Serbian Orthodox Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America offered the inaugural prayer at the 2026 March for Life held last week in Washington, DC. A delegation of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (ACOB-US) attended, while Pope Leo XIV sent a support message.
“We pray, Lord, for all mothers, who now bear these nascent lives, that they may truly understand that life is ordained for eternity,” prayed His Grace Irinej before the rally.
“May they gain full awareness of that selfless, unrequited and foundational, maternal love—tender, nurturing love. For this gift of love is that of a mother for her child: unconditional, unrepayable, simply existing, which abides within every woman, be it in realization or potential.”
“Let not any unborn child be severed from such love in its mother’s life sustaining, nurturing body and tender heart. Let not the womb become a tomb! May Rachael never again weep without consolation, for her children are no more,” continued the hierarch.
“We also pray, as You are in verity the Resurrection and the Life, for those mothers who will be reconciled in eternity with their little angels, who now pray for their mothers and their salvation.”
Orthodox participation
Serbian Orthodox Bishop Irinej was joined on the March for Life scene by the other Orthodox hierarchs delegated by ACOB-US and by Roman Catholic Bishop of Lincoln, James D. Conley.
Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia represented the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Northern America was represented by Bishop Alexander of Ottawa, Eastern Canada and Upstate New York, and by Bishop John of Worcester and New England.
Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada headed the delegation from the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), which included Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and West Pennsylvania, Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey, and Bishop Andrei of Cleveland.
On the eve of the event, the Orthodox hierarchs were present at the National Prayer Vigil officiated by Bishop James D. Conley at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, while on Friday, they began the day celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the “St. Nicholas” Orthodox Cathedral (OCA) in the federal capital of the United States.
Pope Leo’s message and pro-life testimonies
Speeches were delivered both by political figures, including US Vice President JD Vance, and by women who chose life for their children or are involved in supporting pregnant women.
Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump have sent video messages.
“May Jesus, who promised to be with us always, accompany you today as you courageously and peacefully march on behalf of unborn children. By advocating for them, please know that you are fulfilling the Lord’s command to serve him in the least of our brothers and sisters,” transmitted Pope Leo XIV.
“As we stand here today at the March for Life, let us remember the pro-life movement is not just about opposing abortion, it is about standing for life in all its beauty,” emphasized Debbie Biskey, CEO of Options for Her, on the March for Life stage.
“We stand for babies. We stand for women. We stand for families. We stand for truth. And we stand for God, Who is the Author of life.”
An impressive testimony was offered by Sarah Hurm, a mother who, despite lack of support from her baby’s father, chose life for her fourth child.
“I am here to tell you that the abortion pill reversal can work. My life and the life of my son are living proof,” Sarah Hurm said.
Many marches for Life in American cities
The 2026 San Francisco March for Life was held on Saturday, January 24, on the West Coast of America, attended by Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco Salvatore J. Cordileone, who spoke at the event.
The March for Life movement started in Washington, DC, and has seen its 53rd edition this year. The movement has gradually extended in the world, and recently, Marches for Life have been organized annually in over 20 different US cities. The San Francisco event has seen this year its 22nd edition.
The March for Life in Romania
In Romania, the March for Life will reach its 15th national edition in 2026, while in the Republic of Moldova, it will mark its 11th edition.
The annual theme of the marches in the two countries is shared, and the date of the event is chosen around the Feast of the Annunciation, in order to emphasise the sacredness and fullness of the life of unborn children, whose human countenance the Saviour Himself also assumed in the womb of the Virgin Mary.
The event represents the culmination of the Month for Life (March), a series of cultural, sporting and educational activities dedicated to the celebration of unborn life and to the support offered to women.
Photo credit: The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (article opening)
