pray without ceasing

As Orthodox Christians, we know that prayer, together with fasting and almsgiving, is central to our lives and essential to this ministry.

We ask you to keep the Martha and Mary Maternity Ministry, the moms with whom we work, their children, families and loved ones, our staff, directors, and supporters in your prayers.

We ask for God’s guidance, the intercession of Saints Martha and Mary, and the Protection of the Theotokos throughout our lives.

links to relevant prayers

For prayers of the Orthodox Church:

• For pregnant mother and unborn child, click here.

• For a woman in labor, click here. (Here also are prayers for many special needs, including the day after childbirth, the naming of the child, and emergency baptism.)

• After childbirth, click here.

• After a miscarriage or stillbirth, click here.

• For forgiveness and healing after abortion, click here.

• Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children, click here.

• For the Bishop's (or Priest's) Prayer for the Sanctity of Life, click here.

• For a list of saints whose intercession is asked in special circumstances, click here. Examples include:

  • To have a child:

    • St. Anna, Mother of the Theotokos (the Mother of Our Lord)

    • St. Elizabeth, Mother of the Forerunner

    • St. Sabbas the Sanctified of Palestine

    • St. Irene Chrysovolantou

  • For Safe Childbirth:

    • St. Eleftherios

  • For the Care and Protection of Infants:

    • St. Stylianos

  • And many others!