Orthodox Christian Chaplain V. Rev. Constantine White Celebrates 30 Years at Georgetown

November 1st, we celebrated V. Rev. Constantine White’s 30th year as Orthodox Christian chaplain at Georgetown University. I had the pleasure of being in attendance for the wonderful celebration of a man who has given himself so completely to the spiritual care to Orthodox students and staff, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)—the Orthodox Christian student group on campus—and to all of those around him in the Georgetown community. The evening featured a Great Vespers service with special guests President DeGioia and His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. It was then followed up by a fancy and delicious meal and remarks from a student speaker, an alumnus speaker, representatives from Georgetown’s Campus Ministry, and religious leaders.

From Left: His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, V. Rev. Constantine White

The diverse collection of people in attendance speaks to the love he gives to everyone he meets: Orthodox, non-Orthodox, and non-Christians. In addition to the Orthodox clergymen and coworkers, there were on-campus Christian group leaders and directors for Hindu, Muslim, and Jewish Life—further illustrating how his ministry touched people outside the Orthodox faith. There were also some of Fr. Constantine’s parishioners, current students, past students, Redskins fans (even some Eagles fans…), and his son and parents.

From Left to Right: Rev. Greg Schenden, S.J., V. Rev. Constantine White, Rev. Bryant Oskvig, Imam Yahya Hendi, Rabbi Rachel Gartner, Rev. Jerry Hayes, S.J., Brahmachari Vrajvihari Sharan, and Rev. Brandon Harris.

The common thread of the words spoken about him during the service and at dinner was the Christian witness and love Fr. Constantine exemplifies in the life he lives, and the service and time he gives to form lasting relationships with his spiritual children and friends. Fr. Constantine also shared some stories at the end—he was so funny everyone listening was laugh-crying.

At the conclusion of the evening’s events we all shouted “AXIOS” to Fr. Constantine, which is said in Greek to congratulate one who is worthy of an honor bestowed on him or her. Thus I once again say—”AXIOS” to Fr. Constantine for his 30 years of Christian witness and service to the Georgetown University community! May God grant him many years!

Written by Dionysios Koroulakis, C’15, M’18