Congressman Connolly, Speaker John Boehner and House Chaplain Reverand Patrick J. Conroy welcome Pastor Ryoo to serve as guest chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives.

On Wednesday, Congressman Connolly welcomed Pastor Ryoo, from the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, Virginia to give the opening prayer at the U.S. House of Representatives. Each year, Members of Congress can recommend someone from their congressional district to serve as guest pastor of the House for a day.  Pastor Ryoo was selected to be a guest chaplain at the request of Congressman Connolly. 

On the Floor of the House today, Connolly said, "I am proud to welcome Pastor Ryoo, who I think really is emblematic of the success of the immigrant population in the United States, to offer this morning's prayer.  He represents our future."

 Congressman Connolly visits with Pastor Ryoo of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, Virginia prior to giving this morning's opening prayer at the House of Representatives.

Pastor Ryoo offers the opening prayer at the U.S. House of Representatives

Connolly Floor Statement on the contributions of the Korean-American and the Korean Central Presbyterian Church to our community.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11th)

Mr. Speaker,

I am pleased to join you in welcoming Pastor David Ryoo from the Korean Central Presbyterian Church, located in Centreville, Virginia, and the 11th Congressional District, for today’s invocation.

The Church has been active in our community since it was founded 41 years ago in Vienna. Prior to my election to Congress, I served as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with that congregation on the construction of its new sanctuary and in many of its activities throughout our community.

Within its many outreach ministries, the Church founded a Senior Center 20 years ago offering meals, recreation, and skills training and computerization for our senior population. Under the direction of Heisung Lee, the Center is now independently run and has been recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Republic of Korea as an outstanding volunteer organization. This and the many other activities of the congregation exemplify the tremendous contributions the Korean-American community is making throughout the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent one of the most vibrant Korean-American communities in the United States and to continue our partnership here in Congress as co-chair of the Korea Caucus. I thank you again for joining us in welcoming Pastor Ryoo, who I think really is emblematic of the success of the immigrant population in the United States. He represents our future.

Thank you. I yield back.