In the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Indirect Fire

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:30:39 +0000

A mortar attack on his base prompts Fr. David to look back on past experiences with indirect fire.

Resembling Dust

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:55:35 +0000

Fr. David explains how the humility that comes with exhaustion can bring you very close to God.

Being an Impostor

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:10:16 +0000

Fr. David tries to put himself in the shoes of a non-canonical Orthodox chaplain who is attempting to minister to canonical Orthodox marines.

In Between

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:55:45 +0000

Fr. David describes what it's like when you're about to deploy or about to come home.

Facing West

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:00:43 +0000

Fr. David Alexander presents his final episode of In the Vally of the Shadow of Death. As he prepares to return home from Afghanistan, he reflects on what he has learned and those things for which he is thankful.

Convoy

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:39:35 +0000

Fr. David explains that with convoys, as with life, the worst parts are paradoxically also the best.

Eve Means Life

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:00:01 +0000

Fr. David has been away from his baby daughter, Eve Marie, for five months. Here he reflects on the nature and meaning of their long-distance relationship.

Paschal Joy, Paschal Lessons, Paschal Rest

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 03:46:23 +0000

Fr. David shares some of the joys and frustrations of celebrating Pascha in Afghanistan.

Finding Scott Hakim

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:04:11 +0000

While looking for an Orthodox Marine, Fr. David is reminded that, when conducting a search, you often find much more than you bargained for.

A Just War

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:16:33 +0000

Fr. David applies St. Augustine's seven principles of a just war to Operation Enduring Freedom.

Fallen Angels

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:42:14 +0000

Fr. David explains that there are many similarities between American Marines and the Afghani people, particularly in the area of loss.

Brief Moments

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:47:15 +0000

Fr. David reminds us that we need to be content where we are, looking for those brief moments in which God can speak to people who need to hear.

Full Hearts

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:35:50 +0000

Fr. David sends his first group of Marines into a fight on their own, and he blesses them before they go.

A Table in the Presence of My Enemies

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:12:56 +0000

Fr. David describes what it's like to build and prepare an Orthodox altar for his Marines in Afghanistan, most of whom are not Orthodox Christians.

Faithful Guardians of Soul and Body

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:00:01 +0000

Fr. David reflects on guardian angels, both his earthly protector, the Chaplain's Assistant, and his heavenly one.

How Do I Say Goodbye?

feeds@ancientfaith.com (Fr. David Alexander and Ancient Faith Radio) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:37:29 +0000

Fr. David describes the various ways in which he and his Marines say goodbye to family and friends before going to war.