[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15250-15251]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. THOMAS CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2012

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Greek 
Orthodox Church of St. Thomas. The month of October 2012 marked the 45 
year anniversary of this tremendous parish. Nearly a half century ago, 
a small group of Greek Orthodox from South Jersey saw a need for a 
church to serve the Philadelphia metropolitan area and its New Jersey 
suburbs. This parish has been paramount in reaching out to the Southern 
New Jersey community, teaching the Greek language and heritage, and 
sharing the traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith.

[[Page 15251]]

  Perhaps most worthy of praise are the number and variety of group 
organizations the church provides. Among them are the ``Philoptochos,'' 
a philanthropic society for lady parishioners who are committed to 
serving the sick, destitute, elderly, and others in need of assistance. 
The Hellenic Heritage Dance Group teaches youth the traditional dance 
of Greece. From the Hellenic Orthodox Primary Enrichment, HOPE, a group 
devoted to the early introduction of kindergartners to the Orthodox 
fellowship to the Maturity Club for senior citizens, all ages are able 
to meet and celebrate their faith through church outings, meaningful 
discussion groups, retreats, service projects, and athletics.
  Let us commemorate, on the record, the Church of St. Thomas in its 
45th year of operation for the invaluable service it provides to the 
Greek Orthodox faith and the South New Jersey community at large.

                          ____________________