Orthodox Pro-Life Gathering to Address Marriage and Bioethics

BETHLEHEM, PA — Orthodox Christians for Life will host a daylong pro-life gathering, “The Mystery of the Human Person: Patristic and Bioethical Wisdom,” on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will bring together families, clergy, and community members for prayer, education, and reflection on the dignity of human life.

The program will feature two keynote speakers. Dr. David Ford, a scholar of the Church Fathers with expertise in St. John Chrysostom and patristic theology, will speak on “Humanity as the Pinnacle of Creation, and Marriage as the Pinnacle of Human Togetherness: the Wisdom of St. John Chrysostom.” His presentation will explore St. John Chrysostom’s teaching on creation, the Incarnation, and marriage.

Katie Breckenridge, a bioethics expert and advocate, will present “Reproductive Technologies and Human Dignity.” Her talk will address contemporary issues including IVF, surrogacy, and other reproductive technologies, examining their ethical and spiritual dimensions in light of the dignity of human life.

The day’s schedule will include two presentations and discussions, lunch, reflections from clergy, and a question-and-answer panel. The event will conclude with a Supplicatory Service for Aborted Lives from 3 to 4 p.m.

Lunch will be provided, and childcare will be available for registered attendees. A suggested donation of $20 will be collected on a freewill basis.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Trump was expected to nominate pro-life Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA.