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Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America New York, NY — 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 to an audio recording of Christy reading the book. The book had been sent through OCPM’s growing program called Storybook Connections™. By training and enabling OCPM volunteers to bring children’s books and recording equipment into a nearby jail,…
Source: Orthodox Church in America NEW YORK, NY [OCPM] Applications are now officially open for the Certificate Program in Prison Ministry (Spring 2025 Cohort). Through the partnership of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) and St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS), you are invited to experience the most comprehensive training in Orthodox prison ministry offered in the United States. Graduates of the Spring 2024 cohort are already beginning their local prison ministries. “This course was excellent,” says Nick Finzer. “My prison volunteer orientation and training is scheduled for October.” “I’ve just completed my first prison Bible study,” says Steve Stafford. “What a beautiful experience.…
Source: Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) New York, NY — The over 1,300 people in prison served by Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry are used to receiving spiritual “blessings” in the mail, but February is a special month. February is the only time everyone receives an icon sprinkled with holy water. “Prepare and quiet yourself,” the Blessing of the Cells service pamphlet begins. “Set up your icons, and place the icon card of the Baptism of Christ in a prominent position.” The icon cards we send have all been blessed at the service of Holy Theophany. The sacramental blessing is ready…
Source: Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry South Canaan, Pennsylvania — Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) and St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS) have partnered together to create the new Certificate Program in Prison Ministry, the first program of its kind in the United States. The Certificate Program in Prison Ministry provides clergy and lay volunteers that are interested in prison ministry the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience to effectively lead and support people in prison. Students will learn from the most experienced chaplains and volunteers in Orthodox prison ministry in the country. “In such a specialized ministry, there has been a need…
Source: Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Dear Friends of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry, For over five years, I have been privileged to serve as the part-time Executive Director of OCPM. As a priest and retired federal prison chaplain, I have dedicated much of my life and ministry to serving those in jails and prisons. It has been a blessing to see the impact OCPM has made in the lives of so many, through its noble mission: To serve those who are incarcerated and their…
Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday is almost here! This year the date is May 17, 2015. Please join in raising awareness and support of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), an Agency of the Assembly of Bishops, on this day. Jesus told His sheep: “I was in prison and you came to Me” (Matthew 25:36). Not all of us can go into the prisons directly, but we can all support those who do this work. What can you do? ·Volunteer to promote OCPM on May 17 in your parish, with the blessing…
Source: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA 2015 Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday Encyclical “…Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them…” Acts 16:25 To all the Clergy and the Laity of the Holy Orthodox Churches in the United States: Beloved in Christ: Christ is risen! Indeed, He is risen! The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has designated the Sixth Sunday of Pascha, Sunday, May 17th of this year, to be Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) Awareness Sunday in all parishes. The United States…
Source: Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Recognized for a lifetime dedicated to serving Jesus Christ in prison and among the homeless on the streets, Fr. Duane Pederson was presented with the Matthew 25:36 Award on July 26, 2012 by the board and the staff of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry at the OCPM Fourth Annual National Convocation. The award contains a piece of actual prison bar from Graterford State Prison, Philadelphia, PA with the simple inscription of Matthew 25:36 (“I was in Prison and you came to me…”). Father Duane Pederson was acknowledged for having served over 40 years in prison ministry…