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Beyond the Bars Blog

Memory Eternal: Remembering Father Gervasios, the “Saint of Prisoners”

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 […]

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Entering Lent Strong: 2020 OCPM Semi-Annual Board & Strategic Plan Meeting Complete

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, […]

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Fr. John Kowalczyk delivers workshop at Drexel Medical College

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 […]

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Fr. Stephen’s Interview at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

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 […]

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Fr. Stephen Powley and Fr. John Kowalczyk Visit St. Tikhon’s Seminary to Present OCPM & Minister

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 […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

Letter from the Chairman of the OCPM Board of Directors

Dear Supporters of OCPM: The human touch: a hug, a pat on the back, or a handshake. The human interaction: laughing together, talking together, or crying together. We take them for granted. But there is a group of people in our country who rarely experience these. They might experience the touch of someone’s hand, but […]

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OCPM Attends Meeting Regarding the Homeless at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

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 […]

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Fr. Stephen Represents OCPM as Keynote for Youth and Family Conference in Dallas Texas

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 […]

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St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church Makes Significant Commitment to OCPM

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 […]

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Beyond the Bars Blog

Lenten Inspiration Through Volunteerism

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 […]