Congressional Record: September 14, 2006
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HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY AND SHOGHAGAT
ARMENIAN CHURCH
HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join
me in recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Holy Virgin Mary and
Shoghagat Armenian Church located in Swansea, Illinois.
The Church has historically been an integral part of the Armenian
community. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its
official religion in 301 A.D. So it was natural that the Independent
Club, an organization of Armenian Americans, would seek to start a
church for their community in 1956.
The new Church, then named Holy Shoghagat Armenian Church, began in a
small white structure at 13th and Summit Avenue in East St. Louis,
Illinois. A neighboring parish house and additional parcel of land were
later acquired.
Circumstances required that the original church properties be sold in
the early 1970’s and for several years the congregation had to
celebrate the liturgy in different local churches. Throughout this
difficult period, the parish family stayed together and finally, in
1978, the new Church in Swansea, Illinois was consecrated.
On the occasion of their 50th Anniversary, in addition to celebrating
that milestone for their local Church, the members of Holy Virgin Mary
and Shoghagat Armenian Church are paying tribute to their ancestors who
were victims of the Armenian Genocide, both those who lost their lives
and those who survived. A large khatchkar, carved in Armenia, will be
dedicated to honor those who suffered during that terrible period in
history.
For 50 years, Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church has
served, not only as a place of worship, but as a unifying religious
center for the local Armenian community. Though their numbers may be
small, their dedication to their Church and their culture remains
strong.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 50th
Anniversary of Holy Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Armenian Church and to
wish the best to them for many years to come.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
