Shreveport, Louisiana, February 12, 2026
Photo: Orthodox Christian Deaf Association
The Orthodox Christian Deaf Association (OCDA) has announced the launch of online catechism classes in American Sign Language, responding to growing interest from deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals inquiring about the Orthodox Church and seeking support in their catechism journey.
The organization will begin offering catechism classes this coming Tuesday, February 17, via Zoom. The classes will be taught by Fr. Jason Foster and interpreted in ASL by Moné Mitchell. The sessions are open to all who are interested. Participants may join using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81344988629
The organization was formed in April 2020 with the blessing of Archbishop Alexander (Golitzin) of the Diocese of the South (OCA). It operates under the 501(c)(3) umbrella of Holy Nativity of the Lord Orthodox Church (OCA) in Shreveport, Louisiana.
As a pan-Orthodox organization, the OCDA seeks to foster fellowship among deaf Orthodox Christians, create educational and liturgical resources, plan special events, and introduce the greater deaf community to the Orthodox faith. The association also encourages hearing Orthodox Christians who are proficient in ASL to assist in developing its ministries.
The association’s patron is St. Mark the Deaf. Little is known about his life beyond what is recorded in the Synaxarion, likely from the 13th century, which describes him as an ascetic who lived a righteous life and died in peace. His feast day is January 2.
Orthodoxy has recognized several other saints who were deaf, including St. Cadoc (Cadfan) Llankarvansky (+580), St. Drogo (Drew) (+12th century), St. Meriadoc (Meredith) (7th century), and St. Owen Ruensky (Eugene) (+684).
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