In an annual observation that provides grieving parents and family members an opportunity to pray, members of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (East Meadow NY) hosted a prayer service on Friday, October 15, for families on Long Island that have experienced a pregnancy loss or infant death.
 
“Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day” is observed in the United States and Canada annually on October 15. It serves as a day of remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death which includes, but is not limited to: miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, SIDS, or the death of a newborn.
 
The service, which was open to the public, included prayers for a blessed repose for the infants who have died and peace for their families. “The prayers we offered are meant to provide solace for those who have been affected by the tragedy of losing a child,” said Father Martin Kraus, the parish rector. “We want people to know that the Church is a place of hope, love, and comfort in their time of sorrow and need.”
 
The Orthodox Church proclaims that life is precious. Prayers were offered for children who have died at any stage of development (miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, disease, abortion, accident, and any other cause or tragedy). “The grief of those who are affected by the loss of a child is real, no matter the child’s age or development,” Father Kraus said, adding, “We pray for the parents and families as well as the children since God is merciful, and these ‘Innocents’ have a place before God in heaven.”
 
Many Orthodox parents from around the United Sates emailed prayer requests and offered gratitude for the service.  A couple who had a baby still-born in 1960 said that they finally were able to have some closure.  Another mom emailed from Virginia, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for organizing this. Although I can't be there, I am thankful for this recognition of the continuing need for healing of those who suffered the loss of a child. God bless your work.”
 
For more resources on pregnancy loss and other fertility challenges including infertility and post abortion healing, go to: http://holytrinityeastmeadow.org/pregnancyloss.html