ORTHODOX CHAPLAINS

[gimme your lunch money]

The USS Harry S Truman had Muslim, Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Chaplains. I think it was generally understood that only Orthodox could Commune at the Liturgy. But, of course, it is the same at normal Churches: whether or not someone is really Orthodox is left up to the honesty of the person Communing. If they take Communion and they are not Orthodox, I'm sure they are only eating and drinking to their own condemnation as anywhere else.

[Mykael]

I long have wondered how an Orthodox priest can serve in the military, for many reasons. At the very least, all military personnel are obligated (I believe this is the non-negotiable military position) to kill, if commanded to do so. That, of course, would destroy a priest's future immediately. Or, if a priest were maimed while in the military, he would be removed from his holy office. These are sobering scenarios.
...My concerns extend to laypeople in the military, also. For example, my first-born wishes to be graduated from an Orthodox seminary, after he finishes college. If, by whatever fluke, he were to end up in the military, he would risk destroying his future within the Church. (for reasons cited above)

This is not "an easy topic" by any means. Nor am I particularly qualified to speak of an institution (the military) of which I have no direct experience.

I think this has the potential for becoming a fruitful thread.

Sincerely,

Orthodox6

I can not speak for certain on other braches but the U.S. Army classifies Chaplins as Noncombantants. They firmly state..."The Army will neither require nor allow you to bear arms as part of your military duties. " also..." You will lead the Unit Ministry Team (UMT), which consists of you and a trained Chaplain Assistant. Since a Chaplain is a non-combatant, you do not carry a weapon at any time. Your Chaplain Assistant provides security for the UMT. They're fully trained on the conduct of worship services, as well as Soldier-specific tasks. "

Chaplin assisstants on the other hand ARE combatants... they recieve "instruction in how to support the Army's religious ministry and how to respond to Soldiers during their times of personal crisis. You'll also be responsible for performing administrative duties, bearing arms and providing protection for the Chaplain. "

I had looked into this possiblity but I am getting too old and my service too long to avail myself of the chance. If you are interested ...you could look here...http://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/about_army_chaplain.jsp

Lowly Mykael

[gimme your lunch money]

You can say that again.

[DavidHawthorne]

CHrist is in Our Midst!
Thank you, Orthodox 6 for clarifying that a little for me. Yes, things are pretty obscure sometimes in a pluralistic quasi-secular democracy like ours (O.K., for the record I am a died in the wool Orthodox Monarchist at heart) but I was curious how an exclusivist communion like our Orthodox Faith could handle a situation as diverse as the military and its members. For "world" Orthodox members it would be difficult enough, but I couldn't see members of some of the traditionalist groups functioning effectively as chaplains without some real friction developing. It seems that traditionalist groups with closed communions- closed even to other Orthodox- would have to take the position of the earliest believers when both military and political service were strongly frowned upon.
In Christ,
Rd. David

[Mykael]

Thank you for your reply, Mykael. I am relieved if our cousin is "safe" as a "non-combatant." With respect to my son, my worry actually is if he were to spend time in the military prior to entering seminary -- thus risking being maimed or (worse) killing somebody. . . . Orthodox6

I am afraid that no one is "safe" as long as they wear the uniform. As for the other...Psalm 90 says it all. One can not fear what might happen. If he is meant/wants to be a priest and prepares to accept if he is called then what more can he do? I will never disuade someone from military service. I believe it is an act of love, a truly selfless and selfemptying love if served with the right mind. Not every one must serve in the infantry. Besides we NEED more priests, and where could they be MORE needed?

lowly Mykael

[gimme your lunch money]

I don't think the military is an environment that ANY Orthodox, world or traditional, would fit in very well.

[John Haluska]

First of all...had I had eggs and bacon for breakfast, I could have literally "wiped the egg from my face"; figuratively, I do apologize for my unilateral assumption with respect to the "hail" I posted! Sorry!

Actually, not justifiably, Fathers could very well be "the bishops" of their own house churches, as our homes are "little churches."

Thank you all very much for the information and contributions! Most questions were answered, and then some. Yet, I would like to see a response to my question concerning the lack of Chaplains in the service. Re. the individual who believes he is "too old"...you are never "too old", you are needed.

There appears to be a couple Veterans, who responded, as well as a couple Marines ("SEMPER FI", if I may have the honor to say so) in this forum. I respect the Marines.

Chaplains are NOT required to "fight". They do, however, die in war.

An Orthodox Chaplain on a carrier? Outstanding! I had to do a 2hr bus, plus hitch hike to a Church in Okie City when I was at Sill; and a 3 1/2 train ride to a chapel in Wiesbaden. Most of the time, I read out of my prayer book.

Your statement:

"I don't think the military is an environment that ANY Orthodox, world or traditional, would fit in very well."

I TOTALLY agree.

However, you as I did, enlisted. The Army was (back then) the only branch that used the “draft”. The Air Force, Navy/Marines, Coast Guard are 4 year voluntary hitches.

"It is an “environment” that is almost anti-Orthodox, if one can classify either barracks or ship ‘life’ as conducive to Orthodoxy.

For the Orthodox Christian who voluntarily chooses to be in the service (now) it could almost be considered a podvig. That is, giving up ones freedom, life, for service to their country. Most laudable.

Our “environments” were totally different, yet they were identical. Except, the only females on base were in the PX as CIVILIAN cashiers or cooks. NOT soldiers! Back then there were WACS, WAVES.

Neither of us had any "privacy". You were on a ship for a long time; I was in barracks or field OP bunkers…but…I could get away. You got away when you were given shore leave.

When, in the future, the “draft” is reinstated, individuals will involuntarily be in the service.

My premise is as I have stated, I really believe there should be more Orthodox Chaplains to help Orthodox Christians who are in the service.

John Haluska