A true example of Orthodoxy recently passed away. Born George Raptopoulos, people called Father Gervasios “the priest of the poor,” “angel for the sons of the prodigal son,” and the “saint of prisoners” as he had an impact on countless lives all over the globe. The Orthodox Times notes that since 1987, Father Gervasios’ Ministry […]
This year, from the 13th-15th of February, board members and staff met in person or by video conference in Houston, Texas working throughout each day towards implementing the vision of the OCPM mission: To serve those who are incarcerated and their families, and provide resources, training and support to our ministry partners. Since last year, […]
For the third year in a row, Fr. John Kowalczyk gave a three hour workshop at the Drexel Medical College 27th Forensic Conference, held on Wednesday, December 4th 2019. Fr. John Kowalczyk stated the following: “Working with mentally ill inmates who are in the (RHU) Restricted Housing Unit or Solitary Confinement, one will be confronted […]
Fr. Stephen Powley and Fr. John Kowalczyk recently visited St. Tikhon’s Seminary to present OCPM to the seminarians and minister at the local prison. The St. Tikhon’s Seminary hosts an Ancient Faith Podcast series called “The Spirit of Saint Tikhon’s” where Fr. Stephen spoke about the powerful work of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. Listen […]
Every year, OCPM Fr. Stephen Powley and Fr. John Kowalczyk make a trip to St. Tikhon’s Seminary. This year Fr. Stephen was able to visit with his wife, Ashley. As always, it was reported that their “hospitality was beyond words” as they were kindly provided a room and meals. This year, the visit took place […]
Last week, 10 pan-Orthodox ministries came together at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for a two-day meeting addressing homelessness. Executive Director Fr. Stephen Powley and Director of Operations Paul Politis represented the OCPM. There were three main objectives purposed: To learn from one another, highlight strengths and areas for growth, and create ties for greater collaboration […]
Father Stephen Powley was recently the keynote speaker for the Youth and Family Conference hosted this year in Dallas, Texas from July 25-27. Father addressed their younger-aged group of around 150 people aged 15-32 years old. The conference, which saw around 550 people, was themed “Celebrating the Abundant Life: The Orthodox Christian Way.” Father Stephen […]
This past Sunday was Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday (PMAS), a day where parishes and parishioners highlighted the powerful work of prison ministries. Many churches passed an additional tray on that Sunday and sent the donations to OCPM so we can continue in our mission of servicing the incarcerated and their families as well as providing […]
As we continue through Great & Holy Lent, we wanted to provide you with some inspirational updates from our ministry. We would like to welcome our newest volunteer, Jim Demetrios, to the OCPM! Jim has started corresponding with those in jails and prisons across the United States. The challenge of writing to prisoners extends beyond […]
In Matthew 5:44-45, Jesus gave us a radical command “love your enemies; bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and […]