Fully Human: Toward Full Participation of People with Disabilities in the Orthodox Church (Ministry Panel #6) - Clergy-Laity

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Fully Human: Toward Full Participation of People with Disabilities in the Orthodox Church (Ministry Panel #6)

Participants can expect an in-depth look at the efforts of the Fully Human ministry, including those being made toward accessible worship for Deaf and blind persons, how to create accessible Sunday School rooms and tailor educational materials for atypical learners, and the vital importance of churches addressing physical access needs.

Panelists will offer personal insight regarding their lived experience as caregivers and individuals with disabilities while emphasizing the theological connections related to the oneness of the Body of Christ and how the inclusion and valuing of people with varying abilities enhances the health and life of parishes.

A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to an interactive Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with the panelists and delve deeper into the subject matter.

Ministry Panel #6 - "Fully Human: Toward Full Participation of People with Disabilities in the Orthodox Church" at the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress in San Diego, California; presented by Presvytera Kerry Pappas, Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Justin Heard, and Summer Kinard.

See written coverage of the session here: https://www.goarch.org/-/ministry-6-clc-24 

Read more coverage of the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress here: https://www.clergylaity.org/news-releases 

Congress Events

Ministry Panels

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    Equipping Parishes to Reclaim the Great Commission (Ministry Panel #1)

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    Artificial Intelligence, Personhood, and Theosis (Ministry Panel #2)

    researchers create ever more refined and sophisticated artificial intelligence, conversations have naturally arisen in response to the breadth of possibilities that better AI brings to the world. From discussions about how to regulate student use of chatbots like ChatGPT, concerns over election security, deep fakes, and threats to national security, AI raises ethical, safety, and practical concerns in almost every arena of our lives.

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    Women In Orthodoxy: Past, Present and Future (Ministry Panel #3)

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    Engaging the Youth in the Body of Christ (Ministry Panel #4)

    This panel was an engaging discussion on how parishes can and should actively involve youth in the vibrant life of their parishes. In exploring the true needs of young people and the challenges they face in today’s world, the panel will explore strategic approaches centered around the transformative core of the Orthodoxy – Christ.

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    The Role of the Assembly of Bishops (Ministry Panel #5)

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    Fully Human: Toward Full Participation of People with Disabilities in the Orthodox Church (Ministry Panel #6)

    Participants can expect an in-depth look at the efforts of the Fully Human ministry, including those being made toward accessible worship for Deaf and blind persons, how to create accessible Sunday School rooms and tailor educational materials for atypical learners, and the vital importance of churches addressing physical access needs.

    Read More
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    Developing Effective and Christ-Centered Parish Leadership (Ministry Panel #7)

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    Youth and Young Adults in the Church (Ministry Panel #8)

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Workshops

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    A Proactive Lifespan Development Model for Clergy Health and Well-Being

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    Creating a Singing Parish: Congregations and Beyond

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    Creating Vibrant Family Ministries

    This workshop offers vision, strategy, and practical tools for those interested in establishing life-giving family ministries that are both needed and relevant in the local parish.

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    HCHC Outbound: Accessible Education, Publications, and Spiritual Formation

    This presentation by faculty and staff of Hellenic College Holy Cross highlights several recent innovative initiatives that invigorate our educational outreach to everyone who wants to learn, bringing the good news to places where people live and work.

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    How to Get Started in Prison Ministry with Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry

    An inspirational and tactical conversation on how you may begin or further your local prison ministry, through the training and ongoing support of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry followed by a 20-minute Q&A.

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    Inter-Parish Associations – A Futuristic Vision

    Inter-Parish Associations promote communication, camaraderie, and cooperation across Orthodox Christian parishes of all jurisdictions in a given geographical area. Their purpose is to break down barriers across Orthodox Christian jurisdictions and, as a unified Orthodox Christian community, witness Christ's love in local society through common ministry. 

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    Preserving Greek Heritage: Fostering Cultural Identity and Community Cohesion

    Explore the profound influence of the Department of Greek Education within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, focusing on its strategic initiatives dedicated to the preservation and rejuvenation of the Greek language.

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    The Assembly of Bishops’ Mental Health Ministries

    This panel invites you to examine the complex space where spiritual care and ministry can intersect with the mental health needs of parishioners.  Panelists discussed the prevalence of mental health concerns in our communities, the impact of socio-cultural stigma around mental health, the implications this can have for an individual's spiritual development, and the various resources available to attend to these growing needs.

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    The Saint Anastasia Fellowship – Addictions Ministry and Support Group

    This workshop unveils the innovative approach of The Saint Anastasia Fellowship, an Addictions Ministry and Support Group within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. We showcase the profound integration of our faith into the realm of recovery, combining Orthodox Christian Ontology with modern clinical insights.

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    Who is the Psaltis? Why Do We Need Him? What is His Role?

    The Psaltis (cantor) is an integral participant and enabler of all our liturgical services and sacraments. This presentation is intended to raise awareness of the proper role of the Psaltis in the Liturgical life of the Church. 

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47th Biennial
Clergy-Laity Congress
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America