Orthodox Christians to witness to sanctity of life at annual DC March
On Wednesday, January 22, 2014, Orthodox Christians from across the country will gather in the US capital for the annual March for Life.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, will be joined at the March by several members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, including His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel; His Grace, Bishop Melchisedek; His Grace, Bishop Michael; and His Grace, Bishop Mark. Metropolitan Tikhon will deliver the opening prayer at the March’s outset. It is anticipated that students from Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA and Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Crestwood, NY, and clergy and faithful from the region and beyond will participate.
Marchers are asked to gather under the “Orthodox Christians for Life” banner at the right side of the stage near Seventh Street. They will march to the Supreme Court, where Metropolitan Tikhon will lead the hierarchs, clergy and faithful in prayer for the victims of abortion.
On Tuesday, January 21, Vespers will be celebrated at the OCA’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral, 3500 Massachusetts Ave. NW, at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow. All marchers are invited to attend.
On Wednesday evening, Metropolitan Tikhon will offer the invocation at the annual Rose Banquet at DC’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Additional details will be posted on the OCA web site as they become available, while general information on the March may be found at www.marchforlife.org.
For more information please contact Orthodox Christians for Life at www.oclife.org, the Saint Ambrose Society of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary at www.svots.edu/events/ride-bus-student-led-st-ambrose-society-sponsors-participation-march-life-washington-dc, or DC-area clergy. General March information may be accessed at www.marchforlife.org.
In related news, an interdenominational service will be held at Constitution Hall on Wednesday, January 22, from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Representatives from many faith traditions—including Orthodox Christian—are expected to attend.