On Sunday, December 1, 2024, we were pleased to welcome Brad, Kaila, and Kirra Wright into the catechumenate during the Divine Liturgy. We humbly ask the Lord's continued blessing upon them as they prepare themselves for sacramental reception into the Orthodox Church!

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, a group of catechumens, inquirers, and parishioners embarked on a spiritual journey to Washington, D.C., visiting three iconic Orthodox cathedrals: St. Sophia Cathedral (GOARC), St. Nicholas Cathedral (OCA), and St. John the Baptist Cathedral (ROCOR). This pilgrimage was part of an intensive period of study and spiritual preparation for sacramental reception into the Orthodox Church. We are deeply grateful to the cathedrals for their warm hospitality and to the tour guides for providing such insightful and enriching tours!

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, we had the baptism of Ephraim James, son of Stephen and Kateri Parrish. We extend our congratulations to the entire family, including the grandparents, Bill and Kathy Parrish, as well as the sponsors, Joseph and Ginny Seeley. May the Lord grant them all health, strength, salvation, a furtherance in every good thing, and many blessed years!

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, the children participated in our annual St. Michael's party, by dressing as saints and angels, and they also enjoyed special activities. The St. Michael's Party also coincided with the parish Thanksgiving meal with the traditional foods and fixings. Many thanks to all who made this year's St. Michael's Party and Thanksgiving meal such a great success!

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, prayers were offered at the end of the Divine Liturgy for those in the healing ministries. We ask the Lord's continued blessings upon all those who work with Him in the healing of mankind's physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds and illnesses. May the Lord grant them many blessed years of faithful service to Him and their fellow man!

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, we were pleased to welcome Kaleb Evans into the catechumenate during the Divine Liturgy. We humbly ask the Lord's continued blessing upon him as he prepares himself for sacramental reception into the Orthodox Church!

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Anthony and Joanne Patrick celebrated their 50th Anniversary of Holy Marriage. A prayer of thanksgiving was offered to Almighty God for all of His countless blessings throughout their shared life together. We heartily congratulate the Patricks on this historic milestone and we ask that the Lord continue to bless them for many more years to come!

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, we celebrated the feastday of St. Innocent of Alaska and at the end of the Divine Liturgy there was special blessing for the choir director, members, and readers in honor of Church Musician Sunday. This blessing takes place annually on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Romanus the Melodist (October 1st). Appreciation was expressed to all who fufill this sacred work and flowers were bestowed upon Alexis DeArmitt, our choir director, in recognition of her very fine service to Christ the Savior. We ask that Lord's divine blessing upon them all so that they might continue to worthily fulfill this vital ministry.

We were happy to welcome Mitred-Archpriest James Parsells, from Ss. Peter & Paul in Manville, NJ, who traveled down to be with us as we celebrated the namesday of his son, Archpriest John and the 74th birthday of Archpriest Joseph Oleynik. Glory to God for a wonderful day!

On Sunday, September 22, 2024 the Women's Group went on a 90-minute sunset cruise in Lewes, Delaware. The evening was beautiful and the fellowship much appreciated by all. Thank you to Barbara Kaloroumakis for organizing the event and Cecilia Wyant, Robin Armstrong, and Laurie Morsey for the photos! Glory to God!

On Sunday, September 15, 2024, a soccer match was held at Showell Park between St. George's Greek Orthodox Church of Ocean City, MD and our own Christ the Savior Orthodox Church of Berlin, MD. The match, hopefully the first of many, ended in a 5-5 draw and a great time was had by all! We thank Fr. Christopher Xanthos and the faithful of St. George's for an enjoyable game and a beautiful evening together. Glory to God for all things!

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, we asked the Lord's blessing upon the teachers and students at the beginning of the Academic Year.  May the Lord enlighten and guide them into His divine truth!

On Sunday, September 1, 2024 we celebrated the Church New Year. According to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue on September 1 to announce His mission to mankind (Luke 4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, the Savior proclaimed, “The spirit of the Lord is upon Me; because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord...”

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, members and friends of Christ the Savior spent the day at the local Jolly Roger Splash Mountain Water Park in Ocean City.  The weather was beautiful and we thank God for a truly refreshing day! Join us next year!

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, the faithful gathered to celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, which is the annual festal commemoration the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of the Virgin Mary, the Birthgiver of God. After the Divine Services parishioners traveled to the local Chick-Fil-A to continue to the celebration and fellowship. Glory to God for a beautiful feastday!

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, faithful parishioners and guests gathered to celebrate the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Following the Divine Liturgy, we had the customary blessing of grapes and other various fruit. Glory to God for a beautiful feastday!

