Moscow Synod Declares Day of Prayer Against Abortion
The Synod also revived the annual All-Moscow Cross Procession as a symbol of faith and unity.
MOSCOW — In a landmark move, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, chaired by His Holiness Kirill of Moscow, established a special day of prayer for the enlightenment of those intending to commit abortion during its session on October 30 at the Danilov Monastery, according to a report from Orthodox Times.
This decision underscores the Church's staunch pro-life stance, aiming to foster spiritual reflection and deter the practice through intercession. Synod spokesman Vladimir Legoyda highlighted it among key resolutions promoting moral and liturgical renewal.
The Synod also created a feast for the Synaxis of Venerable Fathers—Founders of Monasticism and All Saints of Egypt; added new saints to the Orlov and Voronezh Metropolises; and approved a service for healing severely ill children and their parents.
Administrative changes included appointing Igumen Dionysius (Shlyonov) as Deputy Chairman of the Educational Committee, replacing Archpriest Alexander Troitsky, and updating bioethics and pilgrimage commissions.
Patriarch Kirill reported on his Kazakhstan visit, emphasizing interreligious dialogue via the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Domestic diocesan trips to Kolomna and Rostov were reviewed.
The Synod revived the annual All-Moscow Cross Procession as a symbol of faith and unity, approved Belarusian and Central Asian synod journals, and made personnel updates to bolster educational and social missions.
These measures reflect the Church's commitment to spiritual vitality amid global challenges.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church also added St. Olga of Alaska to their liturgical calendar.
