Our Services

The Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA) is a pan-Orthodox ministry committed to supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and fostering full participation in the life of the Church. OCDA provides the following services:

Liturgical Accessibility

  • Translation and interpretation of Orthodox liturgical services into American Sign Language (ASL).

  • Development of theologically precise ASL liturgical vocabulary, including partnerships to establish a standardized Orthodox ASL lexicon.

  • OCDA’s Lexicon Team collaborates with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America to ensure consistency and theological integrity in ASL sign creation across all jurisdictions.

Children’s Ministry & Media Collaboration

  • Collaboration with Ancient Faith Ministries through the Ancient Faith Kids initiative to produce ASL-accessible faith-based video content for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

  • Engagement of OCDA interpreters and content developers to adapt and expand children’s ministry resources for online audiences.

Faith Formation & Education

  • Creation and distribution of Orthodox educational resources in ASL for all ages.

  • Online ASL-accessible catechism and instructional classes for all inquirers, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing catechumens

  • ASL devotionals and theological presentations are designed specifically for Deaf participants.

Community Building & Fellowship

  • National online fellowship opportunities for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Orthodox faithful.

  • Annual conferences and gatherings to support spiritual growth, mutual encouragement, and shared learning.

  • Facilitated networking across Orthodox jurisdictions to strengthen community connection.

Outreach & Advocacy

  • Identification and connection of Deaf Orthodox Christians throughout North America.

  • Support and encouragement for hearing Orthodox Christians who are proficient in ASL to serve as interpreters and ministry partners.

  • Promotion of greater awareness of Deaf ministry needs within parishes, dioceses, and pan-Orthodox initiatives.

Get in Touch

If you would like to inquire further about any of the services we offer (or services we don’t), please contact us. We be with you shortly.