Menu
Get to know the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Board of Trustees
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry is an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America
Eugenia Ordynsky, Esq. Chairman
Nicholas J. Furris, Vice Chairman
Eric Namee, Esq. Treasurer
Christian Finger, Secretary
Eric Grant, Esq.
Dr. Carla Thomas
Dn. Theodore Saclarides
Rev. John Johnson
Larry Fitterer, Esq.
OCPM executive leaders establish our vision and strategic plan, ensure the best stewardship of resources, align resources with strategy and operational plans, and lead the execution of our programs.
Niko has been leading OCPM since 2020. As Executive Director he manages all facets of OCPM’s programs and administration throughout the US. He has spent a decade in non-profit leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, and program development, working to create the best conditions for good ministry to thrive.
Niko is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism. He and his family reside in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Roy Azar, Director of Operations
Fr. Stephen Powley, Co-Director of Training & Spiritual Care
The Very Rev. John Kowalczyk, Co-Director of Training & Spiritual Care
A former leader in the Jesus People Movement, Fr. Duane Pederson is considered the father of Orthodox prison ministry in the United States, having loyally served people in prison all across the country for over fifty years. Prisoners who have been sentenced to death row or life in prison had a special place in his heart and ministry.
In 2012 Fr. Duane was presented with the Matthew 25:36 Award for his lifetime achievement in prison ministry, and his founding influence is still essential to the current work of OCPM. Fr. Duane reposed in the Lord on July 20, 2022. Read more about his legacy here, or make a special contribution to the Fr. Duane Pederson Memorial Fund here.