With the blessing of Metropolitan Mercury of Rostov and Novocherkassk, a Russian sign language course will be held at the Donskoy Theological Seminary on November 16-25, 2026.
The course will be part of a systematic effort to develop church ministry for the deaf and hard of hearing. Its participants will be able to gain practical knowledge and skills necessary for communication and spiritual care of people with hearing impairments. At the end of the training, students will receive a certificate.
The training will take place within the framework of the Professionals 2.0 project, implemented by the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service with the support of the Presidential Grants Fund.
"The Synodal Department for Charity regularly conducts training for clergymen who want to develop ministry to deaf and hard of hearing people, as well as families where such children or adults live. This area requires special training and an understanding of the specifics of pastoral work. We expect that clergy, as well as employees of secular institutions who work with people with hearing impairments, will be able to participate in the training. Such specialists will be able to gain practical knowledge that will help make church and social assistance more accessible to people who cannot hear," said Veronika Leontieva, head of the Department of assistance to the disabled at the Synodal Department of Charity.