by Mindi Popovich-Schneider
Tomorrow, October 15th, is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day. As Orthodox Christians, we honor the sanctity of the unborn and remember the words of our Lord: “let the little Children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:4). This belief makes the observance of this day–a secular one–all the more important.
We encourage everyone to stop at noon tomorrow, light a candle, and pray for the souls of all departed children and for peace and comfort for their families. If you would like a list of names to pray for, submitted by Saint Emmelia families, please email us at office@saintemmelia.com.
Below, we have compiled a variety of resources for observing this day, including managing grief and supporting others.
Saints:
There are, of course, numerous saints related to motherhood and children. Some whom you might consider getting to know, praying to and with, and seeking the comfort of are:
The Theotokos – who watched her precious Son die on the cross and knows the grief of loss and the joy of resurrection deeply
St. Emmelia & St. Macrina the Younger – when St. Emmelia’s son Naucratius died as a young adult, St. Macrina reminded her of St. Paul’s words: “we do not mourn as those who have no hope.”
Matushka Olga – a patron saint for all women and children
St. Stylianos – a patron saint of children
St. John the Baptist – who recognized our Savior, even when they were both in the womb, signifying our children’s intrinsic connection to the Lord
St. Maria of Paris – who outlived all three of her children
Prayers:
Service after a Miscarriage or Stillbirth
General resources (including more prayers):
https://www.asceticlifeofmotherhood.com/blog/miscarriageresources
https://www.october15th.com/resources/
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/miscarriage-loss-and-grief
https://www.rachelsgift.org/about-us
Teachings of the Orthodox Church:
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2912.htm
Dealing with grief:
If you have experienced loss, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional. No grief, no struggle, is too small to justify therapy. If you are unable to afford therapy, consider asking your priest for resources–either financial or local opportunities for more affordable therapy.
https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/mental-health/
https://www.october15th.com/coping-with-grief/
https://www.rachelsgift.org/grief-resources
Give rest, O Lord, to your servants with thy saints, where sorrow and pain are no more; neither sighing, but life everlasting!