The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) has designated Sunday, January 25, 2026, as a Day for the Protection of Life, according to an official statement issued by the Church. The announcement was made by Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, and is timed to coincide with the annual nationwide March for Life, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., on January 23.

In his address to the faithful, Metropolitan Tikhon emphasized the sacred value of human life. “Every moment of human life, from conception to natural death, is infinitely precious, because human life itself is sanctified by the presence of Christ,” he said.

On the Day for the Protection of Life, OCA parishes across the United States will offer special liturgical prayers focused on the dignity and value of human life. Orthodox Christians are also encouraged to take part in events associated with the March for Life, which traditionally draws participants from across the country to the U.S. capital.

As part of the March for Life observances, a Divine Liturgy is scheduled for January 23 at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington. Following the service, participants will proceed toward the National Mall. Metropolitan Tikhon is expected to lead a prayer service focused on the issue of abortion before the march begins. The procession will conclude near the U.S. Supreme Court building.

The March for Life has been held annually since the 1970s and commemorates the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion at the federal level. Although that ruling was overturned in 2022, transferring abortion regulation to individual states, the march continues as a public advocacy and awareness event. Organizers estimate that tens of thousands of people from across the United States participate each year.

In his message, Metropolitan Tikhon noted that the Church’s prayers extend beyond legal protections. “We pray not only for the legal defense of human life, but also that our entire culture may be oriented toward the physical and spiritual well-being of people at every stage of life,” he said.

March organizers announced that the 2026 event will be held under the theme “Life Is a Gift” and will focus on the protection of life, support for women and families, and discussion of legislation at both federal and state levels.

Photo: Metropolitan Tikhon with participants of the March for Life, January 2025 / Orthodox Church in America