In the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Fr. David is back in the United States and shares one final message from home about what homecoming is like for combat-deployed troops.

In this final episode of "In the Valley of the Shadow of Death" (for now), Fr. David reports from Bagram Air Base, explaining the simultaneous sense of community and lack of community that marked his time in Afghanistan.

Fr. David chronicles what could be the last of his Paschas spent in Afghanistan, describing the services he celebrated in Kandahar at a very unique Romanian chapel.

Fr. David describes the first of the two Paschas that he celebrated this year in Afghanistan.

In this first episode of a three-part series, Fr. David recalls his very first Pascha while on deployment.

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

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

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

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

Fr. David Alexander presents his final episode of In the Valley 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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