During the holidays, some troopers struggle with being unable to practice their religion on holy days. Thanks to the Joint Task Force Guantanamo command, several Troopers will now be able to feel a little more at home and enjoy the Easter holiday to its fullest.
Eastern Orthodox Christian priest, Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy Ullmann, chaplain, is visiting troopers at JTF Guantanamo during the Orthodox Holy Week and Pascha, April 7-21.
"I got a call from U.S. Army Southern Command and was informed that [Navy Rear Adm. David M. Thomas Jr.] made a request for an Orthodox priest," said Ullmann, who is stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. "He was aware that there are a number of Orthodox Christians here and wanted to do something for them."
Ullmann, who has been an Orthodox chaplain since 1993, has two main purposes during his visit.
"He is here to support the Troopers," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Clint Pickett, the JTF command chaplain "He is here to facilitate the religious and spiritual needs of the men and women here."
A chaplain upholds the free practice of religion from a legal and spiritual standpoint.
"The chaplain is absolutely vital and essential to the troopers," Ullmann explained. "When the chaplain visits, there is that connection and peace that the faithful have that they cannot get anywhere else."
The Orthodox religion was founded by Christ and the Apostles, Ullmann stated. It has not changed since 33 A.D. The Roman Catholic Church was part of the Orthodox Church, but divided in 1054 A.D. Both are part of Holy Tradition, meaning they all date back to the day of Pentecost.
"We have an Eastern style and understanding," Ullmann explained. "Meaning, the roots of our church come from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa."
The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Easter a week later than most Christian religions in America according to Ullmann. This is because Eastern Orthodox Christians live by the liturgical calendar.
"I hope while he is here, people are able to learn about a different religion that hasn't been here in many years," said Pickett.
Some troopers will have the opportunity to learn about a new religion, while others will be able to practice their religion instead of having to travel off the island for Easter and Pascha services.
"This is my third year here, and there has never been an Orthodox chaplain since I got here," said Valentina Gontscharow, JTF military advisory team program manager. "Easter is the most important holiday in the Orthodox Church. I usually go back home to Washington, D.C., for Holy Week and Easter services."
Gontscharow, who has been a practicing Orthodox Christian since she was a little girl, explained that Easter is something an Orthodox Christian tries, by all means, to attend.
"People who do not go to church all year show up for Easter midnight service," explained Gontscharow.
Gontscharow has never missed an Easter service since childhood. This year she did not plan to go home for Easter service due to personal issues.
"I was going to ask for God's forgiveness for not attending Easter for the first time in my life," explained Gontscharow, who plans on attending every service. "I consider it to be a blessing that the church came to me."
Ullmann will hold 14 services during his visit, all in preparation of the Pascha.
"I am honored and privileged to provide religious services to the Troopers at Guantanamo," Ullmann said.
"I have great admiration and respect for all of the [troopers who are supporting the] mission here," Ullmann said. "I have literally traveled all over the world, and I believe some of the finest professional individuals are here at Guantanamo; that goes from the youngest trooper to the most senior leader."
For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.