His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, led the Orthodox Christians who bore witness to the sanctity of life at the 46th annual March for Life in the nation’s capital on Friday, January 18, 2019.
The annual March marks the anniversary of the January 22, 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the United States. The theme of this year’s March was “Unique From Day One.”
Joining Metropolitan Tikhon were His Eminence, Archbishop Melchisedek; His Eminence, Archbishop Michael; and His Grace, Bishop Daniel, in addition to His Grace, Bishop Thomas of the Antiochian Diocese of Oakland, Charleston and the Mid-Atlantic. Also participating were Archpriest Alexander Rentel, Chancellor; Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, Secretary; Melanie Ringa, Treasurer; Archpriest John Kowalczyk; Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak; and Subdeacon Roman Ostash. Archpriests Chad Hatfield, President of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY and John Parker, Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA, attended with strong representations from their respective schools. Faithful from across the country joined area clergy and faithful during the pre-March program, after which Metropolitan Tikhon celebrated a service of prayer. Also present were hierarchs and representatives of the Oriental Churches and other traditions.
On the eve of the March, Metropolitan Tikhon and the OCA’s representatives were among those who attended a pre-March Prayer Vigil at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC.
At the conclusion of the pre-March program, Metropolitan Tikhon presided at the celebration of a prayer service before making his way with the Orthodox Christian marchers to the Supreme Court building. A video of the prayer service can be viewed on the OCA website and Facebook page.
Metropolitan Tikhon and representatives of the Orthodox Church in America also attended the annual Rose Dinner on the evening of the March.
Photo Credit: Subdeacon Roman Ostash, Victor Lutes