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, we had a pool party and evening swim at the church.  The event was to help us get ready for the Dormition Fast (starting August 1) and also to celebrate the Namesday of Fr. Joseph (July 31 – Noble Joseph of Arimathea). Good strength for the Fast to all and many blessed years to Archpriest Joseph!

On Sunday, July 28, 2024 about thirty parishioners from Christ the Savior went over to St. George's Greek Festival in Ocean City at the Convention Center and enjoyed traditional Greek music, food, and culture. We thank Fr. Christopher Xanthos and the community of St. George for the warm welcome and beautiful day!

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the end of the Divine Liturgy, we had the annual Blessing of Chariots (cars, trucks, bikes, etc).  The blessing was served by Archpriest Joseph Oleynik, Priest George Sharonoff, Archpriest John Parsells, and Protodeacon Gregory Moser. It is a custom of Orthodox Christians to have their cars blessed both when newly acquired and on or near the feast of the Prophet Elias (July 20th), as he ascended as if into heaven on a fiery chariot. We thank God for a truly blessed day!

On July 9 and 10, 2024, the funeral services for Matushka Annice Oleynik were held at Christ the Savior Church, Berlin, MD. Matushka Annice had departed this life on Saturday, July 6, at the age of 70. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Archpriest Joseph Oleynik, her children Melanie (James) Paulick, Julianna (Anthony) Cario, and Alexis (Justin) DeArmitt, and her grandchildren, Sophia, Jacob, Mary, Elijah, Daniel, Joseph, Thomas, Evelyn, and Micah, her mother, Matushka Evelyn Hubiak, and her sister, Larice Nescott.

A memorial was served by Metropolitan Tikhon on Tuesday, July 9, and the funeral was offered on Wednesday, July 10; both services were attended by numerous clergy and faithful from near and far. Matushka Annice was buried at St. Tikhon's Cemetery in South Canaan, PA on Thursday, July 11.

May Matushka Annice's memory be eternal!

It is with deep sadness, but firm consolation through faith in Jesus Christ as our Resurrection and Life, that we share with you the news that Matushka Annice Oleynik, surrounded by her husband, Archpriest Joseph, her daughters, and their families, gave her soul into the hands of the Lord at 3:36pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024. An obituary and the funeral arrangements have now been made available below. May the soul of the newly-departed handmaiden of God, Matushka Annicia, dwell among the righteous and may Her Memory be Eternal!

On Sunday, June 23, 2024, the faithful gathered to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. As is customary, the Vespers with Kneeling Prayers was served immediately following the Divine Liturgy. We congratulation all who celebrate on this high holy day!

On Sunday, June 16, 2024 the entire parish community offered their heartful and prayerful best wishes to David McAlpin, who celebrated his 90th birthday. We humbly ask the Almighty Lord God to grant him health, strength, salvation, a furtherance in every good thing, and many blessed years!

On Sunday, June 16, 2024, we were pleased to welcome Michael Prasalowicz into the catechumenate during the Divine Liturgy. We humbly ask the Lord's continued blessing upon him as he prepares himself for sacramental reception into the Orthodox Church!

On Sunday, June 9, 2024 a meeting was held for children and their parents to review the recently released Community Safety Guidelines. Dana Wyant made the presentation to the children, who raised questions and even offered ideas about how to make everyone even safer!

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, prayers were offered at the completion of the academic year, thanking the Lord for the blessing of His wisdom and knowledge, and asking Him to preserve the students in that which they have learned which is according to His divine law. 

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Sebastian and Johanna Klimitchev had their marriage solemnized by the Church. We congratulate them as well their family and friends who attended the Marriage Blessing service. May the Lord grant them many blessed years!

Each summer parishioners and friends of Christ the Savior take advantage of being so close to the beach by gathering together on Assateague Island and Ocean City following the Sunday events at the church. This year the following Sundays have been designated as Parish Beach Days: June 18, July 9, July 30, August 20, and September 10. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the fellowship and good times!

On Sunday, May 26, 2024, after the Divine Liturgy, we had our annual Cross Dive, which opened the swimming season at Christ the Savior. The faithful prayerfully asked the Lord God Almighty to bless the parish pool and the fellowship it provides, throwing in the life-giving Cross of Christ to sanctify the water. The precious Cross is then retrieved by the children of the parish, remembering the words of the Lord, "Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." Crosses were retrieved by Eliana and Damiana Milite.

On Thomas Sunday, May 12, 2024, an egg hunt was held for the children of the parish. In the Orthodox churches, Easter eggs are blessed by the priest at the end of the Paschal Service, and distributed to the faithful. The egg is seen by followers of Christianity as a symbol of resurrection: while being dormant it contains a new life sealed within it.

