London, September 8, 2026
orthodox-europe.org
Thousands of people took part in the annual March for Life in London on Saturday, with Orthodox clergy and faithful once again joining the event in prayerful support of the sanctity of human life.
For many years, His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe has blessed Orthodox participation in the march, beginning with a moleben and continuing with clergy and faithful joining the procession, adding a visible Orthodox presence to the many others gathered to promote a deeper appreciation of the sanctity of life in society. The Orthodox contingent’s participation is organized by Priest Mark Tattum-Smith of the Mettingham Parish, reports the Diocese of London and Western Europe.
The Canonical Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of Great Britain and Ireland, which includes hierarchs from the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Antioch, Moscow, Georgia, Romania, and Bulgaria, had earlier encouraged their faithful to take part in the march.
An estimated 7,000 campaigners, including several large youth groups, joined this year’s march. Participants gathered for prayers at several places of worship, including St Andrew’s CoE Church in Holborn, the Emmanuel Centre, and an Orthodox moleben in St John’s Gardens, before marching to a rally in Parliament Square.
This year’s rally centered on the theme “Abortion hurts the family,” featuring keynote speakers, personal testimonies, and prayers. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, co-director of March for Life UK, addressed the crowd about the UK’s current abortion laws, criticizing rules that permit late-term procedures. Ben Thatcher, one of the event’s lead organizers, spoke about the rally’s theme and historical abortion data in the UK. A mother named Amrita and her daughter shared a personal testimony on stage alongside her healthy baby girl.
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