OCPM News and Updates
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry is guided by a talented and dedicated board. We want to begin highlighting their experience and expertise and will start our first feature spotlight with Dr. Carla Thomas, MD, FAAFO, CEM! In September of 1978, Dr. Carla Thomas left Cincinnati, OH, packed up all her belongings and went to Boston, MA. […]
Dear Faithful Friends, In the early 2000s I met Fr. Stephen Powley from Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry at a church college event and later we served together at the Antiochian Village Adventure camp. Hearing his incredible stories of prison ministry, my eyes were opened to the reality of Matthew 25:36, “I was in prison and you came to Me.” Until that time, I was […]
This past Sunday, Orthodox parishes all across the United States took part in Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday. This day of awareness aims to inform Orthodox Christians on the ministerial work being done in prisons and how they can participate. The impact of this ministry is far-reaching and it transforms lives. Fully supported by the Orthodox faithful, we as […]
First, thank you for your support throughout OCPM’s history. We continue to serve those who are incarcerated and their families, and provide resources, training and support to our ministry partners so that lives are transformed and God is glorified. Your support has made that possible. As you may know, I was appointed as the new […]
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 […]