As the national prison ministry of the Orthodox Church, part of the OCPM’s mission is to train and inspire local church communities to support those in prison near them. This is why dozens of Orthodox clergy seek out our coaching services every year to learn how to best manage the various challenges of doing ministry […]
New York, NY. (October 1, 2024) Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) extends our deepest appreciation to Elsie Skvir Ganister Foundation Fund for their generous support of our prison newsletter entitled “The Journey.” This vital monthly publication provides incarcerated individuals with discussions on the Orthodox faith, events on the church calendar, messages from OCPM’s director, as […]
By the grace of God, Orthodox Christianity is spreading across the prisons of the United States. The Journey newsletter, which OCPM publishes to send to those in prison, is being passed around cell-to-cell and our Prisoner Relationship Managers are now receiving letters from inmates introducing themselves and asking how to start being in contact with […]
As the demand for Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry continues to grow in facilities across the United States, we are happy to say our leadership is growing, too. OCPM is blessed to add two new members to our Board of Directors. Mrs. Maggie Wissink is looking forward to serving prisoners and their families as part of […]
The first ever Certificate Program in Prison Ministry, in partnership with Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) and St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS) graduated its first cohort of students June 16-22, 2024. The inaugural seven students of the Certificate Program have been remotely learning and reflecting together since February from their own homes and parishes […]
Hundreds of Orthodox churches of all jurisdictions across the country are preparing for Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday on July 28, 2024. The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States has blessed this annual day of recognition, prayer, and almsgiving for our brothers and sisters behind bars. One brave girl, however, has already begun […]
Being a Prisoner Relationship Manager (PRM) for OCPM is no easy task. Each PRM is responsible for hundreds of people in prison across the United States. They are not only personally responding to each inmate’s spiritual needs, but also assisting his or her community around them (family members, Orthodox clergy, prison staff, etc.). With the […]
This past Sunday was a special day the Church reserves on our way toward Great Lent when we are met again with Christ’s teaching of the separation of the sheep and the goats. Where last week’s Gospel reading (The Parable of the Prodigal Son) highlighted God’s boundless love for His children, this week turns our focus […]
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church in Meridian, Idaho, is quickly becoming a model parish for Orthodox prison ministry. Among the 200 people that regularly attend services, at least a quarter of their parishioners are involved in prison ministry. “Oh my gosh, the attitude and response of my parish has been fantastic!” says Donna Allee, Prison Ministry […]
The over 1,300 people in prison we serve are used to receiving spiritual “blessings” in the mail, but February is a special month. February is the only time everyone receives an icon sprinkled with holy water. Prepare and quiet yourself, the “Blessing of the Cells” service pamphlet begins. Set up your icons, and place the […]