SYOSSET, NY [OCA] – January 24, 2021 will be observed as Sanctity of Life Sunday in parishes of the Orthodox Church in America. The clergy and faithful are encouraged to utilize the special liturgical petitions and prayers for the occasion. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon has also released a message marking the day.
Sanctity of Life Sunday serves to mark the anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision that legalized abortion in the United States. Orthodox Christians from across the country will proclaim the sanctity of God’s precious gift of life and remember the millions of victims abortion has claimed and continues to claim.
The bishops of the Orthodox Church in America have always strongly supported and participated in the annual March for Life held in Washington DC. However, due to the ongoing global health crisis, this year His Beatitude will lead a virtual March for Life event which will be live-streamed on Thursday, January 28 beginning at 7:30 pm ET on oca.org/live and via the OCA’s YouTube and Facebook pages. The live-stream will feature a prayer service led by Metropolitan Tikhon, followed by reflections by His Beatitude. The main address will be given by Dr Ana Iltis of Wake Forest University, a leading Orthodox Christian bioethicist. The broadcast will also highlight Orthodox organizations that support women in crisis pregnancies.
In preparation for Sanctity of Life Sunday, the faithful are encouraged to explore the numerous reflections, articles, texts, liturgical services available online.
