OCPM Launches Learning Center to Equip Churches for Prison Ministry

CREDIT: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States/Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM)

NEW YORK CITY — Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), the official prison ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, has announced the launch of the OCPM Learning Center, a new initiative designed to equip parishes for effective local prison ministry.

While many churches are inspired by Christ’s words to minister to those in prison [Matthew 25:36] they often struggle to turn this desire to serve into action. The Learning Center seeks to overcome common barriers to prison ministry by offering structured training and ready-made resources for ministry teams.

The program provides both in-person and virtual training modules led by seasoned prison ministry experts.

Current offerings include Criminal Justice Foundational Knowledge, Core Principles of Effective Prison Ministry, and Overcoming the Fear Factor, with additional modules in development.

All materials are curated by OCPM’s Church Programs Manager, Nick Abdelahad, who also consults with parishes to tailor resources to their needs.

For churches already active in correctional facilities, OCPM offers specialized curricula such as Early Christian History and Stories of Faith, designed for those encountering Orthodox Christianity for the first time. These resources come with training and coaching to ensure effective use in prison settings.

“Our mission is not only to serve Orthodox Christians in prison, but to reach the spiritual needs of all 1.8 million incarcerated people in the United States,” OCPM said in its announcement. “The only way to achieve this is by working together with local parishes.”

More information about the OCPM Learning Center can be found at theocpm.org

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