During the 1950s, a chapter of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship was
established in the Harrisburg area with about 20 members. Although this
fellowship lasted for only five years, a seed was planted for the eventual
establishment of an Orthodox parish in this region.

In December 1962, the first organizational meeting, held in a real estate
office, was attended by Fr Michael Rachko and five founding fathers. They
recognized the need for a multiethnic parish that would accomodate the needs of
people living in the capitol region, those moving into the area for goverment
employment, as well as those moving away from older areas with poor economic
conditions. The founders realized that not all these people were of Slavic
backgrounds, and desired to establish an English-speaking parish where all
would feel welcome.

The petition for the establishment of a parish was accepted by Metropolitan
Leonty in January 1963. The new parish was given the name "Christ the
Savior Eastern Orthodox Church" with the Holy Resurrection as its feast
day, and placed in the Diocese of Wilkes-Barre. Fr Michael Rachko was assigned
as parish priest. With the donated services of George W Gekas, Esq., now a US
Congressman, the parish in 1964 compiled its constitution and bylaws based on
the Normal Statutes, and was incorporated as a non-profit organization.

The first Divine Liturgy was held in a second floor "upper room" at
the YMCA in downtown Harrisburg on March 10, 1963. During this early period the
parish council worked long hours and held many meetings to resolve various
details the new parishes have. One main issue was to find permanent quarters
for worship, and in March of that year the parish leased a "house
chapel" from Epiphany Lutheran Church in Harrisburg. Many liturgical items
and church furnishings were donated from other Orthodox churches and the
Lutheran church. During these earlier years the parish began to take shape and
grow. Some parish organizations, the choir, and Sunday School were organized.

In 1965, Fr Michael Rachko was relieved of his duties as priest of the parish.
Fr Daniel Ressetar, a former US Air Force Chaplian previously stationed in San
Antonio, TX, was assigned to the parish on July 1, 1965. Fr Dan currently
remains rector of Christ the Saviour Church. Fr Michael G Kovach, retired from
his post at Millersville University, was attached to the parish in 1986 as an
associate priest. Fr Neal J Carrigan was attached to the parish in 2002 as
assistant priest.

Also in 1965, the parish purchased five acres of property with a Cape Cod home
at 5501 Locust Lane in Colonial Park. Settlement occured on September 14, 1965,
and the groundbreaking for a new church was held on October 3 of the same year,
with construction beginning shortly thereafter. Some of the work was done by
parishioners. On March 28, 1966 the parish celebrated the first Liturgy at the
new church. The dedication was celebrated by Bishop Kiprian on April 24, 1966.

Over the years, the parish continued to grow rapidly. Several new organizations
were formed, providing members opportunities for stewardship and fellowship.
Fund-raising activities were held to help defray the mortgage which was
"burned" in October 1976. Regular anniversary celebrations were held
over the years, along with different special events, lectures, and retreats.

Christ the Saviour Church celebrated its twentieth anniversary in November
1983. During this year, a pledge drive was started for the building of a new
church. With the financial goals reached, the design of the new church by Fr
Alexis Vinogradov, a priest- architect, was approved in late 1985.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on April 6, 1986 by Bishop Herman.
Construction commenced later that year, and the first Liturgy in the new church
was celebrated by Fr Dan on August 23, 1987. A new Iconostas was constructed,
with the icons written by Fr Theodore Jurewicz. The old church was renovated
into the parish hall.

The consecration of the new church was held in conjunction with the parish's
25th anniversary on September 24-25, 1988. Metropolitan Theodosius and Bishop
Herman officiated, along with Fr Dan, Fr Michael, and visiting clergy. The
following year, Bishop Herman blessed the new bell tower donated by Stephen and
Katherine Macut.

In 1994, Fr Theodore Jurewicz began the project of writing the icon murals for
the interior of the church. He finished his work in May 1998, and in October
1998 the icons were blessed in conjunction with the 35th anniversary of the
parish.

Throughout the years, the parish hosted many events. Among these were retreats,
FOCA [Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America] conventions (both district
and the 1994 and 2002 national conventions), winter mixers, dinners, sales,
Lenten Mission services, including the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers in 1989 and
1998, and a Thanksgiving service for the Millenium of the Baptism of Rus in
1998. Some of the honored guests who have visited the parish include
Metropolitan Theodosius of Tokyo, Metropolitan Anthony of Chernigov, Archbishop
Alexey of Kazakhstan, Archbishop Abel of Poland, Mr Nicholas Zernov of England,
Mother Alexandra of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Frs Vladimir Borichevsky,
Alexander Schmemann, Thomas Hopko, John Nehrebecki, Paul Lazor, Michael
Dahulich, and the choirs from St Tikhon's and St Vladimir's Seminaries.

Today, Christ the Saviour Church continues to be a vibrant and active community
where all are welcome, regardless of ethnic background. Please worship with us
when in the Harrisburg area.