Riverside, California, July 30, 2026
Photo: oclife.org
Nearly 100 Orthodox parishes across nine jurisdictions took part in the 6th Annual National Orthodox Baby Shower this spring, mobilizing more than 2,550 individuals and producing the campaign’s largest results to date.
The effort, organized by Orthodox Christians for Life, gathered donations for mothers and babies in need, timed to coincide with the Feast of the Annunciation and Great Lent.
This year’s contributions included more than 76,900 diapers, over 3,760 packages of wipes, more than $25,000 in monetary gifts, over 5,270 baby clothes and shoes, and more than 4,390 additional baby items such as cribs, car seats, strollers, and formula.
Since the initiative began in 2021, the National Orthodox Baby Shower has donated a total of 204,300 diapers and over 37,055 other items.
Photo: oclife.org
Each participating parish partners with a local pregnancy resource center that offers free medical services, parenting support, counseling, material aid, and ongoing assistance to women facing crisis or unexpected pregnancies. Parishes organize donation drives, with some holding baby-shower-style events to raise awareness, collecting essential supplies for mothers and babies.
Emily Yocum, Executive Director of Orthodox Christians for Life, said the Orthodox Church stands with the pro-life movement in opposing abortion and supporting mothers in need. She said Christians are called to demonstrate reverence for life in the womb and the relationship between mother and child, drawing on the example of the Theotokos.
Many parishes continue volunteering with and donating to their partner organizations beyond the annual event, with organizers noting the initiative has grown into a catalyst for ongoing local ministry and outreach.
More information about Orthodox Christians for Life is available at www.oclife.org.
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