Moscow cathedral holds liturgy interpreted into Russian Sign Language

Patriarch Kirill led a liturgy interpreted into Russian Sign Language at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on October 11. More than 300 people attended from across Russia, including representatives of Orthodox deaf communities.

The service marked the centenary of the All-Russian Society of the Deaf and 35 years since the revival of church ministry for people with hearing impairments. The patriarch’s press service said participants represented 27 dioceses and 35 communities.

Archpriest Mikhail Potokin, head of the Russian Orthodox Church’s synodal department for charity and social ministry, said after the liturgy that the church had more than 60 deaf communities. He also reported the participation of more than 20 clergy who lead such communities.

Deacons and volunteers interpreted the service into Russian Sign Language. Priests heard confessions in sign language. Potokin said some priests were themselves hard of hearing and served alongside parishioners with hearing impairments.

Background information on the church’s official website described social, educational and outreach activities in 68 communities in Russia in cooperation with the All-Russian Society of the Deaf. That figure refers to the existing network, rather than the number of communities attending the Moscow service.

The synodal department organises sign-language training for clergy, social workers and volunteers. The patriarch’s press service said teaching materials and themed videos for people with hearing impairments were also being developed.