St. Basil's Bread - 12/28/08

On Sunday, December 28th, the Sunday before the feastday of St. Basil the Great (January 1st) we kept the custom of the Vasilopeta. This year the coins were received by Frank and Susan Pappas (one coin each!). May the Lord grant them many blessed years!

Nativity 2008 - 12/25/08

On Thursday, December 25th, the faithful gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ according to the flesh. We at the Mission greet you all on this great feast and extend to you our prayers and best wishes for this Holy Season. May the blessings of the New Born Savior be yours at this time and throughout the coming New Year!

Decorated Walls - 12/16/08

On Tuesday, December 16th, members of the Mission began work decorating the walls of the church. Todd Leasure, who works as a local artist, headed up the project and he was assisted by Paul St. Germain. More information is coming as the project continues!

New White Liturgical Covers - 12/14/08

On Sunday, December 14th, two excellent seamstresses from our parish, Diane Evanusa and Nada McFarland, sewed new white liturgical covers - just in time for Christmas! May the Lord reward them for their efforts!

St. Nicholas Day - 12/06/08

On December 6th, we celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas, the Wonder-worker and Archbishop of Myra. Following Friday Vespers there was a short film about the Saint, and following the Saturday Molieben and Sunday Divine Liturgy, the children of the parish received golden coins in his honor.

Election of Metropolitan Jonah - 11/12/08

On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, His Grace, Bishop Jonah of Fort Worth was elected Archbishop of Washington and New York and Metropolitan of All America and Canada at the 15th All-American Council of the Orthodox Church in America.

Prayers for Healing Ministry - 11/02/08

On Sunday, November 2nd, the Feast of the Unmercenary Healers and Physicians, special prayers and a blessing were offered for those in the medical and curative disciplines. May the Lord bless their work!

Visit of Fr. Valery Shemchuk - 10/05/08

On Sunday, October 5th, Fr. Valery Schemchuk, from St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington DC, served for Fr. John who was away in NJ, celebrating his father's 30th Anniversary of ministry at Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Manville.  Many thanks to Fr. Valery for making the trip out to our Mission and for leading us in the Divine Services!

Special Parish Meeting - 09/21/08

At the Annual Parish Meeting on Jan. 21, 2007, the Finance Committee was commissioned to conduct a feasibility investigation regarding the purchase of land for future parish use. On Sunday, Sept. 21st, there was a Special Parish Meeting to hear the results of this investigation.

Diocesan Assembly - 09/15/08

On Monday, September 15th, the annual Assembly of the Diocese of Washington and New York was held at Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church of South River, New Jersey. Representing Christ the Savior Mission were Fr. John Parsells and Michael McFarland.

New Academic Year / Scout Awards - 08/31/08

On Sunday, August 31st, prayers were offered and a special blessing extended to teachers and students on the occasion of the new academic year. Two awards, St. George and Chi-Rho, were also bestowed on Christopher Smith for his study of the Holy Orthodox Faith through the Eastern Orthodox Scout Program.

Dormition of the Theotokos / Presentation from Belarus - 08/15/08

On Friday, August 15th, the faithful celebrated the Dormition of the Mother of God, also called the Summer Pascha in that we commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection of the Virgin Mary. We were please to have with us on this day Sister Irina from...

Installation of New Signs - 08/08/08

On Friday, August 8th, our new signs were installed by the side of Route 26 and on the side of our building.  Our existing sign was been taken for modification and refurbishment and will then hang on the front of the building.

Completion of Iconostas - 08/02/08

On Friday, August 2nd, new icons and a cross were installed on the Royal Doors. This completed a lengthy project headed up by two talented and devoted carpenters who are members of the Mission and whose namesakes are the Apostles Peter and Paul. May the Lord bless them for their labors!

