To welcome Mr. Nick Abdelahad to the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) team, OCPM Communications asked what brought him to the ministry and what he hopes for the future of OCPM.
OCPM: What brought you to OCPM? What made you want to work in prison ministry?
NA: For a long time, I worked in cybersecurity sales, and like many who eventually find themselves working in the Church, I never set out to pursue a career in ministry—let alone prison ministry specifically. Ironically, I was catching up with a friend about a completely different opportunity when she mentioned that OCPM was hiring. At first, I was skeptical. But the more I looked into the role and learned about OCPM, the more it felt like a potential fit. After watching a few YouTube videos and getting a better sense of the mission, I decided it was worth applying. It was during my second interview that [Nicholas Petrogeorge, Executive Director] really convinced me—not only that the role was something I’d find meaningful and fulfilling, but also that I was genuinely well-suited for it.
OCPM: How would you describe your role in the organization? What potentials do you see in this role toward the future of OCPM? (i.e. how can the Church Programs Manager contribute to the increased demand of Orthodox prison ministry in the U.S.?)
NA: As Church Programs Manager, my role is to educate, facilitate, and implement OCPM’s formal Church Programs in parishes across all Orthodox jurisdictions in the U.S. What I love most about this position is that it allows me to draw on skills I’ve developed throughout my career—especially the relationship-driven, value-based communication I honed during my years in B2B sales. A bonus is that my work often overlaps with our incredible PSSMs [Prisoner Spiritual Support Managers]—Fr. Michael [Pejovic], Dn. Toby [John], and Paul [Finley]—who are a deep well of experience and insight in both prison ministry and Orthodoxy. As we continue to formalize and standardize the programs already in place, I’m excited by the opportunity to develop new content that will give parishes more resources and options as they build sustainable, long-term prison ministry efforts within their communities.
OCPM: Finally, what would you say to someone first considering getting involved with OCPM?
NA: Pray about it. Talk to your priest about it. And then—do it! There are countless inspirational quotes about how growth only happens outside our comfort zones, and prison ministry is a perfect example of that truth. Let’s be honest: most people feel far more comfortable answering Christ’s call to feed the hungry by serving at a soup kitchen, or to clothe the naked by donating to a nonprofit. Visiting those in prison—whether through correspondence or in person—often feels much more intimidating.
As a former Director of a Challenge Course, I’ve seen firsthand how stepping outside your comfort zone can be transformative. When you keep Christ and those incarcerated at the center of your ministry, you’ll find that not only are you serving others—you’re also growing deeper in your own faith and spiritual life.