[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13247]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE BLESSING OF THE GRAPES 
              CEREMONY AT THE HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN CHURCH

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Holy Trinity 
Armenian Church during their celebration of the 100th Blessing of the 
Grapes ceremony. This is a very special time for the Armenian community 
as they gather on this holy day.
  The blessing of grapes is a special tradition within the Armenian 
Church. The ceremony takes place on a major feast day, ``Assumption of 
St. Mary'' which is a celebration of St. Mary being assumed into 
Heaven. Grapes have a symbolic significance in the Christian faith, and 
on this day they are considered to be forbidden fruit before being 
blessed by the Priest at the closing of the ceremony.
  Holy Trinity Armenian Church is an historical landmark in Fresno, 
California. The first Armenian Church was destroyed in a fire in 1913, 
and the Holy Trinity Armenian Church was built at an alternate 
location. Armenian architect, Lawrence Cone, created the magnificent 
church as a sacred place for the Armenian community. It was the first 
traditional Armenian Church in the United States.
  The Central Valley is home to thousands of Armenians, and as a 
community we must also celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Holy 
Trinity Armenian Church. They have made everlasting contributions to 
the City of Fresno, and our entire country.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th 
Year Anniversary of the Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony at the Holy 
Trinity Armenian Church. Their mission to provide an infinite amount of 
faith, hope, and love to the public is highly respected and praised.

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