This post was originally published on this site
When Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio set out to make Sunday mornings easier for families of children with disabilities, the first change was meeting them at the door.
Because the cathedral sits in downtown Columbus, where street parking is limited and the walk from available spaces can be difficult for those with mobility challenges, the parish implemented a valet parking service for faithful with disabilities and their families. Four parking spaces are now reserved specifically for those parishioners, removing what had been one of the most basic obstacles to attending liturgy.
The valet service is part of a broader set of accessibility improvements identified at the parish through their use of Accessibility Assessments created by the Archdiocese’s On Behalf of All initiative. Targeted accessibility projects also include a separate entrance with a ramp and reserved seating areas within the sanctuary for parishioners who use wheelchairs, allowing them to worship alongside their families.
Helen Rankin, Parish Council President; Cathy Tela, educator and the parish’s liaison for the Archdiocese’s On Behalf of All pilot program; and Ruhel Ghebretnsae, the mother of a child with a disability, described the changes as the result of a ministry called St. Matrona Miracles of God, a support group for families with disabilities.
Founded by Presbytera Elaine Stavropoulos, the ministry takes its name from St. Matrona of Moscow, a Russian saint who was born blind, lost the ability to walk at age 17, and was known for the gift of healing despite those hardships and life under Soviet rule.
“It planted the initial seeds for us in terms of being aware that there were parishioners’ needs we hadn’t ministered to,” Rankin said.
Ghebretnsae said the changes have made a lasting difference for her family.
“There is no longer an excuse to skip liturgy or show up late,” she said. “We are encouraged by the community’s support, love and attention to our family. I’m grateful to be part of both and belong to a parish that continuously strives to provide endless support to the needs of my family and others. My children and I feel loved, protected, and respected. Glory to God.”
The parish has more accessibility projects underway. Parishioner David Betz, an architect, has provided preliminary plans for accessible family restrooms with an adult changing table, as well as for parking lot improvements, including additional van-accessible spaces. Parishioner William (Belisarios) Morris, MD, is designing and building an accessible icon stand for wheelchair users. Sensory bags are now available during services, and the parish also plans to install automatic door-openers.
As a pilot parish in the Archdiocese’s initiative On Behalf of All: Toward an Accessible Divine Liturgy for Children with Disabilities, the church also has an On Behalf of All committee responsible for raising awareness and piloting best practices. The parish will also host a parish-wide retreat examining how “we can live the Gospel call to welcome, support, and include all members of the Body of Christ, including children with disabilities.”
Tela said the parish has worked to raise disability awareness in less visible ways as well, including through bulletin submissions and coffee-hour conversations where parishioners can share ideas, obstacles, and feedback.
“One of the greatest blessings of our ministry is how it has brought people together to share their talents with the entire church,” Tela said. “We continue to pray for God’s guidance as we work toward a church where all members of God’s creation can worship together.”
Tela said she hopes the parish’s example encourages other communities to take on similar work. “We hope it inspires other churches to tackle some of the challenges their parishioners may be facing,” she said.
The post Columbus parish’s valet service opens doors for families with disabilities appeared first on Orthodox Observer.
