The Rev. Eric Mancil, rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church was the keynote speaker at the Memorial Day service held at the Covington Veterans Monument on the campus of Andalusia’s City Hall.
Rev. Mancil utilized his words from Christ of the 15th Chapter in John’s Gospel of John: “Greater love has never been more evident than the willingness to give up one’s life to help his friends .”
In the old Greek writings, it was wrote there are many different words to describe love. In this case the word agape is used.
“Agape is a form of divine and unconditional love” the priest said. “It is the sacrificial love that sacrifices itself for the welfare of others, without needing any reward to be returned.
“There’s nothing more loving than to give up one’s own to ensure the well-being and happiness of another person,” he stated. “That’s the reason we’re here today to remember the brave people and women across the world who opted to defend and serve and exemplified agape love by laying down their lives to ensure that we remain in a world that is free and peaceful.”
“It’s vital to remember that they weren’t just soldiers or military personnel. They were also children and grandchildren siblings and brothers parents and fathers. They were part of a community of love and friendship and were loved by their families and loved ones.
“So while we honor our fallen heroes this day we should also consider the sacrifices of their loved families, and those who still bear the burden on their shoulders.
“And lastly,” he said, “as we pay homage to the fallen, let us commit ourselves towards the cause of justice and peace between all people. Jesus instructed us to love each other and to show love to our enemies and to strive for reconciliation. In a world stricken by war and conflict we can serve as instruments of peace and strive for understanding and be respectful of the dignity of each individual.”
Father Mancil cited an Memorial Day prayer written by the Rev. Rev. Carl Wright, who served as the Episcopal bishop of the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries from 2017 until 2022:
“Almighty And Most Merciful God: We offer our gratitude to everyone Americans who have been part of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and all civilians who during the times of war responded to our nation’s call and made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to protect our freedoms. We are grateful to our military, political spiritual, and medical leaders who put forth their best efforts to support of these courageous soldiers and women. We also thank those families who stood beside their loved ones and stayed with them to the very end. This day of memorial We ask for your personal blessings on all the soldiers who have passed away and on the people who remember them. Let us one day emulate their example and find comfort in your heavenly admonition to us that “Greater love can never be more greater than this: that they give their lives to their fellow soldiers. Amen.
The article The city hosts a Memorial Day service at Covington Veterans Memorial appeared at The Andalusia Star-News.
