[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 10415-10416]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING FATHER EVAGORAS CONSTANTINIDES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity and enthusiasm 
that I wish to congratulate Father Evagoras Constantinides for his 
numerous contributions to the citizens of Northwest Indiana. Father 
Constantinides has been a fixture of the community since 1969, and he 
will be honored at a dinner presented by Friends of Hospice on Friday, 
May 2, 2003.
  Mr. Speaker, Father Constantinides was born in Lapithos, Cyprus in 
1918 and was educated in his village through his second year of high 
school, where he graduated with the Gold Medal Award for academic 
excellence. He entered Athens College in 1932, where he was accepted on 
a yearly scholarship with the school's science section. Father 
Constantinides had no trouble maintaining his scholarship for six 
years, and he graduated with honors while receiving the Delta Public 
Speaking Prize and the English Language Prize. This dedication and 
commitment to his studies exemplifies the hard work on which Father 
Constantinides prides himself.
  After finishing his collegiate studies in Greece, Father 
Constantinides journeyed across the world to America to continue his 
studies and broaden his experiences. In 1938, he enrolled at Fenn 
College, which is now Cleveland State University, to study civil 
engineering. During his four years at the University, he served as a 
Greek teacher and as the Hellenic Board of Education Secretary for the 
Greek Orthodox Community of the Annunciation of Cleveland, Ohio. 
Although he enjoyed his time in Cleveland, his final year was 
interrupted by World War II. As a British subject, Father 
Constantinides entered the Canadian Army as a private in the fall of 
1942. After completing his basic training, he was enrolled in the 
officer training program, from which he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant 
in the Engineer Corps with proficiency in explosives, mines, and 
demolitions. His outstanding ability as a military officer, coupled 
with his excellent intellect, allowed Father Constantinides the 
opportunity to work for the United States Central Intelligence Group 
translating Japanese documents and the Greek Constitution into English.
  After returning to the United States following his discharge in 1947, 
Father Constantinides began extensively studying theology, and on March 
11, 1956 he was ordained into the priesthood. He was appointed pastor 
of the SS. Constantine and Helen parish in Gary on September 1, 1969, 
and his gracious presence has been felt throughout Northwest Indiana 
since his arrival. In 1971, Father Constantinides was instrumental in 
the construction of the Hellenic Cultural Center in Merrillville. His 
efforts also led to the design and construction of the SS. Constantine 
and Helen Cathedral, one of the ten largest Orthodox churches in the 
Americas, in 1975. It was during this time that Father Constantinides 
became deeply involved in the work of Hospice of the Calumet Area.
  In addition to the many contributions within his own parish, Father 
Constantinides has dedicated his talents to improving the community, 
the Nation, and the world. During his 26-year tenure at SS. Constantine 
and Helen, he trained ten assistants who are now serving the Greek 
Orthodox Church with distinction. He was honored with the office of 
Protopresbyter in 1972, and he served as the Treasurer and member of 
the National Presbyters Council from 1970-1974, and again from 1980-
1982. He received the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South 
America Service Award and Gold Cross in 1976 for his struggles and 
lobbying activities for the liberation of invaded Cyprus, a cause he 
continues to pursue. Father Constantinides offered his wisdom and his 
faith in various countries, including Russia, Kenya, Uganda, and India. 
He has also authored four Sunday school books for children, and has 
translated six Orthodox Service books from Greek to English.
  Since his retirement in June 1995, Father Constantinides has devoted 
his time to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, as well as writing, 
lecturing, and substituting at churches in the Chicago Diocese. In 
September and October 2002, he traveled to Argentina, Chile, and 
Ecuador at the behest of His Eminence Metropolitan Taraslos of Buenos 
Aires to perform missionary work. Father Constantinides

[[Page 10416]]

also devotes much of his time to his loving wife, Maria, and their four 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in thanking Father Evagoras Constantinides for his 
contributions to the citizens of Northwest Indiana, and to citizens of 
countries throughout the world. His love for his fellow man is an 
inspiration to us all, and I am proud to represent him in Congress.

                          ____________________