On June 10th, 2024 Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mot, LTJG, CHC, USN and Rev. Dn. John Kokenis, LT, USN reported to the Naval Chaplaincy School at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island for their Basic Leadership Course in Professional Naval Chaplaincy. The naval training course develops skills to not only provide pastoral care and Liturgical services for Orthodox men and women serving in the Armed Forces and their families, but to also respond to the spiritual needs of all sailors and marines of all religious backgrounds.
Fr. Mot explained “This has been a great honor to minister to those in need and fulfill a decade long dream of mine to join the military as a Navy Chaplain. I have been truly blessed to be allowed such an awesome responsibility.”
Fr. Kokenis also added “Military Chaplaincy provides the perfect medium to offer pastoral ministry to those who would otherwise be without any moral or spiritual support. Chaplains have the great opportunity and responsibility to interact with those of all backgrounds, whether it be religious or professional, and provide for them an appropriate outlet for their needs.”
Both Fr. Mot and Fr. Kokenis are graduates of both Hellenic College & Holy Cross and have served parishes of the Archdiocese since 2017 in various ministry capacities.
Upon completion of training, Fr. Mot will be reporting to Norfolk Naval Station where he will be assigned to the USS Truxtun (DDG 103).
Fr. Kokenis will return to the Metropolis of Chicago where he serves as a deacon in a volunteer capacity. Upon ordination to the Priesthood, he plans to continue his Naval Service in the Reserves.