Throughout September, the Diocese of the South joins the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA) in recognizing Deaf Awareness Month and supporting its work to make the Orthodox Christian faith more accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
The OCDA works to remove barriers that can make participation in the life of the Church difficult for Deaf Orthodox Christians. Its ministry includes providing interpreted catechism classes, developing accessible Orthodox educational resources, supporting clergy and parishes in Deaf ministry, and continuing the development of an Orthodox Christian lexicon in American Sign Language.
Financial support during Deaf Awareness Month directly assists these efforts. A $30 donation can help compensate an interpreter for a catechism class, while $60 can fund a fully interpreted class for Deaf students. Larger gifts help develop ASL educational materials, support outreach to Deaf Orthodox Christians and their families, advance the Orthodox Christian Lexicon, and provide travel and media resources for Deaf ministry initiatives.
Accessibility is ultimately about ensuring that everyone can fully encounter and participate in the life of Christ’s Church. Through the work of the OCDA, Deaf Orthodox Christians and those seeking the Orthodox faith are being given greater opportunities to learn, worship, participate in catechesis, and grow within the life of the Church.
The Diocese of the South encourages its clergy, parishes, and faithful to support the OCDA during Deaf Awareness Month through prayer, by sharing its work, and through financial contributions.
To learn more or make a donation, visit orthodoxdeaf.org.