Orthodox Reflections

In a recent post, American Orthodox Soldiers Deserve Better, we mentioned that more resources for Orthodox military personnel were on the way. Today we are thrilled to bring attention to three of them. One new ministry is a YouTube channel called War Priest. Visit the channel here. Please be sure to like, subscribe, and spread the word. The channel, hosted by retired Orthodox military chaplain Fr George, describes itself as, “A podcast for Orthodox Christian Warriors serving in the military and as first responders, past, present, and future.”

Fr George was originally in combat arms before becoming a chaplain. He is very direct, and perhaps even a little rough around the edges at times. That kind of no nonsense manner plays very well to young men, especially those in tough jobs such as soldiers, police, paramedics, and other physical professions. Listening to Fr George will quickly dispel any notion that Orthodoxy in America is an academic subject, rather than the living faith of real people out in the trenches of life.

While  focused on the intersection of Orthodoxy and the military, the War Priest podcast is valuable for anyone who is concerned about a variety of contemporary topics (war, use of force, obeying immoral orders, the spread of paganism). Especially with the increased use of National Guard and other military assets for law and border enforcement, our young men in uniform need all the moral guidance they can get.

We’d especially like to to highlight this recent episode on the rise of Paganism in the military. Here is the segment description:

In this episode of War Priest, we discuss paganism within the military with retired US Army Master Sergeant Michael. Michael shares his personal journey from being a pagan from a young age, exploring various forms of paganism, to finally finding solace and truth in Orthodox Christianity. Join us as we discuss the rise of paganism among young men in the military, the allure of masculine archetypes in ancient religions, and how only Christ provides what they are truly looking for.

Paganism and Nazism are not confined to the military. We see both among young men in civilian life as well. Their reasons for pretending to be Vikings are often the same as explored in the War Priest episode – lack of masculine role models, disgust with overly feminized Protestantism, search for purpose in life, and the need for discipline.

Watch this important episode below or on YouTube.

The second ministry we are pleased to highlight is a new Website for Orthodox military personnel called The Faithful Centurion. A screen capture of the top frontpage is below.

Among the site’s initiatives is the design of an all new, field ready, water proof pocket prayer book. If you are Orthodox and currently serving in the military, or a veteran, you are invited to send recommended prayers for inclusion. Email prayer recommendations to TFC, subject heading “Prayer Book Recommendations” and they will consider them for inclusion in the Orthodox Christian Service Members Pocket Prayer Book.

By the way, if you regularly go camping and/or hiking, a waterproof pocket prayer book would be useful to you as well. Watch the site for availability. Buying one would be a great way to donate to a very worthy cause.

Another initiative is the building of an Orthodox Christian chapel dedicated to St. Elizabeth the New Martyr and All Military Saints. The chapel will serve as a place of worship for traveling Orthodox Christian service members, a space for Orthodox chaplains to minister, and will host regular prayer services throughout the year. Much more is happening, so please visit The Faithful Centurion, and share the site widely.

The military is a youth culture, by necessity as old men can’t fight wars. It is not only a fertile missionary field, but also an area that we need to do more for our own Orthodox Christians. These initiatives deserve our thanks and our support.