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# OCPM Retreat to Focus on Sanctity of Life and Forgiveness
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/ocpm-retreat-to-focus-on-sanctity-of-life-and-forgiveness/
- Published: 2026-10-01T16:36:34.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-01T16:42:27.000Z
- Description: OCPM will explore the sanctity of life, forgiveness, repentance, and Christian service during a two-day retreat at the St. Nicholas National Shrine.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), Spiritual Retreat

**NEW YORK —** Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) will host a [two-day retreat](https://orthodoxobserver.org/two-day-retreat-on-forgiveness-and-the-sanctity-of-life-to-take-place-at-st-nicholas-shrine/?fbclid=IwdGRleAUrOsdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUPetYVZTGcBDG1RURC1go55dWW0hB3NydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7nHRobgEVlLdjGwzT6yOMYCuevBGz29hIMtYNLNGZsZi3EHSKkG4lJqi4aOA%5Faem%5Fh3-0Ss9Gf9V3JdAl%5F3-jNw) at the St. Nicholas National Shrine on October 22–23, marking 25 years since the September 11 attacks. Titled "Suffer with You: Lessons on the Sanctity of Life from Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry," the three-part event will draw on the pastoral experience of Fr. John Kowalczyk and Fr. Stephen Powley.

The opening session, “The Sanctity of Life: From the Womb to the Tomb (Death Row),” will take place October 22 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. It will examine the sanctity of human life from the unborn to those facing execution, emphasizing the Christian teaching that every person remains within the reach of God’s love and redemption.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/09/Untitled.jpg)On this topicOrthodox Prison Ministry Certificate Program Sets Nov. 1 Application Deadline](https://uoj.news/news/orthodox-prison-ministry-certificate-program-sets-nov-1-application-deadline/)

On October 23, “Suffer With You: Lessons on Forgiveness from Prison” will run from 4 to 6 p.m., focusing on forgiveness, repentance, and allowing God to work in people’s lives. The final session, “With the Fear of God Draw Near: Prison Ministry’s Call to Action,” will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. and will address serving others, recognizing Christ in every person, and acting while trusting in God’s plan.

Each session will include a question-and-answer period. OCPM is an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States and provides spiritual care to incarcerated people.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/orthodox-christian-prison-ministry-to-launch-new-podcast/) that Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry was to launch a new podcast.