Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA)

Though Orthodoxy has many deaf saints, Saint Mark the Deaf has become the patron saint of the deaf.

Founded in 2020 with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Alexander of Dallas, the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA) is the only Orthodox organization in the United States that ministers specifically to the deaf community and has grown to over 440 members.

The purpose of this pan-Orthodox organization is to connect Orthodox deaf Christians of all jurisdictions together in order to foster fellowship, create useful resources, both educational and liturgical, plan special events, and to introduce the greater deaf community to the Orthodox faith. For this to happen, they also need hearing Orthodox Christians who are versed in ASL to join and assist them in developing the OCDA.

They have already launched a Lexicon Team, in cooperation with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, to translate the Divine Services into American Sign Language (ASL) and are excited to announce a new partnership with Ancient Faith Kids Ministries! Three OCDA interpreters are collaborating with the organization to create videos tailored for Orthodox Deaf and hard-of-hearing children across the United States. Once completed, these videos will be available on their website for everyone to access and enjoy.

How can you help? If you know anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing that is either Orthodox, interested in Orthodoxy, inquiring about Christianity, or other hearing Orthodox individuals that know ASL, please encourage them to join the OCDA today or contact them for more information at http://orthodoxdeaf.org