Orthodox Bishops Join 2026 March for Life in Washington

Photo: oca.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A delegation of hierarchs from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America participated in the annual March for Life on January 23, 2026, in support of the sanctity of human life. The delegation, led by His Grace Bp. Irenej of the Serbian Orthodox Church, included Bp. Nektarios (GOA), Bp. Alexander, (AOCA), Bp. John (AOCA), Metr. Tikhon (OCA), Abp. Melchisedek (OCA), Abp. Michael (OCA), and Bp. Andrei (OCA). The assembly of bishops gathered for Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral followed by breakfast and the March for Life rally on the National Mall. 

Bp. Irenej delivered the opening prayer at the rally, emphasizing faith and unity: “As Christ our Lord has taught us, and truly it has come to pass and now is here, wherever two or three have gathered in His Name, He will be present.” He urged spiritual reflection amid cultural conflict, saying that we should “place our minds in our hearts in order to offer just and proper prayer, asking for strength to pursue justice, love, and mercy, and to walk humbly, seeking God’s assistance for fairness and truth, peace and healing.”

His Beatitude Metr. Tikhon led a Service of Supplication to End Abortion, joined by laymen as well as other hierarchs and delegations representing both St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Clergy and lay participants then marched together, affirming the Church’s ongoing witness for life.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Wyoming pro-life advocates marched and prayed after Supreme Court setback. 

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