On the weekend of December 29-30, we welcomed His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon for his first archpastoral visit to Christ the Savior Mission. Approximately seventy people gathered from near and far for this festive and celebratory weekend. Joining His Beatitude were Archpriest David Straut, Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak, and Subdeacon Roman Ostash.

His Beatitude congratulated the faithful of the mission on their new facilities, thanking them for the work which they have been doing to the glory of God, and encouraging them to continue their dedication to building up the Body of Christ in Delmarva.

On Saturday evening, following the Vespers, a meal was hosted in the parish hall, during which Metropolitan Tikhon offered a short talk on Orthodoxy and answered questions from the parishioners and visitors.

On Sunday morning, during the Divine Liturgy, His Beatitude awarded Fr. John with the privilege of wearing the nabedrennik (a priestly vestment), thanking him for his labors, as well as those of Mat. Emily, and the faithful of the parish, who have been his coworkers and together share the honor with him.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the custom of St. Basil’s Bread was kept. The blessed coins were received by the Catherine Lupiwok, Oscar Hageman, Darrell Wilson, and Elisabeth Parsells; congratulations to them and their families!

The weekend concluded with a festal luncheon and open house in the hall and rectory. Sincere appreciation is expressed to Metropolitan Tikhon, the assisting clergy, the faithful visitors and parishioners, who attended from near and far, as well as to all those who labored to make this weekend such a joyous occasion.  Glory and thanks be to Almighty God!

May the Lord’s blessings be with you, your family and friends, and each and every one of us both now, in the near year, and forever!