Orthodox Christians for Life Ministry
Orthodox Christians for Life is an organization that fell dormant in the early 2000s. Recognizing the important work accomplished by the original founders and the need for its mission to continue, an effort emerged in 2019 to revive the organization, with nonprofit status being obtained on April 1, 2020 and the organization officially re-launched in November 2020.
From the website:
Mission: To equip the Orthodox Christian community to strengthen its commitment to the sacredness of human life from conception to death, illuminating the Church’s teaching on life issues through education and engagement.
Vision: For every Orthodox Christian to learn and embrace an Orthodox pro-life ethic.
Ideally, form a charter with a goal of addressing all aspects of life, from cradle to grave, and everything along the way. Originally, hit with some resistance that “pro-lifers stop caring once the baby is born” the specific HTOC OClife mission was formed to address the unborn, the born, mothers in need, feeding the poor and ultimately fighting against abortion, assisted suicide and hunger.
Ministry description:
From cradle to grave, OCLife will support our community with diapers, food, clothing and monetary assistance to area pregnancy centers, post pregnancy assistance, food pantries and other opportunities as they arise in our battle to keep all life precious.
Targeted group to receive the help:
Pregnancy and post pregnancy assistance centers. (tours held as needed to audit the sites for compatibility).
Food Pantries
Reconciliation Services
Always on the search for others in need
Group at church tasked with supporting the ministry:
Ongoing group of concerned participants that is growing by word of mouth and quarterly meetings.
How do we go about fulfilling and executing the philanthropy:
Quarterly events:
• Diaper drives (up to 2 times a year)
• Food drives (Up to 2 times per year)
• Hosting Social Hour at least once a year
• Quiet prayer participation events at abortion facilities. As deemed appropriate
• March for Life annually.
• Stocking the Narthex bookcase with Orthodox approved literature. As needed.
Goals:
o That every Orthodox Christian will learn and embrace our Church’s teaching that each human life is precious from the moment it is conceived.
o That through the formation of life-affirming parish ministries, Orthodox Christians tempted by abortion or assisted suicide will not keep their struggles a secret for fear of being condemned, but rather know they will be received with open arms and a loving support system.
o That our seminarians and clergy will be equipped to handle pastoral challenges related to pregnancy, abortion, and end-of-life situations that arise in their parishes.
o That Orthodox Christians wounded by abortion will be encouraged to find forgiveness and restoration to communion with God and the Church through the Sacrament of Confession, as well as further healing through post-abortion recovery programs.
o That by incorporating prayer, education, and service for the sanctity of life into the existing ministries and spiritual life of our dioceses and parishes, the faithful will be brought into greater communion with Christ and each other.
o That Orthodox Christians will be inspired toward participation and leadership in the pro-life movement.
o That by cultivating an awareness of the life-affirming teachings of the Church, non-Orthodox will be drawn to the truth of our ancient faith.
