Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to honor the Armenian Evangelical Church of Hollywood. On November 23, 2002, the church will celebrate its 20th Anniversary and we would like to offer our congratulations and good wishes on this most noteworthy occasion.
The Armenian Evangelical Church of Hollywood, founded in May of 1982, began as a ministry created by the Rev. Abraham Jizmejian and the Rev. Abraham Chaparian. The Hollywood Pastoral Ministry, as it was designated in the early days of the church, offered church services, fellowship groups, Bible study and a variety of other pastoral services.
In June of 1982, after the current day church had been formed, the church was officially accepted by the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America and from that time, the church has devoutly served its community. Today, the congregation numbers over 250 and is served by a number of church ministries, including Sunday school, men's and women's fellowship, Bible study and youth ministry.
Over the years, the church has always made a special commitment to the youth of its congregation and community. It was from this commitment that the church, nine years ago, founded New Direction For Armenian Youth, to serve at risk youth in church and surrounding areas. The program has helped countless young people and their families in coping with many of the harmful influences that pervade many of our communities.
We ask all Members of Congress to join us in honoring the Armenian Evangelical Church of Hollywood on the church's 20th Anniversary and wish the church many fulfilling days to come.