[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF FRESNO

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Holy Trinity 
Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy Trinity) of Fresno, California in 
celebration of their 100th anniversary. Holy Trinity's service and 
dedication to bettering the quality of life in the Fresno community 
deserves to be recognized.
  The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church that stands today on the 
corner of Ventura and ``M'' Street was constructed in 1914. It was the 
first church ever built in the tradition of Armenian Church 
architecture in the United States of America. The gorgeous brick church 
was designed by Fresno's first Armenian architect, Lawrence Karekin 
Cone. Upon its completion, a handful of soil delivered from the 
Monastery of St. Krikor the Illuminator Erzeroum, Armenia, was placed 
in the infrastructure. Additionally, sacred objects from St. James 
Monastery in Jerusalem were brought as a symbol to bridge the church 
with the homeland and Holy Land. Holy Trinity is the first and oldest 
Armenian Church in the western United States. It was added to the 
National Register of Historic Places on July 31, 1986.
  For the past 100 years, Holy Trinity has served the spiritual needs 
of Fresno's Armenian community. The church has a strong history of 
assisting the Armenian community by providing various services to those 
in need. Most notably the church was essential to the lives of 
immigrants fleeing from fear of genocide by the hands of the Ottoman 
Empire in 1915. The church continued these charitable efforts by 
providing aid and services to displaced persons during World War II, 
after the fall of the Soviet Union, and wars in the Middle East.
  Holy Trinity works daily to build upon a strong community. The social 
hall, Sunday school building, and Fresno's first Armenian day school 
are all resources used by individuals to connect with one another and 
demonstrate their faith. Holy Trinity's goal to keep the Armenian 
Apostolic tradition alive through service to the Armenian and Fresno 
community is greatly appreciated.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Holy Trinity 
Armenian Apostolic Church of Fresno, California as they celebrate their 
100th anniversary. Holy Trinity's outstanding history and service to 
the Fresno Community deserves to be honored.

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