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| Orthodox chaplains with Archbishop Justinian of the Russian Patriarchal parishes in the US, a ubiquitous presence in recent pan-Orthodox events. |
(SVOTS) - Military chaplains, solemn and dignified in crisp dress uniforms, were honored guests at our annual open house, Orthodox Education Day, this year with the theme, “For God and Country.” The seminary, recognizing the "double Cross" Orthodox Christian chaplains bear in their obedience to the Church and military authorities, filled the day with special presentations and exhibitions, all of which paid homage to our military service men and women, and especially to the "fathers in the field" who serve as pastors to them.
The excellent keynote by The Rev. Dr. Philip LeMasters, "Orthodox Perspectives on Peace, War, and Violence," and the especially moving workshop by Dr. Stephen Muse, "Listen, Witness, and Weep: What Can the Church Offer Service Men and Women?," may be heard as podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio, here (Fr. LeMaster's talk will be available October 5th; Dr. Muse's talk will be available October 19th).
Also, notably, a commendation was given by seminary Chancellor/CEO Archpriest Chad Hatfield to Archpriest Michael Kovach, the oldest living alumnus of our school, and the second Orthodox Chaplain ever to be commissioned by the U.S. military.
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Speaking of military chaplains, the federal government last week authorized chaplains to perform same-sex weddings -- both on and off federal installations.
ReplyDeleteSome Catholic clerics have said that this federal ruling violates DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act -- a union between a man and a woman), which became a federal law in 1993; however, President Obama has told his attorney general and other top lawyers in his administration not to support DOMA any more.
I can foresee a court case on this issue -- whether or not DOMA must be recognized by the federal government -- in the very near future.
The chaplain 2nd from the left in the photo is Father Daniel Ressetar, 84, retired Air Force lt. col and pastor emeritus of Christ the Saviour Church, Harrisburg, PA (OCA). Father Michael Kovach, attached to the same church, will turn 93 next month. Many years!
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