Christ the Savior is now offering a new class entitled Orthodoxy 201, covering various topics including:

Church History
Dogmatic Theology
The Liturgy
The Holy Mysteries
The Ascetical Life
Holy Scripture
Church Fathers
Church and State Relations
Science and Religion
Ethics and Pastoral Application
Comparative Theology
Contemporary Social and Moral Issues
and more!

The class meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00pm via Zoom (link below) and is open to all interested parties. Please contact the church for the Zoom password.  The first class beings on May 15, 2024 @ 7:00pm.

On Bright Friday, May 10, 2024 parishioners and friends gathered at the DeArmitt's home for a Paschal Party. While the weather was a bit cold this year, the fellowship was as great as ever and this festive celebration of Pascha was enjoyed by all. We give glory to God Almighty and many thanks to Justin and Alexis for opening their home to everyone and punctuating our Bright Week fellowship with a splendid party!

During the daily services of Great Lent the Church doubles the readings from the Psalter (Book of Psalms).  As our parish was not able to offer all of these services, a group of women, organized by Mat. Annice Oleynik, divided the Psalter into sections so that it could be read together each day. On Bright Wednesday, the Women's Psalter Group met at Cami Milite's house for dinner, fellowship, and to discuss their experience of reading the Psalter together. Many thanks to all who participated in the group and glory to God for all things!

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, the faithful gathered for the Midnight service, celebrating the Feast of Feast, Holy Pascha, which commemorates the Resurrection of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. More than 175 people gathered for the celebration of the liturgical services which were followed by the blessing of foods and a festive meal in the hall and rectory. We greet you all with the joyous exclamation, "Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!"

From April 29 - May 4, 2024, the faithful gathered at Christ the Savior to celebrate the solemn liturgical services of Great and Holy Week, which commemorate the Lord's voluntary Passion, Cross, Death and Burial.

On Great and Holy Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the faithful gathered for the Mystery of Holy Unction, the anointing with holy oil for the healing of soul and body. The Church’s practice of Holy Unction dates back to Apostolic times, see James 5:14.

On Palm Sunday, April 28, 2024 the faithful gathered to celebrate the Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem. A procession around the church was made while the faithful bore in their hands palms in honor of the festive occasion. Following the beautiful divine services, a traditional fish meal was offered for all present. Glory be to God for all things!

On Lazarus Saturday, April 27, 2024, we welcomed 10 new members into the Orthodox Church through Holy Baptism and Chrismation: Taylor Andrew, Elisha Sophia Immanuel, Arcadius, and Sybil Dymphna Applegarth; Matthew Williams; Carol Anne Fravel, Dana Michael Wyant; Alexander Ortiz; Adrienne Mary Dymphna Slate; and Adam Spallino. We congratulate them, their families, their friends, and all who attended this special event.  May the Lord grant the newly-illumined servants of God health, strength, salvation, a furtherance in every good thing and many blessed years!

On Sunday, April 14, 2024, parishioners and friends took part in a Cornhole Tournament during the fellowship hour after Divine Liturgy. The 16 teams with 32 total players competed in a March Madness-styled, bracketed tournament which resulted in a good time had by all. We thank the Lord for a beautiful day and all the participants as well as those who put on the event. Glory to God for all things!

The award-winning documentary, "Sacred Alaska", was shown at Christ the Savior on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 7pm.  The film offers an intimate look into Native Alaskan culture and spirituality. It showcases the profound influence of Orthodoxy, introduced by Russian monks in the late 18th century, on Alaskan society. The film highlights the unique way Alaskans have woven their indigenous beliefs with Orthodox traditions, deeply influencing their worldview. Central to this is the concept of learning to become a "real person." Through beautiful cinematography and powerful storytelling, "Sacred Alaska" underscores the profound, sacred bond between the Alaskan people, their faith, and the formidable landscape they call home.

The award-winning documentary, "Sacred Alaska", will be shown at Christ the Savior on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 7pm. The film offers an intimate look into Native Alaskan culture and spirituality. It showcases the profound influence of Orthodoxy, introduced by Russian monks in the late 18th century, on Alaskan society. The film highlights the unique way Alaskans have woven their indigenous beliefs with Orthodox traditions, deeply influencing their worldview. Central to this is the concept of learning to become a "real person." Through beautiful cinematography and powerful storytelling, "Sacred Alaska" underscores the profound, sacred bond between the Alaskan people, their faith, and the formidable landscape they call home. Absolutely everyone is welcome to attend this screening so please invite your family, friends, and anyone that you think might be interested! Don’t miss it!

