[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 6976-6977]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ON 
                         ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2013

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the American Hellenic 
Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Chapter 78, it is with 
great pleasure and enthusiasm that I congratulate Saints Constantine 
and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana, as its 
members celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the parish. 
Father Ted Poteres, along with Parish Council President JoAnn Massow 
and the congregation, will commemorate this momentous milestone with a 
celebratory reception on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at the Saints 
Constantine and Helen Cultural Center in Merrillville, Indiana. 
Northwest Indiana is especially grateful for the unshakable faith, 
boundless wisdom, and exemplary service of Father Poteres, a truly 
outstanding religious leader. I also wish to acknowledge the presence 
of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos and all the other committed 
religious leaders who have joined in this celebration.
   The founding of Saints Constantine and Helen began when a group of 
immigrants

[[Page 6977]]

joined together with the goal of preserving Greek culture and religious 
tradition for the many Greek families that were moving into the 
Northwest Indiana region. In 1913, the first worship services were held 
in a rented store building in Gary, Indiana, making Saints Constantine 
and Helen the first Greek church in the City of Gary. The name was 
chosen to signify the importance of Saint Constantine, the Roman 
emperor who, during the fourth century, permitted the freedom of 
practicing Christianity, as well as Saint Helen, Saint Constantine's 
mother, in their fight for the sustentation of their religious beliefs 
and Greek heritage. The church continued to gain support, and as a 
result of the congregation's dedicated and unwavering efforts, on 
Easter Sunday of 1919, Saints Constantine and Helen opened their first 
church building in Gary.
   The church has continually been blessed with extraordinary religious 
leaders, none more exemplary than Father Ted. And we all recall the 
appointment of Father Evagoras Constantinides as pastor of Saints Helen 
and Constantine in 1969. Under his leadership, the Hellenic Cultural 
Center and the Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral were constructed 
in Merrillville, Indiana. Father Ev served as pastor for 26 years and 
was held in the highest regard by church leaders internationally, by 
his congregation, and by the entire Northwest Indiana community. Father 
Evagoras's passing at a time when we are celebrating the parish's 100th 
anniversary seems to me to be more than coincidental. I believe it 
evidences his knowledge that he could join our God firm in his absolute 
faith in Father Poteres's spiritual leadership, the Parish Council's 
commitment to future generations, and every parishioner's dedication to 
preserving their religious beliefs and the incomparable Hellenic 
culture and values we all hold so dear.
   The leaders and parishioners of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek 
Orthodox Church touch the lives of countless individuals through their 
compassionate service, especially to those most in need. Over the 
years, the church has come to the aid of so many people through the 
church's Helping Hand Fund, which provides financial assistance to 
those in need. The church also facilitates the Ross Township Food 
Pantry, which fed approximately 20,000 people during the last year.
   Mr. Speaker, I am a strong advocate for the promotion of the ideals 
and morals of Hellenism throughout all of Northwest Indiana. I ask that 
you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Saints 
Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church as the congregation 
celebrates its 100th anniversary. The church leaders and parishioners 
have dedicated themselves to upholding Greek Orthodox traditions and 
spiritual beliefs. For their commitment to service, and for touching 
the lives of countless individuals, they are worthy of the highest 
praise.

                          ____________________