[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21562]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              HONORING ST. GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 75th 
Anniversary of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Oakland, 
California.
  During World War I, many Europeans, including Serbians, faced the 
unspeakable horrors of war. Some were fortunate to escape a world of 
intolerance and hatred. It isn't surprising that many Serbians came to 
the United States, a symbol of hope and freedom, in search of a better 
life and future for themselves and their children.
  New to the San Francisco Bay Area, Serbian men and women valued a 
strong sense of community and continued and maintain the Orthodox 
faith, Serbian language and culture. They affiliated themselves with 
the central office in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and their constant 
communication enabled them to maintain a connection to their homeland.
  The leaders of Oakland's Serbian community understood the need to 
retain cultural traditions and Serbia's history as a nation, 
particularly since many young Serbian children were immersed in popular 
American culture. In an effort to preserve and pass on the rich Serbian 
culture and history to future generations, a local school was 
established for Serbians. This school was named the Serbian Society of 
Education in Oakland.
  On February 29, 1924, the Society sought to purchase a piece of 
church property in order to realize their mission to retain and further 
cultivate their orthodoxy. This church was named the St. George Serbian 
Orthodox Church.
  For over seventy-five years, St. George has been the home for Serbian 
families, immigrants and refugees. The Church and its members also 
formed the Saint George Athletic Club, Women's Auxiliary and St. 
George's Church Choir. These groups are regarded for their 
contributions to social campaigns and political activism.
  The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church encourages and nurtures love 
and peace among its members and instills a strong sense of family in 
our community. Today I stand with Oakland's Serbian community as we 
celebrate 75 years of service to the community by St. George Serbian 
Orthodox Church. We honor their rich history and strong faith and trust 
in God. May St. George continue to kindly lead its members in the 
spirit of peace, love and equality.

                          ____________________