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With the loving guidance and leadership of His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, along with the enthusiastic support of fellow Orthodox Bishops across several jurisdictions of the Midwest, Orthodox Christians for Life-Chicago is drawing closer to realizing their long-time dream of opening the first Orthodox Christian maternity home for pregnant women in crisis to be located in the Midwest. The maternity home will be called the Martha and Mary House and will be modeled after the Martha and Mary House location in Escondido, CA.

At the Martha and Mary House, we plan to offer practical, emotional and spiritual support during that crucial period of the mother’s life, while providing residen- tial housing, with privacy and confidentiality. As a Martha and Mary House ‘Daughter’ she will experience Orthodox family-style living with resident House Mothers or House Parents, and a daily schedule that includes work, study and morning and evening prayer.

At the Martha and Mary House, we plan to offer practical, emotional and spiritual support during that crucial period of the mother’s life, while providing residen- tial housing, with privacy and confidentiality. As a Martha and Mary House ‘Daughter’ she will experience Orthodox family-style living with resident House Mothers or House Parents, and a daily schedule that includes work, study and morning and evening prayer.

We will welcome pregnant women in crisis of all ethnic, cultural, religious and social backgrounds. While at Martha and Mary House, we plan for them to pursue a program of study or vocational training, be actively seeking employment or be employed. They will share responsibility for housekeeping duties, live by the House Rules and participate in Martha and Mary House programs which include Bible study and Church attendance, pre-natal and birthing classes, and career and open adoption counseling.

OCLife-Chicago has obtained a 501c3 status as a “Pan-Orthodox Ministry” under the “Omoforion” of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, is our guiding shepherd in this ministry. For more information contact Fr. Nicholas Jonas, OCLife-Chicago Spiritual Director at frnwj@aol.com or Mr. Nicholas Cavaligos, OCLife-Chicago president at cavaligos@comcast.net” You may also visit our website at: http://www.oclife-chicago.org.