The Sanctity of Life Group at St. Demetrios has formed to engage in prayer for the unborn and to perform outreach and fundraising activities to support those who assist women in crisis pregnancies. We have established a monthly Akathist Service held the first Friday of every month at the the St. Philothei Chapel at 7:30 pm to actively pray for the unborn and those in crisis pregnancies. This service is open to the parish and to the public, not merely those members of the SL Group. God willing, these services will resume in the Fall, after the Labor Day holiday, as will our regular meetings.
Our goal, in compliance with Orthodox doctrine, is to educate ourselves as a group and community on the life and sacredness of the unborn; to have outreach to our youth on the subjects of chastity, self-worth and respect for each other; to understand the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of abortion; to educate ourselves as to what abortion is and its scope in and around our community, and to become knowledgeable of the alternate resources available to those in crisis pregnancies. In addition to the focus of God's life in the womb is our mutual concern to the aged, and our brothers and sisters in vulnerable states of health. Our focus is positive, supportive and life-affirming and discussion and approach is gentle, diplomatic and respectful. Our fundraising effort will largely assist those organizations that directly support women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies, and who may be considering terminating their pregnancy and ending the life that God has fashioned in their wombs.
Each meeting is organized with a specific agenda, and is typically under the spiritual direction of Father Paul.
Our next meeting will be announced in the Sunday Bulletin.
If you are interested in joining the Group or have further questions, feel free to call Christina Schraff at 216-215-4232.