Sunday (Jan 22) US National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

Next Sunday is also is the 44th Anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision which legalized abortion in the United States.  Forty-four years of legalized abortion.  And, the tally of abortions performed in the United States since 1973 exceeds 58 million.  A more accurate number will likely be available shortly after the 22^nd.  Can you get your mind and heart around these statistics?  For me, it is mind boggling.  These are missing persons—not to God, but to us.  We must come to grips with the fact that we live in the midst of a Silent Holocaust.  What action are we taking?

As Christians, it follows that we would be Pro-Life.  Some years ago when converting to the Orthodox Faith, I was surprised to find that this idea was unsettling to some other Orthodox I met.  If this is the case for you, would you consider reading at this link?  Can you accept the teaching of the Twelve Apostles (Didache) with an open mind and heart?  http://otftd.blogspot.com/2016/01/jan-17-sanctity-of-human-life-sunday.html  (It’s last year’s posting about Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.)   

This Visitation Icon by the hand of Eikona Studios -- Christine Uveges Iconographer. The prototype of this icon is in an Orthodox Church in Lebanon. 

Reflecting on last year’s posting, while doing some research on Pro-Life topics this evening, I came across this article:  http://www.lifenews.com/2017/01/13/russian-city-bans-abortions-for-one-day-to-remember-king-herods-massacre-of-the-innocents/

 

Plenty of Orthodox Christians are Pro-Life.  In recent years, the Church has participated in the annual March for Life held in Washington, DC.  The March is comprised, predominantly, of Christians from across the country from a wide range of denominations.  It is amazing this event pulls everyone together in Christ’s Name.  This year’s March is planned for Friday, January 27.  The Orthodox Church bands together across jurisdictions in the March.  Maybe some of you might like to take part this year.  When I learn more details, I will post it for you. 
 

Not only does the Orthodox Church come together to March for Life, but they are involved year ‘round in crisis pregnancy ministry.  The Martha & Mary Maternity House (Chicago area) is an Orthodox Pro-Life ministry that helps women & babes before and after birth.  Helping women & children, saving lives, imparting hope, faith & practical skills is their ministry focus.  They deserve support and prayer.  Please help them with this ministry if you can.  By partnering with them as a donor, you can become a life saver in the truest sense:  http://www.marthamarychicago.org/

 

 

God’s peace, with love,

Presbytera Candace