ORTHODOX CHAPLAINS

 

Military Ordinary His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah (303) 333-7794 Endorsing Agent Rev. Luke Uhl (303) 333-7794 Consultant Rev. George I. Paulson CAPT, ChC, USN (Ret) (757) 422-5600

The Greek Orthodox chaplain is a priest who provides the Holy Mysteries to Orthodox Christians and who additionally provides pastoral ministry to people in all walks of life. Some priests serve full-time as chaplains in the armed forces, whereas other parish priests have assumed additional responsibilities as chaplains at Veteran’s Administration hospitals, with local police forces, at prisons, and in hospitals. One of the most significant features of chaplaincy activity is ministry to individuals other than Orthodox Christians, and the witness of our Orthodox faith among all Americans. Orthodox lay persons employed as professional hospital chaplains are not under the ecclesiastical supervision of the Archdiocese and are therefore not listed herein.

	ARMED FORCES CHAPLAINS Armed Forces chaplains are highly-qualified priests who (1) integrate the roles of clergy and commissioned officer, (2) care for Orthodox Christians while providing for the free exercise of religion by all personnel, and (3) understand the realities of military life.
	VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CHAPLAINS Veterans Administration chaplains are priests serving within VA facilities who are aware of the spiritual and moral dimensions which often arise from the anxieties, problems and fears which accompany illness and disabilities. These chaplains are also sensitive to the variety of religious and cultural backgrounds of the VA patients to whom ministry is provided.
	PRISON CHAPLAINS Prison chaplains are priests doing challenging, pastoral ministry with inmates, staff, and their families. These chaplains provide individual spiritual and personal counseling, help bring resolution to crisis situations, respond to inmate needs, and serve as advocates for inmates’ rights.
	POLICE CHAPLAINS Police chaplains minister to members of law enforcement agencies having spiritual, psychological or emotional problems. Specific duties include: crisis intervention, death notification, grief counseling, memorial services, victim and witness assistance, confidential pastoral care, stress management, spiritual guidance, marriage and family guidance.
	OTHER CHAPLAINS All parish clergy routinely visit patients in hospitals and meet with university students. Some priests have additional training and have attained qualifications to provide specialized ministry to individuals in these categories.