25th Anniversary Celebrations

On August 23–24, 2025, we welcomed His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, together with beloved clergy, parishioners, and friends from near and far to Christ the Savior Orthodox Church for the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the parish. A spirit of deep gratitude to God and joy in the Lord was tangibly felt by all as we reflected on the abundant blessings poured out upon our community over the past quarter century. We send up glory to God for all things and pray for His continued providential care as we seek to serve Him in the years ahead.

The celebration began Saturday afternoon with a joyful lunch and pool party at the parish, allowing parishioners, guests, and families to reconnect and enjoy one another’s company in a relaxed setting. At 4:30pm, Metropolitan Tikhon met with parishioners and visitors for an informal discussion, sharing his personal journey to Holy Orthodoxy, life as a monk at St. Tikhon’s Monastery, and his service as bishop and primate of the Orthodox Church in America. He graciously fielded questions from both children and adults, fostering a warm, at times humorous and uplifting exchange that many described as one of the most memorable parts of the weekend.

Later in the afternoon, a memorial service was held for all departed members of the parish, including our departed hierarchs, Metropolitans Theodosius and Herman; our founding priest, Protopresbyter Daniel Hubiak; Deacon Stephen Hall; Monk Christian; and all departed parish family and loved ones. Great Vespers was then served, after which the clergy enjoyed dinner together in fellowship.

On Sunday morning, Metropolitan Tikhon was greeted at the church entrance by the clergy and faithful before leading the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating were Archpriest John Parsells and Archpriest Joseph Oleynik, together with Deacon Alexander Woodill, Protodeacon Gregory Moser, and Protodeacon Mark Oleynik. The church was filled to capacity, with 194 people prayerfully participating in the Liturgy.

During the service, His Beatitude awarded Archpriest John the palitsa in recognition of his nearly 20 years of service to Christ the Savior. The choir sang beautifully and prayerfully, offering their very best to the Lord for this milestone celebration.

Fr. John welcomed all who had traveled to join in the celebrations, especially our founding members, first among them Matushka Dunia Hubiak, who made the long journey with her daughter Lori Nescott to be with us for this milestone.

Following the Divine Liturgy, everyone gathered at Signatures Bayside Restaurant for the 25th Anniversary Luncheon. This was a joyful occasion for parishioners, visitors, and guests to celebrate together in thanksgiving for God’s blessings over the past 25 years.

Flowers were presented to Metropolitan Tikhon, to our senior warden and 25th Anniversary Celebration chair, Georgianne Mathews, and to our choir director, Alexis DeArmitt. The children of the parish presented Fr. John with handmade cards and artwork in gratitude for his pastoral care and love for the community.

Archpriest Joseph Oleynik presented Metropolitan Tikhon with sacred vestments and a panagia once worn by St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, His Beatitude’s heavenly patron, on the centennial of St. Tikhon’s repose.

Fr. John shared the exciting announcement that the parish had successfully completed its $100,000 building fund matching challenge in just the first seven months of 2025. To the delight and applause of all present, he revealed that our anonymous donor had now graciously offered a new $150,000 match, doubling every dollar given until the goal is reached.

Adding to the excitement, architectural drawings and renderings of the proposed new Temple were displayed for the first time, giving everyone a glimpse of the future spiritual home that, by God’s grace, will serve the faithful for generations to come.

Special thanks are due to Georgianne Mathews and the entire 25th Anniversary Committee for the many hours of planning and hard work that went into making this celebration such a beautiful and memorable event for all.

This anniversary year has been one of continued growth and renewed vision for our parish. The progress in our building fund is a testament to the generosity, unity, and faith of our parish family. With the new $150,000 match, we are working toward raising $500,000 in our 25th year, propelling us closer to beginning construction of our new church temple in Berlin, Maryland.

We invite all to join in this sacred effort through prayer, donations, and pledges for 2025–2027, as a one-time gift or in installments, for the health or memory of loved ones. Together, we can glorify God and bless future generations.

As we look back on our 25th Anniversary weekend, we give thanks for the many hands and hearts that made it possible. The clergy, choir, altar servers, faithful parishioners, and visiting friends all came together in one mind and one heart to offer thanksgiving to Almighty God. We were also blessed to receive heartfelt reflections from members and friends of Christ the Savior, sharing how the parish has touched their lives. It was a celebration not only of the past, but of the living, vibrant Body of Christ at work in our midst, united in the hope of the Gospel and the building up of His Church for the generations to come.

Glory to God for All Things!