Blessing of Automobiles - 07/20/08

On Sunday, July 20th, the feast of the Prophet Elias, there was a blessing of automobiles. It is customary to have this blessing on or near the feast of the Prophet Elias who ascended into the heavens in a fiery chariot. (2 Kings 2:11)

Parish Picnic - 06/29/08

On Sunday, June 29, 2008, the feast of the American Saints and the Apostles Peter & Paul, the faithful and friends of Christ the Savior had a Parish Picnic at the rectory. The weather held out, allowing for some cool time in the pool. Many thanks to all who participated, helping to make the day truly enjoyable!

Baptism of Troy (Paul) Duker - 06/28/08

On Saturday evening Troy (Paul) Duker was welcomed into the Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Holy Baptism and Chrismation. Troy assumed the name of Paul in honor of his patron Saint, the Holy Apostle Paul whose feast is celebrated on this day. May God grant His newly-illumended servant Paul many blessed years!

New Altar Icons - 06/20/08

On Friday, June 20th, new icons of the Mother of God and Saint John the Baptist were installed in our altar.  These icons together with the existing icon of Christ behind the altar table form what is called the ‘Deisis’ – the Greek word meaning intercession since the Theotokos and the Baptist are depicted making continual supplication for us before the Throne of Christ.

Holy Pentecost - 06/15/08

On Sunday, June 15, the faithful gathered to celebrate the feast of Pentecost which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles fifty days after the Lord rose from the dead. As is customary, the Vespers for the Day of the Holy Spirit together with the Kneeling Prayers were served immediately following the Divine Liturgy.

Memorial Day Pilgrimage - 05/26/08

On Monday, May 26th, a small contingent from the Mission made its way to St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, for the annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage.

Egg Hunt - 05/04/08

On Sunday, May 4th, an Egg Hunt was offered for the children of the parish. Though the competition was at times fierce, a good time was had by all!

Holy Pascha - 04/27/08

Throughout Holy Week the faithful gathered at the liturgical services to be with the Lord during His voluntary sufferings, death on the Cross, and burial in the Tomb. Then early in the morning on the first day of the week, they gathered to witness to the Lord's resurrection from the dead. We, the faithful of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Delmarva, greet you all with the joyous exclamation, "Christ is risen!"

Holy Unction - 04/23/08

On Great and Holy Wednesday, April 23rd, nearly 50 people gathered to be annointed with Holy Unction for the healing of soul and body. The Church's practice of anointing with holy oil...

Palm Sunday - 04/20/08

On Sunday, April 20th, the faithful celebrated the Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem, the feast of Palm Sunday. In remembrance of this day, and with anticipation of the Lord's victory over death on Holy Pascha, we carry palms and pussy-willows.

Parish Council Installation - 04/06/08

On Sunday, April 6th, with the blessing of our diocesan hiearch, Metropolitan Herman, the new Parish Council members were installed into office. During the first meeting of the 2008 Council, Stan Alexion was elected Senior Warden, George Hamaty was elected Junion Warden, and Susan Pappas was elected Treasurer. May the Lord bless the new 2008 Council members and officers!

Kielbasa Making - 03/30/08

On Sunday, March 30th, parishioners gathered at the Evanusa professional kitchen to make kielbasa as a fundraiser for the Mission. A good time was had by all! We can't wait to taste the fruit of their labors!

Memorial Service for Metropolitan Laurus - 03/20/08

On Thursday, March 20, 2008, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, together with OCA clergy from the Diocese of Washington and New York, served a Memorial Service for His Eminence, Metropolitan Laurus, newly-reposed First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, at Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, NY. Hymns and responses were chanted by singers from Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary. Fr. John was pleased to represent Christ the Savior Mission at this solemn service.

Baptism of Baby Allen Maxim - 03/02/08

On Sunday, March 2nd, Allen Maxim Oganyan, son of Maxim and Svetelena Oganyan, was baptized into the Orthodox Church. May God grant Allen Maxim, his parents, and his sponsor, Artim Oganyan many blessed years!

Baptism of Baby Alexander - 03/01/08

On Saturday, March 1st, Alexander Parsells, son of Fr. John and Mat. Emily Parsells, was baptized into the Orthodox Church. May God grant Alexander, his parents, and his sponsors, Protodeacon Paul Sokol and Sophia Tarpley many blessed years!

