Written by Jacob Lyles
Original Post: https://oclifepa.substack.com/p/pa-march-for-life-2025
The March for Life is always a highlight of the year for pro-life activities in PA. It’s the largest demonstration of any sort in Harrisburg in a given year. Many thousands of people show up representing various religious denominations, pro-life groups, or simply themselves.
The day begins with prayer and song, then rises into speeches and finally the march around the Capitol. The words shared are always moving, offering voices from many walks of life. Ryan Bomberger, this year’s keynote, captured that spirit beautifully. He told how generations of his family chose life under challenging circumstances, and how his adoptive family carried that legacy by opening their home to many others.
This was a special year for me and my wife. Last year, our sweet baby Basil was still in the womb. So this year was his first March for Life on the outside of the womb. I have to say, the event is particularly pregnant with meaning when you are expecting or have a young infant.
Last year was rainy and a bit cold, which dampened turnout, but not our spirits. This year the weather was a bit nicer, and Orthodox Christians about doubled our turnout.
My family has a large icon of the visitation of St. Elizabeth to the virgin Mary, when the babe John the Baptist leapt in her womb (Luke 1:41-44). The Biblical passage is one of many that testifies to the humanity of the unborn. My wife commissioned it when she began the Pro-Life ministry at our parish. It’s become a staple of the Orthodox presence at the PA March for Life.
Carrying the icon for hours grows heavy, and my biceps are sore the next day. But it’s worth it! It feels like escorting a beloved celebrity. People stop me to ask for a picture or to venerate it.
Save O Lord thy people, and bless thine inheritance!
When I carry it, I’m reminded of the tradition of Orthodox Christians in the old days in Constantinople. When the city was besieged by hostile armies, Christians would process an icon of the Holy Virgin around the city walls, praying for her protection and intercession. So, too, do we pray for her intercession for our people and her protection over the unborn.
We Orthodox are people of prayer, and so of course we couldn’t end the day without some liturgy! The Orthodox Church in America publishes a wonderful Office of Prayer and Supplication for the Victims of Abortion. We came together on the capitol grounds and petitioned our creator for the salvation of the souls of the dead, the forgiveness and healing of the living, and for righteousness to take root in the land.
Concelebrating were three priests and two deacons from the near and far reaches of PA
- Fr. Alexander Cadman, Ss. Mary and Michael’s, Clearfield County
- Fr. Stephen Vernak, Christ the Saviour, Harrisburg
- Fr. David Vernak, St. Alexander Nevksy, Pittsburgh
- Pdn. John Oleynik, St. John the Baptist, Canonsburg
- Dn. John Thompson, St. John the Baptist, Canonsburg
At the conclusion of our prayers, the group broke up for the day. Some of us went to Burger Yum! to satisfy the appetite worked up by marching, standing, and praying. Others went home to their families and responsibilities.
Would you like to tell the world about OC Life activities at your parish? Contact oclifepa@gmail.com and let me know. I’d love to feature you on this newsletter. And spread the word!
We hope to see you next year! God willing, the next march will be on Monday, September 21st, 2026 in Harrisburg 10AM - 2PM.