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Beyond the Bars Blog

Storybook Connections™: Keeping Families Together Throughout Incarceration

Sam and Jonathan Springer were surprised to receive a storybook in the mail for their two-year-old daughter. Inside the package was a letter explaining that this book was sent on behalf of Sam’s mother, Christy, who had been arrested and was in a jail in Colorado. Even more surprising, the book came with a link […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

What is Success?

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 […]

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Press Releases

OCPM Thanks Elsie Skvir Ganister Foundation Fund For Supporting Education in Prisons

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 […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

Remember Your Baptism: Serving Orthodox Christians Behind Bars

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 […]

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News Press Releases

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PRISON MINISTRY Appoints Maggie Wissink and Darin DeBolt as New Board Members

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 […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

The New Certificate Program in Prison Ministry Graduates Its First Cohort

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 […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

Giving Her Allowance to People in Prison: A Reflection for Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday

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 […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

“An Inmate is Praying for Me, Unworthy as I Am”: A Lenten Reflection from Fr. Michael Pejovic

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 […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

“…I was in prison, and you came to Me.” A Reflection for Judgment Sunday

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 […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

Early Church History: Receiving the Ancient Faith Behind Bars

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 […]