[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 197 (Thursday, November 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. STEPANOS ARMENIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 2023

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to recognize 
the 35th anniversary of the consecration of St. Stepanos Armenian 
Church in Long Branch, New Jersey and the 65th anniversary of the 
formation of the Armenian parish in the Elberon section of Long Branch. 
I would also like to join with the church community in welcoming His 
Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, to New 
Jersey for this auspicious occasion.
  The Armenian parish began in Elberon in 1956, with 25 members 
worshiping during summer services as St. Mary Armenian Church. Seeing 
the growing Armenian population in the area and their aging worship 
building, Mr. and Mrs. Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian proposed 
construction of a new church. The new sanctuary, parish hall, and 
school was constructed on the site of the former St. Mary Church and 
consecrated in 1987. Its architecture mirrors that of ancient Armenian 
churches, paying homage to its history. The 12-sided pyramid-shaped 
dome represents the twelve apostles and its patron saint is depicted in 
a stained-glass mural at the entrance of the nave.
  Today, the church is led by Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, who has served 
as Pastor at St. Stepanos since 2013. Rev. Fr. Karadjian is supported 
by the Parish Council who together oversee a community of approximately 
500 members. The clergy, staff, and members of St. Stepanos Armenian 
Church endeavor to carry on its mission and ensure a viable future.
  St. Stepanos provides a welcoming place for the Armenian community to 
learn, pray, and connect with others. Committed to supporting and 
enriching the lives of its members St. Stepanos offers several 
organizations, as well as social and cultural activities, including the 
Women's Guild, Sunday School, holiday celebrations, and bake sales.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, it is my privilege to pay tribute to St. 
Stepanos Armenian Church. St. Stepanos continues to serve as a place of 
worship and inspiration and its commitment to faith and service to the 
Armenian community is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

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