New Icons / IOCC Presentation - 02/24/08

Before the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 24, our newly installed set of large (18"x24") festal icons were blessed. Following the service, Peter Polychronos, a representative of IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) offered a presentation of the SCOBA sponsored agency.

Annual Meeting - 02/10/08

The 2008 Annual Meeting of the Mission was held on Sunday, February 10th. In addition to reviewing the reports of the past year, passing the budget for 2008, and making nominations for this year's Parish Council, discussion was also held on ways to expand the Mission.

Expanded Choir / Liturgical Stands Debut - 02/03/08

On Sunday, February 3rd, our newly expanded choir sang the Divine Liturgy together for the first time. Also, debuting on this day were our newly fashioned icon and candle stands.

Baptism of Baby Isabella - 01/27/08

On Sunday, January 27th, Isabella Georgiana, daughter of Gerald and Camelia Milite, was baptized into the Orthodox Church. May God grant Isabella, her parents, and her sponsors, Michael and Nada McFarland many blessed years!

Three Chrismations - 01/20/08

On Sunday, January 20th, Todd Leasure, Michael McFarland, and Paul St. Germain entered into the Orthodox Church through Holy Chrismation. We congratulate them and their families and friends on this special day. May the Lord continue to guide and bless them in all things!

New Website Launched - 01/10/08

On Thursday, January 10th, Christ the Savior Orthodox Church launched its newly redesigned website.

First Services at Vines Creek - 12/30/07

On the weekend of December 29-30, 2007, the Mission celebrated its first services at its new home at Vines Creek (Dagsboro, Delaware). On Saturday evening before Vespers the church was blessed, and on Sunday morning the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated.

Nativity Greetings - 12/25/07

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Christ the Savior, Each Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of the Son of God in the flesh, we exchange gifts with one another as a token of our love and brotherly affection. This is an age old practice recalling the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, offered to the Christ Child by the wise men...

Construction Photos - 12/22/07

Our new church home is currently being prepared for our use. Check back here to see progress updates.

Mission Chooses New Home - 11/04/07

During the Special Parish Meeting of November 4, 2007, the members of Christ the Savior Mission decided unanimously to move the Church to Vines Creek, Delaware, where another rental facility would serve as the Mission's home until such a time as land could be purchased and a permanent church be built.

Special Parish Meeting - 11/04/07

On Sunday, November 4, 2007, a Special Parish Meeting was held at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church. The meeting was called to discuss the 2008 Budget and the future home of the Mission.

Baby Shower - 10/28/07

On Sunday, October 28th, there was a special coffee hour / baby shower for Gerald and Camelia who are expecting their first child this November. May the Lord bless them with all things necessary for happiness and salvation!

Patronal Feast - 08/16/07

On Thursday, August 16th, Christ the Savior Mission celebrated its patronal feast, honoring our Lord's Image Not-Made-By-Hands. This image is one of the earliest icons witnessed to by Church Tradition and is a reminder for all the faithful that we are called to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, Who is Himself the revelation of the invisible Father.

1st Archpastoral Visit of Metropolitan Herman - 07/08/07

On the weekend of July 7-8, 2007, His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman, the Archbishop of Washington and New York, visited Christ the Savior for the celebration of the liturgical services, a meeting with the Parish Council, and a festal meal with all the faithful parishioners and visitors.

Baptism of Symeon Province - 05/26/07

On Saturday, May 26th, Samuel (Symeon) Province entered the Holy Orthodox Church through Baptism and Chrismation.  We welcome Symeon with great joy!  May the Lord grant Him many blessed years!

In the News: Cape Gazette - 04/27/07

On Friday, April 27th, Christ the Savior Orthodox Church was featured in the religion section of the Cape Gazette.

Palm Sunday / Holy Week / Pascha - 04/08/07

The services of Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Pascha were celebrated at Christ the Savior from April 1st through April 8th. Many parishioners, family, and friends gathered for these most solemn liturgical celebrations of the Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We at Christ the Savior greet you all with the joyous exclamation, "Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!"

