New Ministry Resource article pays tribute to older persons

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“Older Americans Month” has been celebrated across the US in May of every year since the Older Americans Act was passed in 1965.

“It is a time to acknowledge the contributions to our nation of past and current older persons and also to draw attention to their needs,” said Donna Karabin, who chairs the Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Christian Service and Humanitarian Aid [CSHA].  “On the local level, our Church communities benefit greatly from the experience, service and spiritual maturity of our elders. With love and respect, we maintain meaningful and caring relationships with them throughout their ‘many years.’”

As a tribute to the elderly, the CSHA Department recently released an excellent new article by Peter A. Kavanaugh, titled “Personhood and an Aging Mind and Body”, in the Seniors section of its Parish Ministry Resources.

“Mr. Kavanaugh draws from the writings of the Church Fathers, current medical research, and personal experience in geriatrics to illustrate the significance of the mind-body-soul connection in the care of the elderly,” Mrs. Karabin added.  “Practical ways to relate to and care for people with dementia also are offered. He explains that in the midst of an aging mind and body, there is a fully living person with a need and possibility for relationships. Mr. Kavanaugh firmly believes the elderly are an essential part of a healthy Church community.”

The CSHA Department invites parishes to submit photos and short videos of their elderly parishioners to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).