Washington, D.C. - The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America sent a delegation to the annual March for Life in the nation’s capital on Friday, January 24, 2020. The event marks the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, led the delegation on behalf of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. He was joined by Archbishop Daniel, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA; Bishop Thomas of Charleston, of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America; and  Metropolitan Tikhon of Orthodox Church in America, together with Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh, Archbishop Michael of New York, Archbishop David of Sitka, Bishop Paul of Chicago and Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa.

The Rev. Dr. Vasilije Vranic, represented Bishop Irinej and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches was represented by Archbishop Dionysius of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The Delegation attended the National Prayer Vigil for Life at The National Basilica on Wednesday, January 23, the evening before the March.

The following day, hierarchs, clergy and faithful gathered for the Divine Liturgy at the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, to worship and celebrate the Holy Eucharist before participating in the annual March for Life.

The rally, attended by President Donald J. Trump, the first sitting U.S. President to do so, began at noon with a prayer offered by Bishop Apostolos on the National Mall at 12th Street. Orthodox Christian marchers gathered under the “Orthodox Christians for Life” banner and signs.

The March began at 1 p.m. and proceeded along Constitution Avenue to the U.S. Supreme Court, where prayers for the victims of abortion were offered.