The Roman Style Clerical Collar

Iconographer said:

Not to be uncivilized or irreverent or anything like that, but in seminary we thought it was alot of fun to sword fight with our clerical collars.

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But they are swords. In a way.

Matrona said:

But they are swords. In a way.

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You mean spiritual swords?

Aria said:

Suzannah, when priests or ministers (of any denomination or Church) are serving as retreat masters, cruise personnel or tour guides (part of a cruise), they wear their clerical garb as part of their assignment. People know that the person in black guides the group. They stand out. Many priests cannot afford the expense of a Holy Land tour or a trip to European shrines - but they get an all expense paid trip and a stipend if they serve as a tour guide. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to get away and minister to others at the same time. A win-win situation.

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Yes, it is a good opportunity for them, and also a wonderful way for them to witness for Christ. I have met several RC priests and two Protestant ministers onboard cruise ships....they are usually "retained" by the "entertainment" department of the cruise line. (I know that sounds like a joke but it's true. The entertainment dept. handles these retainers.) In any case, on a sailing I worked in the Caribbean, I met an RC priest who truly exemplified his calling, and in the midst of the cruise ship atmosphere at that...he was a blessing to the crew who came to him for all sorts of spiritual comfort. Working at sea, one faces many dangers, not the least of which is depression and loneliness....his name was Fr. Daniel O'Brien, and he was a blessing to have onboard....

Aria said:

Ask your priest, maybe he'll volunteer to serve as a tour guide on one of your ships should you go to sea again. I don't know if all priests (especially Orthodox Priests) are aware of this golden opportunity. This is one of the blesisngs of being a member of the cloth.

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Yes, I thought of this...but I can just get his passage for free anyway. He doesn't have to "work" as a tour guide
When I go , I am usually allowed two to three cabins for guests and I usually take my family, or whoever wants to go. I am going to offer him this if I go the first week of July....You might want to mention this to your own priest, that if he would like to do this, I will send you the list of department emails for him to sign up with the cruise lines. I think I have most of them. Just as an FYI: Royal Olympia (formerly Royal Olympic) andMediterranean Shipping Cruises are the only two that I know of that actually send an Orthodox priest every week, but only when they are sailing in the Med. I have not worked on either line, but know of others who have. So if you plan to do the Med in the future, pick one of these two, and your spiritual needs will be met along with your fabulous tour!

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Interesting ideas, everyone...