Honoring the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church As They Celebrate Their 75th Anniversary
HONORING THE SAINT NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY-HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO (Extensions of Remarks - October 11, 2004)
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the Reverend George Lardas, members of the congregation, and the Stratford, CT, community in extending my sincere congratulations to the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church as they celebrate its 75th anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this community treasure and I am proud to help them celebrate this momentous occasion.
The St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church was founded in 1929 by Russian emigres who came to Stratford to work for Igor Sikorsky. The legendary Igor Sikorsky, the father of the modern helicopter, was a founding member of the church as well as one of its staunchest supporters throughout his life. With nearly all the members employees of Sikorsky's company, a Russian community quickly grew around the church. Soon, what began as a neighborhood church in a Lake Street home moved to its present location and today welcomes congregants from several surrounding communities as well. The striking golden cupolas of the church, a unique characteristic of the building, along with the warm and welcoming arms of the congregation have made St. Nicholas a lasting landmark in Stratford.
Our churches play a vital role in our communities-providing people with a place to turn to for comfort when they are most in need. By strengthening our bonds of faith, St. Nicholas gives its members a place to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their values. The members of St. Nicholas' have also given much to the town of Stratford. Throughout the years, as their membership grew so did their commitment to the enrichment of our community.
It is with great pride and my heart-felt congratulations that I rise today to join with the congregation and the Stratford community in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church-a true community treasure.