The Metropolis of Chicago is excited to share the news about a unique Blessing of the Waters Service.
This past Sunday, Navy Lieutenant Commander Father David C. Hostetler–a native Chicagoan-currently assigned to St. Nicholas Orthodox Chapel, US Marine Camp Foster on the island of Okinawa, Japan, held the very first outdoor Blessing of the Water Service in the East China Sea for military servicemen and their families.
During a phone conversation, Fr. Hostetler expressed his hope and desire that this important service for Orthodox Faithful served to bring spiritual comfort to the military servicemen and their families currently stationed so far from home. His assignment, as he understands it, offers him the opportunity to ensure that Orthodox Christians serving our nation in the military have the opportunity to fully participate in our Orthodox Christian faith.
His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago and His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos are very proud of Father David Hostetler and the important work that he is doing. We all pray for God’s protection and the fruitful continuation of Fr. David’s chaplaincy.
