[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF SIRVART HOVNANIAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY 
              OF SAINT STEPANOS ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 5, 2017

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Sirvart 
Hovnanian as she is honored by Saint Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church 
in Elberon, New Jersey with an award to be presented by His Eminence 
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. I would also like to join with the Saint 
Stepanos parish in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the church and 
marking the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian parish in 
Elberon.
  The Saint Mary Church parish in Elberon began 60 years ago, with 25 
members worshiping during summer services. As the Armenian population 
in the area continued to grow, Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian saw a need 
for a larger and rejuvenated place of worship. Born of the vision and 
philanthropic support of the Hovnanians, Saint Stepanos Armenian 
Apostolic Church stands on the site of the former Saint Mary Church. 
Saint Stepanos was consecrated on June 14, 1987 and the church hall was 
named ``Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian Hall'' in honor of the 
benefactors.
  Sirvart Hovnanian is a beloved mother, grandmother and great-
grandmother and carries on the philanthropic spirit she shared with her 
husband. Sirvart, along with her late husband, has always recognized 
the meaning of generosity and has spent her life working to make a 
difference in the world. An esteemed member of the Armenian community 
and a passionate philanthropist, Sirvart has been a supporter and 
partner in the many charitable endeavors undertaken along with her late 
husband, including the establishment of The Fund for Armenian Relief 
following the country's 1988 earthquake, the building of the Alton A. 
Hovnanian Emergency Care Center at Riverview Medical Center, and the 
donation of the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore 
University Medical Center, among many others.
  Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
recognizing Saint Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian 
parish of Elberon and Sirvart Hovnanian for their continued support of 
the Armenian people and culture. I know that I join with all who know 
Sirvart in expressing my sincere gratitude for her warm and giving 
nature and her immeasurable contributions to our community.

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