The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America took a historic step toward greater inclusion with the organization of a multi-day conference, Gathered as One Body: Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion in the Orthodox Church, which opened on May 1st, 2025, at Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown, MA.
Hosted by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) at Hellenic College Holy Cross and co-sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Center for Family Care, the conference marked the official launch of the “On Behalf of All” parish accessibility pilot program, funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment.
Beginning with a Paraklesis service, the evening included opening remarks from Dr. John Chryssavgis, HEI Executive Director, who underscored the Church’s calling to become “communion” by fully welcoming all people. He emphasized that accessibility is not merely a technical challenge but a theological imperative. Keynote speakers included Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago and Matthew Schneider, LC, who spoke about the transformative grace of serving the Church’s most vulnerable members. Prof. Nicholas Racheotes, Church historian and Taxiarchae parishioner, offered closing remarks.
On May 2, the conference continued with an “adaptive” Divine Liturgy at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Weston, MA. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided and delivered a sermon on Christian compassion and radical inclusion.
Designed with a wide range of accommodations—including ASL interpretation, hypoallergenic incense, and a food-sensitive Eucharist—the liturgy embodied the conference’s mission.
After the Divine Liturgy, a panel of hierarchs—Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, and Bishop John of Worcester—reflected on the pastoral responsibility of Church leadership in fostering accessible parish life. The panel was followed by a spirited and heartfelt discussion with participants sharing a common desire for systemic spiritual and cultural transformation within the Church.
Archbishop Elpidophoros encouraged participants to spark “good trouble” in their communities by advocating for inclusion, while Metropolitan Nathanael added: “There is no need to walk on eggshells. Do not be afraid to crack the egg.”
On May 3, a variety of fascinating workshops addressed practical and theological issues related to caregiving and disability advocacy, inclusive liturgical practices, and religious education. The sessions gave participants the tools and inspiration to build more inclusive communities.
The Gathered as One Body conference represents a landmark moment in Orthodox Christian life in America, reaffirming that all are essential members of the Body of Christ and that accessibility is a core expression of the Church’s identity and mission.
About the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at HCHC
The Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross seeks to facilitate and advance dialogue with other churches and faiths, particularly around theological and ethical, as well as pastoral and practical dimensions of contemporary issues and social challenges of our time. It strives to explore and express the fundamental ethos of the Orthodox Church in open encounters and honest engagement with other confessions and communities.
Photos: John Chryssavgis/Orthodox Deaf Association – Harry Parks/Jeremy Swartz
