Being a Marine vs. Being Orthodox: Which First?

Tessa · Post by **Tessa** » Wed 13 October 2004 10:28 pm

Not a REAL war? Any time Service members get killed in a foreign country its a REAL War. Go tell a Marine or an Army Solider who has been to Iraq or Afganistan they are not in a real war. See what they say to you.

Like Anastasios said-in Afghanistan AND Iraq U.S. servicemen do there tour, get paid, and God willing, if they stay alive they get to go home. In Bosnia, Hercegovina, and Serbian Krajina our men (SERBs) didn't fight for mear months-but YEARS, without pay-often times without even rations. I know people, like my husband, that subsisted on canned catfood for months on end. And our men and boys weren't fighting against some "target" that they had never seen before, but against people that they had worked with, played with, and LIVED with for generations. Can you imagine what that is like, trying to kill someone who stood up in your wedding? I can't. War is horrible. I support President Bush 100%- but Nektarios, just because you might end up fighting over there doesn't mean you can act arrogant like your so much more experienced than everyone else.

Justin · Post by **Justin** » Tue 19 October 2004 12:33 am

Wow. Can you actually have your weapon blessed? The question is, would your priest do it? I'd be first in line! I suppose there has to be some manner of "just war" protocol (and I bet it has something to do with The Church being the State Church, too, though...).

gphadraig · Post by **gphadraig** » Tue 19 October 2004 1:36 pm

Who outside Israel most impressed Our Saviour? The believing Roman centurion, an officer who would have occupied that rank only by proving his worth as a soldier.

Of those who actually do lay down their lives for others, many are soldiers (or members of the other arm services). A soldier is one under obedience. If he or she kills wantonly and outside their allotted role then it is murder, pure and simple.

If you remember the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question regarding whether was lawful to pay taxes to the occupying Roman authority. Jesus answer was to render to Caesar that was Caesar's and to God that was God's.

A Christian is a Christian before all else, but is required to submit to lawfull earthly authority.

Pride has been mentioned and is a sin, taking many forms and many of us unaware. Giving honour to one's unit and loving one comrades is not pride surely? Struggling always to be an obedient and effective soldier is a soldier's duty, , me thinks.

John Haluska · Post by **John Haluska** » Wed 20 October 2004 1:39 pm

How many of you have actually served in the armed forces of the United States of America?

John

gphadraig · Post by **gphadraig** » Wed 20 October 2004 6:17 pm

Not with but alongside. One day I was across in London walking along minding my own business and heard my name being called by someone with an American accent. Thought nothing of it and walked on only to feel a heavy hand upon my shoulder. It was an old comrade, Radioman 1st class then. Blamed him for introducing my wife to alcohol. But a very welcome change encounter in a foreign land with a very dear comrade.....

Subdeacon John · Post by **Subdeacon John** » Thu 2 December 2004 12:40 am

John Haluska wrote:
How many of you have actually served in the armed forces of the United States of America?

John

I served in the army. How about you?

John

John Haluska · Post by **John Haluska** » Sat 18 December 2004 9:36 am

Yes,
US Army
Sgt
1965-1968