On the weekend of August 20-21, 2016, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon was welcomed by Priest John Parsells and the faithful of Christ the Savior Mission, Berlin, MD. The visit coincided with the burning of the mission’s mortgage—the $318,000.00 balance had been paid in full by an anonymous parishioner, fifteen years before it was due.
On Saturday, parishioners enjoyed an informal discussion with Metropolitan Tikhon prior to the celebration of Great Vespers. On Sunday morning, Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy with Father John; Archpriest Samuel Kedala, who in retirement is attached to Saint Athanasius Chapel, Bronxville, NY; and Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak. A Service of Thanksgiving and the burning of the mortgage followed.
Parishioner Constantine Mitsopoulos was presented with a gramota in recognition of his exemplary stewardship and generous financial contributions. In 2011, Constantine had offered the mission a $400,000.00 no-interest loan to acquire the 15.1 acre parcel of land with a 4300 square-foot home that now houses a chapel, fellowship hall, and rectory.
Established in 2000 by Protopresbyter Daniel Hubiak, retired Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, and a group of faithful, Christ the Savior was the first OCA community to be planted in the new millennium, serving the needs of faithful in the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia area. Father Daniel and Matushka Evelyn were present for the weekend celebration. Together with the mission’s founders, benefactors and supporters, they were recognized for the important role they played in guiding the community during its formative years, prior to Father John’s assignment as Rector in 2006.
A general history of Christ the Savior Mission is available on the mission’s web site.
