[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21389]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm 
that I recognize and congratulate Saints Constantine and Helen Greek 
Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana on their 90th anniversary. 
Throughout its 90 years, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox 
Church has provided a welcoming worship and gathering space for all 
residents of Northwest Indiana.
  SS Constantine and Helen and its forefathers began their foundation 
in Gary, Indiana in 1906 in the dream of preserving the Greek heritage 
and faith in America. The first steps to making this dream a reality 
began in the spring of 1911, when an initial meeting was held to 
discuss the need for a worship space for the small handful of Greek 
families that settled in Northwest Indiana. The name was later chosen 
to signify the importance of Saint Constantine, the Roman Emperor who 
permitted the freedom of practicing Christianity in the Fourth Century, 
as well as Saint Helen, Saint Constantine's mother, in their fight for 
the preservation of their heritage and Greek culture.
  In 1913, the first worship services were held in a rented store 
building, and SS Constantine and Helen became the first Greek Church in 
the City of Gary. Following two years of leadership by visiting priests 
from Chicago, Reverend Nicholas Mandilas became the first permanent 
pastor for the church. In 1919, after years of traveling around the 
Midwest searching for financial help, and worshiping in tents in the 
dead of winter, the congregation's valiant and dedicated efforts led 
them to the opening of their first church building on Easter Sunday. 
Approximately 50 years later, another church building was constructed 
in Merrillville, Indiana and the Cultural Center was opened to the 
residents of Northwest Indiana.
  Being a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive 
Association (AHEPA), Lodge 78, I am a strong advocate for the 
preservation and promotion of the ideals and morals of Hellenism 
throughout all of Northwest Indiana. Throughout its 90 years of service 
and dedication, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church has 
offered the inspiration to be good citizens of the community, practice 
faith freely, and educate our youth so that the Greek heritage may 
never be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Saints Constantine and Helen 
Greek Orthodox Church as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. Their 
sincere dedication and devotion to the residents of Northwest Indiana 
deserves the highest commendation and recognition.

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