Metropolitan Herman leads Orthodox Christian Marchers in US Capital

Metropolitan Herman leads Orthodox clergy and faithful in prayer for victims of abortion at this year’s “March for Life” in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC [OCA Communications] — Orthodox Christian marchers from across the US descended on the nation’s capital on Monday, January 23, 2006, to bear witness to the sanctity of life at the annual March for Life.

His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, and His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, led the marchers to the steps of the US Supreme Court, where they offered prayers for the countless victims of legalized abortion.

On the eve of the March, Metropolitan Herman and some 200 faithful gathered at the OCA’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral on Massachusetts Ave. for the celebration of Vespers. Metropolitan Herman offered the marchers words of encouragement and distributed prints of the icon of the Mother of God, the Joy of All Who Sorrow, especially printed to mark the OCA’s 2006 Right to Life Sunday.

Immediately before the march, the Very Rev. John Kowalczyk, a noted pro-life activist, introduced Metropolitan Herman to the tens of thousands of assembled marchers. In a stirring address, Metropolitan Herman challenged the marchers to proclaim that all life is a sacred gift from God while lamenting the deaths of millions of unborn children who fell victim to abortion on demand since the practice was legalized some three decades ago.

On the evening of the march, Metropolitan Herman also addressed nearly 800 pro-life notables from across the US at the annual Rose Dinner.

This year marks the 19th consecutive year that Metropolitan Herman has addressed the marchers and led them in witnessing to the sanctity of life.

Click here for pictures of the march.