This year, our parish’s Lenten Collection will support the vital ministry of the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA), a pan-Orthodox nonprofit dedicated to making the life of the Church accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing Orthodox Christians. To contribute, please write “Matthew 25” on the memo line of paper checks or click here and select “Matthew 25 Donations.” This appeal will run from now until Pascha. Thank you, and may God bless your generosity!
Your Lenten offerings will make a meaningful impact:
- Building accessible Orthodox education: OCDA donations support the creation of web-based learning materials, as well as the production of videos for Deaf children in collaboration with Ancient Faith Kids.
- Translating worship into ASL: Funds help advance the translation of the Divine Liturgy and other services into American Sign Language (ASL), allowing Deaf faithful to participate more fully in the liturgical life of the Church.
- Producing theological and catechetical resources: OCDA develops ASL theological content and catechetical vlogs that teach the faith in the heart language of the Deaf community.
- Fostering community and fellowship: Monthly Zoom “Meet and Greet” gatherings and study sessions—supported directly by donations—help connect Deaf and hard-of-hearing Orthodox Christians nationwide.
- Growing accessibility through training and conferences: Contributions may provide scholarships for Deaf participants attending the OCDA’s annual conference and assist Orthodox individuals pursuing interpreter training in partnership with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops.
- Strengthening the OCDA website: Donations also fund improvements and redesigns of the organization’s accessible online hub, which houses educational resources and supports community gatherings.
All contributions are stewarded responsibly in accordance with the OCDA’s nonprofit mission. The organization currently has no salaried employees, ensuring that 100% of donated funds go directly toward ministry work and program expenses.
Thank you for prayerfully considering this Lenten act of mercy. May God bless your kindness and multiply the good it enables within the Deaf Orthodox community.
