Between the throne and the altar : institutionalization of Christian ministry in the Austrian army

This article describes the history and structures of Christian spiritual services in the Austrian army from the end of the 18th century throughout the 19th century. Christian ministry was institutionalized, drawing on the considerable experience of Austrian statehood: both in terms of spiritual service during the wars waged by that state at that time and internal changes in the state, including the state-church relationship and creating the final shape of the Apostolic Field Vicariate and its local departments. The article presents the history and background of this process, focusing on the activities of this institution during World War I and considering both aspects of its activity, i.e. as an ecclesiastical and official institution, fulfilling both spiritual and state duties.