[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26053]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO HOLY ASCENSION CHURCH AND HIS HOLINESS FILARET PATRIARCH OF 
                        KYIV AND ALL RUS-UKRAINE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to the 
80th anniversary of the existence of Holy Ascension Church, located on 
Broad Street in Clifton, New Jersey. To mark this important occasion, 
the church will be honored by a visit from His Holiness Filaret 
Patriach of Kyiv and all Rus-Ukraine.
  As a lifelong resident and former Mayor of the neighboring city of 
Paterson, I cannot think of another organization that has meant more to 
the surrounding community than Holy Ascension Church. For the past 80 
years, the men and women of Holy Ascension Church have given generously 
of their time, talents, and energy, and have made an indelible mark on 
countless people's lives. I feel that it is only fitting that Holy 
Ascension Church be honored in this, the permanent record of the 
greatest freely elected body on earth.
  The history of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Clifton, formerly of 
Passaic, is the history of many devoted men and woman through the 
years, who have devoted both time and effort to maintaining the 
religious traditions of the Holy Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian 
cultural heritage.
  With the large migration of Ukrainians to the United States in the 
early 1900's, many chose to settle in the Passaic County area. In 1925 
a small group of Ukrainian-Americans set out to organize an Orthodox 
Parish to serve their spiritual needs. Through the efforts of the 
organizers the original church was purchased and consecrated on Sunday 
July 25, 1925 by his Excellency Metropolitan John Theodorovich. The new 
church served as a hub for the Ukrainian community. Over the years the 
Parish members relished in their heritage and shared it throughout the 
area. There were various outings of the Ukrainian Folk Ballet and the 
Lysenko Chorus which helped introduce the Ukrainian culture to other 
people.
  In 1962-63 the parish adopted its current constitution and by-laws 
that would serve as the basis for all church activity well into its 
future. Under the pastorate of the Very Reverend Theodore Foresty, the 
building committee was reorganized. Land was purchased for the present 
church and its rectory in 1967. With the impending sale of the church 
property, the parishioners authorized the building committee to hire 
Mr. Jaroslav Sichynsky as the architect for their new house of worship. 
The new parish rectory was the first building to be completed in the 
fall of 1968. In September of 1968 the last Divine Liturgy was 
celebrated at the Hope Avenue site and contracts were conducted with 
the State of New Jersey to make way for Rt. 21.
  The new church structure is a masterpiece in blending old Byzantine 
style of architecture with the contemporary structural methods. The 
central dome rises above the stone and brick edifice symbolizing the 
glory of the kingdom of God that rises above the material world.
  On Sunday, June 7, 1970, the Consecration and Blessing of the new 
edifice finally took place. With the presentation of floral bouquets to 
His Beatitude Metropolitan John, His Excellency Archbishop Matyslaw and 
His Grace Bishop Mark, the distinguished hierarchy, visiting clergy, 
and honored guests proceeded from the rectory to the church where they 
were traditionally greeted with bread and salt by the Parish President 
Peter Dutkevitch.
  The blessing of the new church was followed by the Pontifical Liturgy 
after which the placing of the cornerstone was witnessed by all. The 
afternoon was celebrated with a dedication banquet.
  Fifty years after its initial consecration in Passaic, this beautiful 
church proudly stands as a landmark in the great city of Clifton, 
spiritually lead by Father Oleh Zhownirovych.
  Mr. Speaker, as you can see, the men and women of the Holy Ascension 
Church epitomize the noble spirit of community service and volunteerism 
that we all strive to achieve. The sense of altruism and spirit of 
humanitarianism demonstrated daily by the congregation of the Holy 
Ascension Church is living proof of the difference that a handful of 
people can make in the lives of many.
  Mr. Speaker, the job of a United States congressman involves so much 
that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the members of 
exceptional institutions such as the Holy Ascension Church. I ask that 
you join our colleagues, the people of the city of Clifton, the 
Ukrainian community, and me in recognizing the men and women of the 
Holy Ascension Church for 80 years of ministry to the community of 
Clifton, New Jersey.

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