fleeing persecution or just yearning to live the American dream, or 
multi-generational and fully assimilated Americans, parishioners of St. 
Ephraim's church are patriotic Americans.
   Like anyone else, they work hard, value education and appreciate and 
enjoy the freedoms they are offered.
   In return, they have been industrious citizens and have served our 
country in numerous positions of distinction, including university 
educators, engineers, leaders in law, medicine, and commerce.
   Many have also served in the Armed Forces, dating back to the early 
20th Century, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice for the defense 
of our country.
   Today, as we celebrate the centennial anniversary of Saint 
Ephraim's, we are also mindful of the ongoing persecution facing 
Christian Syriac families in the Middle East and especially in Syria 
where two Orthodox bishops were abducted earlier this year.
   And as we hope for the safe return of these and other victims of 
recent violence, all of us stand united in praying for peace in Syria 
and throughout the Middle East.
   I thank Father Mattias Alan Shaltan for his continued leadership of 
this parish and salute all the members of Saint Ephraim's on their 
centennial celebration this year.

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