October: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
In an effort to inspire parishes to establish and expand ministries that address infant loss, the Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid [CSHA] has updated a Parish Ministry Resources article by Matushka Dennise Kraus of Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow, NY, in which she describes her parish’s outreach to those who have experienced the loss of a child.
Matushka Dennise’s article may be accessed here.
“Every year, approximately one million pregnancies in the US end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a newborn child,” said Donna Karabin, CHSA Chair. “In 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated October as ‘National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month,’ during which organizations, churches and communities reach out to people to better understand and support grieving parents on their life journey. In her article, Matushka Dennise provides information, as well as inspiration, for parishes to initiate or expand their ministry in this important and sometimes overlooked area.”
“Many bereavement groups encourage parents and friends of those who have experienced loss to light candles each year at 7:00 p.m. on October 15, which the US House of Representatives designated as ‘Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day,’ in 2006,” Mrs. Karabin added. “Coupled with the celebration of a Service of Prayer, the day can become a source of healing and comfort for those who are grieving an infant death, stillbirth or miscarriage and for the remembrance of their children.”