Bishop Matthias joins hierarchs, faithful at DC March for Life

WASHINGTON, DC [MW Diocese Communications] — Bishop Matthias joined Metropolitan Jonah and Bishops Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and Michael of New York and New Jersey in the US capital on Monday, January 23, 2012, for the 39th annual March for Life.  Photo gallery can be viewed here.

Metropolitan Jonah spoke at the pre-March program and offered prayers for the opening invocation. At the conclusion of every petition, thousands responded with a heartfelt “Lord, have mercy!”  Marchers then proceeded up Constitution Avenue to the US Supreme Court, where a Memorial was celebrated for the victims of abortion.

The Diocese of the Midwest, in the person of its ruling hierarch, clergy, and faithful, has had a presence at the DC March for many years. The late Archbishop Job attended the March annually.

On the eve of the DC March, Bishop Matthias joined Bishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and Bishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA at the celebration of the Chicago Sanctity of Life Service at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, Westchester, IL. Sponsored by Orthodox Christians for Life Chicago, which has ministered continuously since its establishment in 2001, the service featured numerous speakers.

On Saturday, January 28, Chicago-area Orthodox faithful will also participate in the annual “Speak Out Illinois,” a major state-wide event that draws hundreds of participants from a variety of backgrounds and traditions.

The same day, the Eternal Word Television Network [EWTN] will rebroadcast it’s extensive DC March coverage at 2:00 p.m. ET, 1:00 p.m. CT. Check local listings for possible variations.

Additional information on Orthodox Christians for Life Chicago and Speak Out Illinois may be found at http://www.oclife-chicago.org/.