Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly honor Father Augustine Szekula. Father Szekula is being honored on the joyous occasion of 60 productive years of distinguished service and leadership in Armenian, religious, cultural and literary endeavors.
Father Szekula is a man for all seasons--devoted parish priest, distinguished educator, prolific author and editor. He is highly respected by the Armenian communities throughout the world, especially in the United States, Lebanon and Austria, where his dedicated service and visionary leadership has impacted a score of students and priests.
Father Augustine Szekula was born on September 19, 1921 in a city called Gyergyoszentmiklos, Transylvania, which currently is Gheogheni in Romanian. His ancestors emigrated in 1913 from the city of Ani, part of the historic Armenia. In 1931, Father Szekula attended the Mekhitarist Seminary of Vienna and was granted membership into the congregation in 1938. In 1946, he received his masters degree from the State University of Vienna. From 1946 through 1993, among his other duties, he served as director of the Mekhitarist "Madenataran," the museum, and the Chancery and editor of "Hantes" Armenological Review. Father Szekula went on to become Vice-Superintendent of the Mekhitarist Seminary in Vienna, Austria, principal of the Mekhitarist school in Hasmie, Lebanon and parish priest of the Armenian church in Budapest, Hungary.
Today, he is the Principal of the Mekhitarist Fathers' School and continues to serve the Armenian community with his leadership and wisdom. Please join me in extending congratulations to Father Szekula on his 60 years of exemplary community service.