Paschal Greetings - 04/08/07

Dear Beloved Parishioners and Friends of Our Parish, Greetings on the Feast of Feasts, the Holyday of Holydays, the Pascha of the Lord! Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! The celebration of the Lord’s Pascha is not only the festal climax of our liturgical year, but it is also the spiritual climax of our very lives...

Holy Unction - 03/28/07

The Mystery of Holy Unction was served on Wednesday, March 28th, with nearly thirty people gathering to ask the Lord's healing and mercy through the sacramental anointing with Holy Oil.

Lenten Retreat - 03/17/07

On Saturday, March 17th, a small contingent of parishioners from Christ the Savior attended a Lenten Retreat held at Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, MD.

Parish Council Installation - 03/11/07

With the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman, the new parish council was installed into office at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Sunday, March 11, 2007.

Bible Study: Meeting of the Lord in the Temple - 02/13/07

On Tuesday, February 13th, from 7:00-8:30pm, a Bible Study was held at the church on the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple (Luke 22-39). After the study, questions were asked regarding numerous topics including: the soul after death, the nature of the resurrected body, the intermediate and final judgments, prayers for the dead, the Greek and Hebrew versions of the Old Testament, ascetic practices during the Lenten season, and the relationship between the NT Church and the OT Temple and Synagogues.

Bible Study: Baptism of Christ - 01/14/07

On Sunday, January 14th, from 7:00-8:30pm, a Bible Study was held at the church to look at the Baptism of the Lord. Following the Bible Study, those present engaged in a lively discussion on a variety of topics:  the end of times, the Book of the Revelation, the idea of the rapture, liturgical practices, the Sacraments of Holy Unction and Confession, and the difference between a spiritual father and a father confessor.

Baptism of Baby Jacob - 01/28/07

On Sunday, January 28th, Baby Jacob received Holy Baptism, becoming the newest member of our parish community and Christ's Holy Church. May God grant Jacob, his parent's Michael and Nada, his sponsors, family and friends, many blessed years!

Nativity Greetings - 12/25/06

Dear Beloved Parishioners and Friends of Our Parish, Greetings on the Great Feast of Our Lord’s Nativity! Christ is born! Glorify Him! Some two thousand years ago, the world experienced the greatest event in its history – the Word was made flesh...

Bible Study: The Nativity of Christ - 12/18/06

On Monday, December 18th, a Bible Study was held at the church to consider the Nativity of Christ as told in Biblical Tradition and the film, "The Nativity Story". Sixteen people participated in the study and lively discussion was had. All are welcome to attend the upcoming Bible Studies to be held at the church in January and February of 2007.  Dates and study topics are forthcoming.

Harvest Ball - 10/28/06

On October 28th, a Harvest Ball was held at the Golden Sands Resort in Ocean City, MD. The dinner dance was a splendid success, bringing together parishioners, long-time friends of the parish, and new supporters.

Retirement Party for Protopresbyter Daniel - 09/24/06

On Sunday, September 24th, the parishioners of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, held a special celebration in honor of Protopresbyter Daniel and Matushka Dunia Hubiak following the Divine Liturgy.

Mission Represented at Ukrainian Festival - 09/10/06

On September 9th and 10th, Christ the Savior Orthodox Church took part in the Ukrainian Festival held annually in Baltimore.  The parish's booth raised awareness of our Mission to the people of the Delmarva region, as well as funds, for the growth of the Mission.  Many thanks to those whose hard work made this possible!

Parrish's House Blessing - 08/26/06

On Saturday, August 26th, the Parrish's had their new home blessed. Following the house blessing, which was attended by family, friends, and parishioners, the Parrish's offered a barbeque.

Patronal Feast - 08/16/06

On Wednesday, August 16th, Christ the Savior Church celebrated its patronal feast with the commemoration of the Icon Not-Made-By-Hands.

New Priest Assigned - 08/06/06

On Sunday, August 6th, Christ the Savior Church welcomed Reverend John Parsells, a newly ordained priest from New Jersey, as her first fulltime pastor since her establishment in 2000.