Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry to Launch New Podcast

CLEVELAND, OH — Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) has announced the upcoming launch of a new podcast, "Prison Ministry Diaries," which will explore the realities of Orthodox ministry to incarcerated people through the experiences of two longtime prison chaplains.

The podcast will be hosted by Fr. John Kowalczyk and Fr. Stephen Powley, OCPM’s co-directors of training and spiritual care. The organization said both priests draw on decades of experience ministering in prisons at every security level, giving them firsthand knowledge of the challenges involved in serving incarcerated communities.

According to OCPM, the podcast will address subjects ranging from gang culture and the difficulties of prison ministry to the unusual experience of establishing a monastery within a maximum-security prison. The organization said the conversations will combine serious discussion with lighter moments while focusing on practical lessons for those involved in prison ministry.

“Even among the darkness of prison, Christ’s light is shining all the more,” OCPM said in announcing the program. The ministry described the priests as experienced guides who can help others understand how to approach prison ministry faithfully and effectively.

"Prison Ministry Diaries" is scheduled to release new episodes every two weeks. OCPM encouraged listeners to subscribe through its Substack publication ahead of the podcast’s launch this fall.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a new book shared prison testimonies of redemption.