On the weekend of July 7-8, the faithful welcomed His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, together with friends of the Mission from both near and far for the celebratory festivities of "Opening Weekend". Over 100 people gathered on this weekend as we offered thanks to the Lord and those who worked together with Him for the acquisition and beautification of the new Parish Center in Berlin, Maryland.

Following the blessing of the Chapel and installation of the new antimens on Saturday afternoon, everyone was invited to stay for a barbeque and pool party. An early Vigil was served at 4:00pm before retiring for the evening. On Sunday morning, His Beatitude led the celebration of the hierarchical Divine Liturgy, which was followed by a festal meal and fellowship by the pool. The weekend concluded with a molieben of Thanksgiving, during which we thanked God for all of His wondrous blessings:

"O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, the God of all mercies and compassion, Whose mercy cannot be measured and Whose love for mankind is an unfathomable deep: As unprofitable servants falling down with fear and trembling before Thy majesty, now humbly bearing thanksgiving unto Thy deep compassion for Thy benefits bestowed upon Thy servants, we glorify, praise, hymn and magnify Thee as Lord and Master and Benefactor; and again falling down in thanksgiving for Thine immeasurable and ineffable loving-kindness, humbly we pray: That, as now Thou has counted Thy servants worthy that their supplications be received and mercifully fulfilled, likewise in the time to come, as they flourish in sincere love for Thee and in every virtue, Thou wilt vouchsafe all Thy faithful to receive Thy benefits. Delivering Thy Holy Church and this town from every evil circumstance, and granting unto them peace and tranquility, do Thou count them worthy always to offer thanksgiving, to tell of Thy most-gracious benefits, and to sing unto Thee, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy Most-holy, Good and Consubstantial Spirit, God worshiped in one essence, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."