iEcclesia Season III

Episode 56:

Soldiers for Christ: The Military and the Orthodox Church

Program Information

Episode Summary

The word “freedom” is a word that is taken for granted so often in today’s day and age. It is a word that is taken for granted, because we have so many freedoms and rights that many before us did not enjoy even 50 years ago. These blessings were not given to us by chance, however; many brave people sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Members of the military helped to defeat people such as Hitler, Mussolini, and other such dictators. These people continue to fight today in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq and other combat zones, in order to bring peace to places that are in dire need of it. While we might not agree with the policy of governments, we all agree that these brave men and women are worthy of honour and our prayers for a safe return home to their families.

As we approach Remembrance Day, November 11th, iEcclesia honours all our brave men and women, and especially our military chaplains.

Join us today as we discuss our Soldiers for Christ: The Military and the Orthodox Church.

The Military is something that many of us do not associate with Orthodox Priests now...possibly in the past with the wars, but not with today's conflicts. So, because of that, there are a lot of stereotypes attributed to Military Chaplains, especially with the images brought about by television and movies. Host Tim Prattas begins the program asking what does a Military Chaplain do in today’s day and age. Next, our guest talks about  situations that he's been in and are unique to the military and his ministry as a priest. Next, Father Paul discusses the “rules” for chaplains in the military. The program continues with our guest commenting on how he would characterize servicemen and women he worked with. As in any case, the Church is there to be a loving Mother. our hosts asks how can the Church help people in their calling as defenders of our countries (both clergy and laity). Father Paul also tells us if there a Patron saint for the military. The program concludes with final thoughts.

Guest Information

- Former Military Chaplain (U.S. Naval Reserves) from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

-sServed from 1998 - 2008, earning the rank of Lieutenant

- Had served the Church in Canada, being a Parish Priest in Sudbury, Ontario

- Now serves at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Schenectady, New York

- Proud father of Prokopios - 19, Georganna - 16, and Michael - 14