GOD IS NOT MOCKED! By Fr. Stephen Powley During my years of being a prison chaplain I met many, many men who had mocked God. At that time they seemed to take delight in making fun of anything Holy. But God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7) and He too has a sense of humor. He […]
Paradise and Hell Saint Paisios of Athos tells a story about God revealing Paradise and Hell to a simple man (perhaps the saint himself). Here’s the story: “Well, one night while he was asleep, he heard a voice telling him: ‘Come, I will show you Hell.’ He then found himself in a room where many […]
The Icon depicted is called: St. Basil, Protector of the Poor My travels often take me to downtown areas in big cities. Walking around the streets brings me face to face with many poor and homeless folks. I suspect that each one of us has experienced that awkward moment as we tried to look the […]
The Storms of Life with Fr. Stephen This past year has seen its share of really bad storms hitting various areas of our country. Some of these storms brought horrible devastation to so many, many people. Such storms often bring to mind a story I had heard many years ago that may be of some […]
Paschal Letter Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:5 Christ is Risen! We at the OCPM would like to wish you and yours a blessed Pascha! At this most holy time of year, we are reminded yet again why Christ is center to our lives […]
Blessings Beyond Bars is a Lenten Youth Project with the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) to teach children and young adults about prison ministry. OCPM provides a lesson plan and do-it-yourself craft activity to involve youth with a hands-on project using shoeboxes as mock-prison cells. We offer fundraising ideas to collect donations in the boxes […]
What does your mommy or daddy do? What does your mommy or daddy do? Many of us remember a teacher asking that question when we were very young. With much enthusiasm we would stand in front of the class and tell all about our parent. What does a child say when mom or dad is […]
The holidays are especially hard for families The holidays are especially hard for families who have a loved one in prison. Prison walls keep people who are incarcerated locked in, while at the same time keeping others–spouses, moms, children, aunts, brothers, sisters, and also grandmothers–locked out. Many times, it is a grandmother who suffers in […]
According to the National Bureau of Justice Statistics: One in 32 adults, or about 3.1 percent of U.S. adult residents, was under correctional supervision at year end 2009! In 2007, there were 1,706,600 minor children left behind when a parent was incarcerated! How OCPM Responds: OCPM reaches out to thousands of people in prisons across […]
Taking Care of Yourself During a Friend or Family Member’s Jail Time Family or Friends Behind Bars Can be a Strain – Alex on Morguefile.com Dealing with a family member in prison can be a challenge for those left behind, who may feel anger, grief, guilt, betrayal, overwhelmed and isolation from the community. Staying in […]