[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 149 (Friday, September 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1221-E1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION OF ST. GEORGE'S 
                       MACEDONIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 7, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th 
anniversary of the Macedonian Orthodox Church's consecration in 
Syracuse, New York. The Macedonian Orthodox Church has long been a 
staple in the Syracuse community and currently serves 200 families in 
the area.
  Known locally as St. George, the congregation traces its roots back 
to 1964 when twenty Macedonian immigrant families established the 
church in upstate New York. Once established, the church registered 
under the jurisdiction of the Mother church, the Macedonian

[[Page E1222]]

Orthodox Church and the Holy Synod of Bishops in Skopje, Macedonia. 
Shortly thereafter, in 1965, the first Divine Liturgy was delivered to 
St. George's church by Archbishop Dositej Stojokic in Macedonian. The 
visit by Archbishop Dositej was a success, resulting in the 
consecration of a permanent church on July 1, 1968.
  St. George's rapidly expanded in the 1970's and by the end of the 
decade there was a need for a new church to accommodate more members. A 
new church hall was constructed and occupied by St. George's in 1981. 
On September 15, 1985, the new church was consecrated by the 
Metropolitan Kiril. After further successes and a growing parish, St. 
George's underwent its final renovation to date in the 1990's. This 
renovation included an expansion of the church hall and the installment 
of a beautiful stain glass window collection. These efforts were led by 
Father Branko Postolovski, who continues to lead St. George's today.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the members of the House to join me in honoring 
the history and contributions of St. George's Macedonian Orthodox 
Church. It is my hope that St. George's continues to thrive and serve 
the Syracuse area for many more years to come.

                          ____________________