September is Deaf Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support the vital work of ministry to and with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. With the blessing of His Eminence, the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA) was founded in 2020 as the first and only Orthodox organization in the United States dedicated to this mission.
Today, OCDA has 440 members and reaches more than 4,000 people through social media across the U.S. and beyond. In just the past year, the organization has:
- Hosted its first national conference at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, TX, gathering over 50 participants from across the country.
- Launched a Lexicon Team in collaboration with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA to translate the divine services into American Sign Language (ASL).
- Produced educational videos and offered online Bible studies and fellowship events for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
This pioneering work is completely volunteer-driven. All funds raised go directly to ministry efforts, with only minimal travel expenses reimbursed.
To continue this needed outreach, OCDA is seeking the financial support of the greater Orthodox Church. With God’s help and the prayers of our hierarchs, the OCDA will continue to reach, connect, and equip the Deaf and hard-of-hearing in the Name of Christ and His Holy Orthodox Church. Donate today: https://www.orthodoxdeaf.org/donate-today
Your servant in Christ,
Archpriest Jason Foster – OCDA