“The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” ― Irenaeus of Lyons
ProLife
Human life must be acknowledged and protected from the moment of conception until we die. From the first moment of his or her existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.
Crusade for Life: Every first Sunday of the month at 10:00 AM, THE CHURCH gathers for a special Holy-Hour-for-life in the St. Stylianos' Chapel. The Holy Hour includes, the singing of Psalm 139, prayers for the un-born, prayers for mothers who have had an abortion, prayers for any affected by abortion. Changes in schedule are posted in the parish bulletin.
Orange County Life Chain: The Life Chain is a prayerful witness to life. On the first weekend in October we stand on East Main Street in Port Jervis, to peacefully pray and give witness.
Human Life in the Womb
Day 1: Fertilization: all human chromosomes are present; unique human life begins. Day 6: Embryo begins implantation in the uterus. Day 22: Heart begins to beat with the child’s own blood, often a different type than the mothers’. Week 3: By the end of third week the child’s backbone spinal column and nervous system are forming. The liver, kidneys and intestines begin to take shape. Week 4: By the end of week four the child is ten thousand times larger than the fertilized egg. Week 5: Eyes, legs, and hands begin to develop. Week 6: Brain waves are detectable; mouth and lips are present; fingernails are forming. Week 7: Eyelids, and toes form, nose distinct. The baby is kicking and swimming. Week 8: Every organ is in place, bones begin to replace cartilage, and fingerprints begin to form. By the 8th week the baby can begin to hear. Weeks 9 and 10: Teeth begin to form, fingernails develop. The baby can turn his head, and frown. The baby can hiccup. Weeks 10 and 11: The baby can “breathe” amniotic fluid and urinate. Week 11: The baby can grasp objects placed in its hand; all organ systems are functioning. The baby has a skeletal structure, nerves, and circulation. Week 12: The baby has all of the parts necessary to experience pain, including nerves, spinal cord, and thalamus. Vocal cords are complete. The baby can suck its thumb. Week 14: At this age, the heart pumps several quarts of blood through the body every day. Week 15: The baby has an adult’s taste buds. Month 4: Bone Marrow is now beginning to form. The heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood a day. By the end of month 4 the baby will be 8-10 inches in length and will be one half of its birth weight. Week 17: The baby can have dream (REM) sleep. Week 19: Babies can routinely be saved at 21 to 22 weeks after fertilization, and sometimes they can be saved even younger. Week 20: The earliest stage at which Partial birth abortions are performed. At 20 weeks the baby recognizes its’ mothers voice.
". . . He that humbleth himself shall be exalted. And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, 'Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.'" (Luke 18)