Diocese of the South Supports Orthodox Deaf Ministry

DALLAS, TX — The Diocese of the South is joining the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA) throughout September to recognize Deaf Awareness Month and support efforts to make Orthodox Christian worship, education, and parish life more accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

The OCDA works to remove barriers that can hinder Deaf Orthodox Christians from fully participating in the life of the Church. Its ministry includes interpreted catechism classes, accessible Orthodox educational resources, assistance for clergy and parishes engaged in Deaf ministry, and the continued development of an Orthodox Christian lexicon in American Sign Language (ASL).

The Diocese noted that financial contributions during Deaf Awareness Month directly support 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 donations support the creation of ASL educational materials, outreach to Deaf Orthodox Christians and their families, development of the Orthodox Christian Lexicon, and travel and media resources for Deaf ministry.

Through the OCDA’s work, Deaf Orthodox Christians and those interested in becoming Orthodox are receiving greater opportunities to learn the faith, participate in catechesis, worship, and grow in the life of the Church. The Diocese emphasized that accessibility seeks to ensure that all people can fully encounter and participate in the life of Christ’s Church.

The Diocese of the South encouraged its clergy, parishes, and faithful to support the OCDA during September through prayer, sharing information about its ministry, and financial contributions. More information about the organization and opportunities to donate are available through the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association website.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the first ASL livestream Liturgy was set for the Sunday of Orthodoxy.