On Thursday, March 12, clergy and parishioners of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell, GA, together with other Orthodox Christians from the area, bearing signs, flags, icons, and gonfalons, gathered in downtown Atlanta to participate in the Georgia March for Life. The March is an annual event held to "promote the beauty and dignity of every human life by working to end abortion – uniting, educating, and mobilizing pro-life people in the public square."
Leading the group were Priest Daniel Iliev and Deacon Mark King. Prior to the start of the March, the clergy served a moleben in Liberty Plaza in front of the Georgia State Capitol.
Below is a personal reflection by Matushka Mary King, who was in attendance:
Participating in the March for Life is always something I am a little nervous about, because it brings up topics that have impacted me personally in deeply painful ways. Even if it were not personally relevant, the topic of abortion is unpleasant, and most people avoid it altogether, so why would anyone want to attend a long march where that is the main topic?
We might prefer ignoring abortion, but statistically, it is happening around us, even among people who attend our Orthodox churches. Seven of ten American women who have abortions identify as some kind of Christian.
According to Lifeway Research, fewer than half of Christian women who have had an abortion believe the churches are a safe place to talk about pregnancy options, give accurate advice about pregnancy options, or are prepared to help women with their decisions about unwanted pregnancies. Half do not believe churches have a ministry prepared to discuss options during an unplanned pregnancy. This survey reflects American churches, which are mostly Catholic and Protestant, but how many of our young women might feel the same way if they do not hear us talk about how to deal with an unplanned crisis pregnancy in a life-affirming, hopeful way?
The March for Life is a place where people who could ignore abortion choose to instead confront the painful and tragic realities of it and offer solutions. Here in Atlanta, we had a large group of Orthodox participants, especially from our parish, Saint Mary of Egypt. We had a priest, Fr. Daniel, a deacon, a subdeacon, and readers who vested in beautiful black vestments. As people gathered, we served a moleben service. Prayers and hymns were sung as the ambient Christian pop music playing on loudspeakers faded into the background of my attention. Other participants smiled as they passed by, and Catholic people especially welcomed us. They were happy to see an Orthodox presence at this event, and we were a highly visible group. The moleben finished just before the event began with the Pledge of Allegiance and speakers.
The March for Life is about celebrating life as God’s gift and seeking His mercy even after we make terrible decisions. At the Atlanta March for Life, one of the speakers shared the story of how her mother started a two-day process to abort her late in the pregnancy but – largely through the prayers of the father – did not follow through with the second half of the procedure. Obviously, she miraculously survived. She must have a complicated relationship with her mother, but God’s grace is sufficient for even tough situations like this, and it seems they have found peace in it. Another speaker told of her regrets years after having an abortion, and of a ministry that helped her deal with her complicated grief and guilt about it. Ministering to women who have had abortions is an important but sometimes overlooked part of being pro-life. The women told their stories with simple honesty which gave power to their words. Other speakers encouraged us to affirm life by volunteering or even just voting for pro-life causes.
We Orthodox cheered especially loudly for Georgia State Senator Ed Setzler, who sponsored Georgia’s heartbeat bill. He is an Orthodox Christian, and we could not help being loudly enthusiastic in our support of his speech.
When the actual march started, we Orthodox lined up with men holding icon banners, one man carrying an American flag, the clergy and readers, and 30-40 lay people from several Orthodox parishes. Many of us were holding icons of various saints. We held on to everything tightly as a blustery cool spring wind blew lingering rain clouds away. Fr. Daniel was swinging the censor while he and Deacon Mark led us in singing hymns as we circled the Capitol.
Walking with a group of other Orthodox Christians and singing these words in the heart of our city was a profound and joyful experience. Fr. Daniel had prepared sheets so we could sing various familiar troparia and other hymns expressing repentance, asking for mercy, being thankful for the faithfulness of God, and affirming our victory in Christ.
The March for Life could make many people uncomfortable, but going is way of ministering to others and affirming life. Just showing up brings a blessing to others, and it encourages us to be available to help those who are in crisis situations like an unplanned pregnancy. It is also valuable for our young people to know where our church stands on this and that we are here to help and love them if they are ever in a situation where abortion is a temptation.
Having an Orthodox presence at events like this is also a way for other Christians to see us and learn about our Faith. In the past, people in the pro-life movement have asked me why Orthodox people are not often involved with pro-life causes. I am so happy that there has been a change in this and that our people are involved, that we are publicly affirming our belief in the value of each life as created by God. Next year, may more of us be there!
