To all the Clergy and the Laity of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the United States;
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
CHRIST IS RISEN!
The Hierarchs of The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America have approved this year, Sunday, May 20th, 2018 to be Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday in all Orthodox parishes of North America.
Our Divine Liturgy begins with petitions that include: “…for the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.” Later, following the Holy Anaphora, the priest again prays: “Remember Lord… the captives and their salvation.”
Orthodox Christians are meant to put feet to their prayers. As St. Paul exhorts us: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”” (Romans 10:13-15)
Please put “feet” to your prayers for captives and for their salvation by assisting OCPM in bringing the Good News to the precious souls living in the prisons and jails of our country. OCPM needs your help to bring the Love and Light of Christ to these men and women who should also be afforded the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord. Would you please be so kind to pass a second tray for the ongoing ministry of OCPM on
Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday?
TRULY HE IS RISEN!
With love and thanks in our Risen Lord,
Fr. Stephen Powley
Executive Director