OCPM Introduces New Nationwide Programs

NEW YORK — Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at expanding Orthodox engagement in prison ministry across North America, including new lay and clergy-focused programs designed to strengthen parish participation and pastoral outreach.

At the center of the rollout is a newly formed group known as the OCPM Advocates, a network of parish representatives tasked with increasing awareness of prison ministry. The program includes an upcoming Zoom Orientation scheduled for Thursday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, where participants will be introduced to training materials and outreach resources. Advocates are expected to maintain communication between OCPM and local parishes, promote participation in Awareness Sunday near the feast of St. Silas, and lead at least one parish-based initiative each year.

In a parallel development, OCPM has also launched the Clergy Corps, a dedicated group of priests and deacons focused specifically on prison ministry. Members of the corps are assigned to regularly visit incarcerated individuals, provide pastoral care and sacraments when applicable, and maintain consistent contact with at least one assigned inmate, with a minimum of four visits annually. The initiative also includes retreats and ongoing formation aimed at strengthening clergy support and sustainability in prison outreach.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Orthodox Prison Ministry held its first study day in Belgium.