BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Get to know the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Board of Trustees

Hierarchical Liaison

His Eminence,

The Most Reverend Mark

Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, OCA

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. Fr. John Johnson

Larry Fitterer, Esq.

Darin DeBolt

executive STAFF

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.

Nicholas Petrogeorge

Executive Director

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

The Very Rev. Father Stephen Powley, Co-Director of Training & Spiritual Care

The Very Rev. Father John Kowalczyk, Co-Director of Training & Spiritual Care

Diana Emry, Director of Data and Process

Our Founder

The Right Rev. Archimandrite

+Fr. Duane Pederson

Founder

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.