New Greek Orthodox Pro-Life Group Makes Great Progress

By Ernest Ohlhoff, Director of Outreach

A pro-life educational outreach to Christian Orthodox communities is growing vigorously due to the initiative of Vera Faith Lord, a convert to the Orthodox Church.

As a result of a briefing made by Vera and NRLC Outreach Director Ernest Ohlhoff to His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, bishop of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Maximos established a diocesan pro-life ministry devoted to educating the Greek Orthodox community about the tragedy and sin of abortion.

His Eminence appointed Vera Faith Lord as the first diocesan pro-life coordinator in August 2000. Vera, who has experienced the tragedy of abortion in her own life, gave up a senior-level position in the business world to devote her full energy to the pro-life movement.

In announcing Vera's appointment, His Eminence sent a letter to all parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, stating,

"... a new ministry is being formed to address the issue of abortion. This is necessary because we Greek Orthodox have remained relatively silent on this matter in comparison to the Roman Catholics and Protestants. It is our obligation as Orthodox to speak up and not remain silent on this issue.

"(Vera) Faith's hope is to visit each of the fifty-two parishes of the Diocese of Pittsburgh by year's end and to share the story of how her abortion damaged her life and how to prevent this from happening to anyone else. I want the clergy and laity to know that I give my blessing to (Vera) Faith's endeavor.... I trust you will give her your utmost cooperation and hospitality."

Since her appointment, Vera has given presentations in 27 parishes in three states and has scheduled meetings with the remaining 24 parishes. In addition, she has published two newsletters, spoken at several right to life conventions and meetings, was given 20 minutes on CNN, and has begun outreach to other Orthodox dioceses, both Greek and non-Greek.

Orthodox Christians for Life Pittsburgh has also given copies of Fr. Mike Mannion's book, Abortion and Healing, a Cry to be Whole, to every priest in the diocese and produced a bumper sticker emphasizing the concept that abortion should be made "UNTHINKABLE" through education.

"I believe my abortion experience brought me to a crisis of conscience," Vera said. "I knew it was wrong but I had no idea how seriously it would affect my life. My goal is to help others not to make the same mistake. I expect to reach out to all Orthodox dioceses of all ethnic traditions in America and through education to energize the clergy and laity to become active in the pro-life movement.

"The National Right to Life Convention last month in Charlotte, North Carolina, was a wonderful experience. I had no idea how extensive the pro-life movement was and how many wonderful people worked tirelessly to restore respect for innocent human life. The convention energized me and I hope my ministry will be of service to others in our movement."

For further information contact Orthodox Christians for Life, Pittsburgh, 7228 Baptist Rd., PMB #188, Bethel Park, PA 15102; (412) 851-9310.