Miscarriage Resources for Orthodox Christians
If you’re here because you’ve had a miscarriage, my heart is with you. You can read my personal experience with miscarriage here. Or my article about what to expect with a miscarriage here.
Life after miscarriage or pregnancy loss can feel dull and hopeless. The life you imagined with your dear baby, is gone in an instant. And as painful as it is, I promise it does get easier. The pain dulls and life will continue. I am deeply sorry for your loss but I pray that this helps you find hope amidst the pain
May it be blessed.
Miscarriage Resources
When it comes to finding support, we all need something different. Some of us need to read others’ stories, some need in-person support, and some just need to know they’re not alone. I pray you find just what you need to move forward in your grieving journey.
Orthodox Prayers for Miscarriage
First and foremost, please, speak to your priest about your situation. Whether you lost your baby at 5 weeks before you told anyone or 15 weeks when the whole world knew, your priest can both pray for you and comfort you with prayer and guidance in burial.
Service after a Miscarriage or Stillbirth
Supplication Service for Miscarriage and Infant Loss
Prayer for Churching after a Miscarriage
O Sovereign Master, Lord our God, Who wast born of the all-pure Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and as an infant was laid in a manger: do Thou Thyself, according to Thy great mercy, have regard for this Thine handmaiden, N., who hath suffered a miscarriage of the child conceived in her. Bring comfort to her in her suffering, and grant her, O Loving Lord, health and strength of body and soul. Preserve her from every snare of the evil one, from all despondency and inward torment. Send a radiant angel to guard her from every assault of sickness and weakness. Cleanse her and heal the disorder of her womb. Restore her to health and forgive her sins. In Thy mercy comfort the mind of Thy handmaiden and bring her peace. For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Online Resources for Miscarriage
I found this blog when I had my first miscarriage 8 years ago. It’s incredibly comforting and unlike many other blogs on the internet. She dedicates her whole blog to helping families through miscarriage. Whether it’s with expectations surrounding miscarriage or prayers for miscarriage, I found immense comfort in her dedication.
I didn’t personally use their services but I appreciate their mission statement. One of their top priorities is to help families heal and stay together after the loss of a baby. If you don’t know, the loss of a child is one of the most common causes of divorce. They also have support groups available to connect you with people who have been in your situation.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Orthodox Facebook Support Group
This group is an incredible place to share your story and find solace with other families who have experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss. It’s so comforting to know you’re not alone, especially amidst a tragic event.
Directory of Orthodox Christian Mental Health Professionals
This directory can help you find a mental health professional who is an Orthodox Christian. If you believe that you need specific counseling in addition to confession, speak to your spiritual father and see if there is a practitioner near you.
This is a Christian group that does incredible work for the benefit of Christian families. They have many different support groups or local chapters that may be a good option if you don’t have any Orthodox resources near you.
Suffering in Silence: Opening up about Miscarriages by Matushka Rebekah Markewich
A sorrowfully beautiful account of another Matushkas experience with miscarriage.
Books For Miscarriage
Naming the Child: Hope-Filled Reflections on Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Death by Jenny Schroedel
My husband and I read this book after our miscarriage and I can’t recall another book that has impacted me as deeply as Mat. Jenny’s. She writes with empathy and compassion. She shares countless stories of families who have suffered the loss of a child but still saw God through it. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Under the Laurel Tree: Grieving Infertility with Saints Joachim and Anna by Nicole Rocas
I haven’t read this book but I have heard incredible reviews for it. Though it’s more geared toward families suffering from infertility, it still may be quite applicable to a family who has had a miscarriage.
Memory Eternal: Living with Grief as Orthodox Christians by Sarah Byrne-Martelli
This book explores death from an Orthodox worldview. She focuses on our everlasting hope in the Resurrection and eternal Truth that we will see and hold our departed loved ones, once again.
Moving Forward from Miscarriage
I think the hardest part about moving forward from a miscarriage is that most of the world doesn’t even know about the loss you’ve suffered. I distinctly remember feeling guilty that people were laughing or smiling around me. Didn’t they know that my baby had just died? How could I even think about smiling or moving forward?
But eventually, I did. It took a lot of prayer, communication with my husband, and support from my priest and loved ones. But eventually, I did move forward. I still think about my babies I lost and I pray for their intercessions. I pray you’re able to do the same.
If you found this article helpful, sign up for my mailing list so you never miss a new post. And share this article with anyone you think may need resources for a miscarriage. And if you don’t have anyone who you feel safe talking to about your miscarriage, please feel free to email me at cathryn@thesanctifiedwomb.com. It would be an honor to hear your story and sit with you in your grief.
From the Orthodox Christian Service of prayer after a miscarriage or stillbirth
“O Lord, Who guards Thy children in this life and prepares for those who have departed from us in their innocence a haven in the radiant angelic realm in the heavenly mansions: Do Thou, the same Master, Christ our God, receive in peace the soul of Thy child [N.], for Thou has said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of heaven.” For unto Thee is due all glory, honor, and worship, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever. and unto ages of ages.”
