[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16939]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. ELPIS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

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                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2002

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Elpis Greek 
Orthodox Church of Hopewell, Virginia on its 85th anniversary.
  In 1914, Dupont Chemicals decided to expand their plant in Hopewell 
in support of WWI. Consequently, ads were posted throughout Europe to 
recruit immigrants as laborers and engineers for this plant. About 6000 
Greeks responded to this ad with the promise of a new future in 
America. Upon arrival in Hopewell, these Greeks sought to preserve 
their heritage and religion by building the first Greek Orthodox Church 
in Virginia.
  The tremendous sacrifice made by these early parishioners to 
establish St. Elpis was great. Their devotion and commitment to 
preserving their Greek heritage and religion enabled the parishioners 
to overcome great obstacles over the years and has enabled the church 
to continue to thrive. This spirit is as vibrant today as it was 85 
years ago.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate St. Elpis and its parishioners, as they 
celebrate the 85th anniversary of the founding of their church and I 
wish them continued success and prosperity in the years to come. It is 
truly an honor and a privilege to recognize St. Elpis in the United 
States House of Representatives this day.

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