[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 160 (Thursday, October 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JOSEPH OF MARAMURES ROMANIAN 
                            ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. LOU BARLETTA

                             of pennsylvania

                     in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, October 5, 2017

   Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to help commemorate the 
25th anniversary of St. Joseph of Maramures Romanian Orthodox Church. 
St. Joseph's, the only Romanian Orthodox Church in Luzerne County, has 
grown from humble beginnings to become a beacon of faith in our 
community.
   In 1992, a small group of Romanians located in Hazleton, 
Pennsylvania decided to form a mission. With nothing other than faith 
and a desire to succeed, their mission became a reality.
   On April 19, 1992, with the blessing of the Romanian Orthodox 
Episcopate of America and His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel, St. 
Joseph's first Divine Liturgy was officiated by Rev. Fr. Onisie Morar. 
Over the next year, the Mission held its services in various locations, 
including Emil and Dorina Horga's property in Hazleton, where the first 
Resurrection Service was officiated, as well as St. Michael's Orthodox 
Church in Freeland. By the grace of God and the kindness of others, 
such as Fr. Lawrence Baigger, all of the church's services were 
officiated for its parishioners during this time.
   While services were held at St. Michael's, the newly formed Mission 
began to organize and strengthen. The Mission Council and Ladies 
Auxiliaries Organization were formed and with them, so did the ability 
to obtain a personal place of worship. In 1993, the Mission Council 
purchased the United Methodist Church in Hazleton, adopting the name of 
Palm Sunday Romanian Church. When the mortgage was paid in 1999, the 
parish changed its name to St. Joseph of Maramures Romanian Orthodox 
Church.
   Since then, through the dedication of its parishioners, the parish 
has formed a strong community within itself, as well as with others in 
the surrounding areas. With the guidance of Fr. Cristian Preda, the 
parish has continued to preserve the traditions of the Orthodox 
Christian faith, touching many lives in our community.
   Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing St. Joseph of Maramures 
Romanian Orthodox Church as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, and 
wishing its parishioners all the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________