On March 24, 2024, we celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy with a procession of icons to the Archway at our roadside entrance during the Divine Liturgy. There we had a reading of the ancient Synodicon, the affirmation of the Orthodox Faith that our salvation is proclaimed in both words and images, and the faithful recited the Nicene Creed. We congratulate all who celebrate on this day!

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 24, 2024 we were pleased to welcome four new catechumens: Nicholas Brittingham, Matthew and Kailyn Harmon, and William Wilkinson. We humbly ask the Lord's continued blessing upon them as they prepare themselves for sacramental reception into the Orthodox Church!

In honor of March Madness, we will have a Cornhole Tournament following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 4, 2024 (originally, 3/31/24).  Teams of two will compete in the bracket-style tournament with a trophy being bestowed upon the winning team.  If you would like to enter the tournament, please sign-up at the usher stand in the back of the church or submit your team(s) on our website.

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, following the Divine Liturgy, we had the beautiful and grace-filled Rite of Forgiveness before entering into the Holy Forty Days of the Great Fast. During this solemn ritual we ask and receive forgiveness from each other and the Lord, who says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.” (Matthew 6:14)

On Sunday, March 10, 2024, we congratulated Matushka Annice Oleynik on her 70th birthday (celebrated on March 4) with a birthday party during the fellowship hour after the Divine Liturgy. We humbly ask the Lord God Almighty to bless her with many more years of health, strength, and salvation!

On Sunday, March 10, 2024 with the blessing of our diocesan hierarch, Metropolitan Tikhon, the 2024 Parish Council members were installed into office. During the first meeting of the 2024 Council, Georgianne Mathews was elected Senior Warden and Ioana Davidson was elected Treasurer. May the Lord bless them all!

On Saturday, March 9, 2024, we had the baptism of Arden Elizabeth, son of Kevin and Sarah Kostyk. Following the baptism, everyone gathered at the Dunbar home to continue the celebration. We extend our congratulations to the entire family as well as the sponsors, Zach and Ioana Davidson. May the Lord grant them all health, strength, salvation, a furtherance in every good thing, and many blessed years!

From March 1-3, 2024, twenty parishioners led by Fr. John traveled to New York City to see an exhibition on African and Byzantine Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and attend local churches.

The churches visited were the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection (OCA) on Second Street, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Moscow Patriarchate) on 97th Street, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign (ROCOR) on 93rd Street, and Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Cathedral (OCA) on Grand Street in Jersey City, NJ.

We are appreciative of all the churches who welcomed us so warmly and we thank all those who made this trip possible! Glory to God for a wonderful weekend!

We resume our Bible Study on Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00pm with a new book: The Epistle of St. Jude. The holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostle Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and his brother, along with St. James, by virtue of being the son of St. Joseph the Betrothed. He is also called Levi or Thaddeus and sometimes the name Jude is rendered as Judas, but he is not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, the Apostle Matthew (also called "Levi"), or the Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy. He is referenced in the Synoptic Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and wrote an epistle which is part of the New Testament. His feast day is on June 19. All are invited!

On Thursday, February 8, 2024 there was a gathering of the Women’s Group at The Irish Penny in Salisbury, MD.  It was also a celebration of Marian’s birthday and a little February doldrums “pick-me-up”. All ladies in the parish and friends (18+) are welcome to the Women's Group events! Please see Pat McAlpin for more info.

On Sunday, January 28, 2024, Christ the Savior had its Annual Parish Meeting. The agenda, reports, budget and draft minutes for the meeting are available below. We thank all who attended, presented reports, and assisted with the minutes!

On Friday, January 19, 2024, parishioners from Christ the Savior joined other Orthodox Christians and countless people who gathered for the March For Life in Washington, DC. The march is a pro-life rally protesting abortion, held in the nation's capital near the anniversary of the infamous decision in the United States Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which was thankfully overturned in 2022. 

On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Archpriest Joseph Oleynik blessed the rectory in the Parish Center. Following the service for the annual blessing of a home, there was an open house in the rectory. Appreciation is expressed to Fr. Joseph as well as all who attended, prayed, prepared food, and shared in fellowship.

The Great Feast of Theophany was celebrated on January 5-6, 2024 as the faithful gathered to commemorate Christ's baptism in the Jordan River and the revelation of the Holy Trinity. After celebrating the Divine Liturgy at Christ the Savior, we then joined Fr. Christopher Xanthos and the faithful of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City for the Annual Blessing of the Atlantic Ocean. Glory to God for a wonderful celebration!