[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1332-E1333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. MARY'S ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX 
                            TEWAHEDO CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2018

  Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th 
anniversary of St. Mary's Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church located in 
my home town of Aurora, Colorado. This landmark anniversary is a 
significant milestone as St. Mary's is not only an important religious 
institution, it is an important part of our community.
  I am proud to represent the largest Ethiopian community in the State 
of Colorado in the United States House of Representatives. These 
Ethiopian immigrants are welcome and valued members of our community. 
They have opened small businesses, become homeowners, and become vital 
members of our

[[Page E1333]]

community. St. Mary's is an important foundation in the lives of these 
Ethiopian-Americans where they can to come together, as promised in the 
First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to practice their shared 
faith and help those within their community in times of need.
  St. Mary's became the first Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Colorado 
when it was established in 1993. The church has experienced both 
triumphs and setbacks, but it has nevertheless always maintained its 
commitment to the community and willingness to serve. This is why St. 
Mary's continues to grow and thrive as its members celebrate their 
successes, their sorrow, and support in time of distress.
  I offer my warmest and best wishes to the people and the leadership 
of St. Mary's Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church on their 25th 
anniversary. I know St. Mary's will continue to grow, to thrive, to 
serve its members, and to be a part of our community that is both a 
welcoming and diverse place.

                          ____________________