New York, New York — In January 2023, OCPM created many new volunteer opportunities for Orthodox Christian parishes across the U.S. with the hope that every Orthodox parish would be able to serve the incarcerated near them. Now, OCPM is implementing the second wave of this vision, raising the next generation of leaders in Orthodox prison ministry for the United States, and equipping them for ministry through three new training programs.
The Certificate Program in Prison Ministry, in partnership with St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, is the first program of its kind. Orthodox clergy and laity are invited to participate in this six-month remote program that covers all essential aspects of prison ministry and combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to ensure participants develop an Orthodox approach to the unique challenges faced in correctional settings. The Certificate Program culminates in a 10-day residency on the campus of St. Tikhon’s Seminary.
Early Church History: Receiving the Ancient Faith Behind Bars is a new course created by OCPM to be shared in a local jail or prison with people of all faith backgrounds. The curriculum has been specifically created for the prison audience and will cover material most people in prison have never heard before, their first point of contact with the Orthodox Church. For parishes who discern a calling to teach this course, OCPM will provide coaching and eventually in-person training to equip you for your local jail or prison.
Coming Home: Parish Re-Entry Certification Program will be available in 2024, empowering Orthodox churches to welcome and support individuals transitioning from incarceration into society and strengthening the capacity of churches to engage with this vulnerable population.
This program aims to reduce recidivism rates, promote rehabilitation, and foster a sense of community and belonging for the formerly incarcerated and those welcoming them into their parish life.
To help kickstart these new training programs, OCPM is hosting a special Nativity giving challenge. Thanks to a generous donor, your gifts will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $60,000 from now until Christmas Day.
To learn more about new training programs and the Nativity giving challenge, visit theocpm.org/nativity2023
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) is an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States. For Orthodox Christians who have been arrested for crimes, OCPM helps them return to the Faith, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with Christ. For both Orthodox and non-Orthodox alike, OCPM provides spiritual care, enabling prisoners to find hope and purpose in their lives. For more information, please visit www.theocpm.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @theocpm.
