Orthodox Churches Across America to Observe Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday

NEW YORK — On July 26, 2026, hundreds of Orthodox churches across jurisdictions are joining together to share about the importance of prison ministry, but what prison ministry looks like today may surprise you. 

Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) has evolved with the U.S. prison system over nearly three decades to offer nuanced ministry programs that are still impacting the lives of not only men and women behind bars, but their friends and family on the outside.

Storybook Connections™ is reuniting incarcerated parents with their children through the power of stories, sending picture books home with recordings of their parents reading to them from inside prison. The OCPM Clergy Corps is fostering a nationwide brotherhood of Orthodox priests and deacons committed to visiting those in prison facilities near them. OCPM has even partnered with St. Tikhon’s Seminary to offer the first Certificate Program in Prison Ministry for Orthodox clergy and laity who are ready to be trained by the most experienced practitioners of Orthodox prison ministry in this country.

Still, despite the growing demand for an Orthodox presence in prison and the ever-changing environment of facilities themselves, the heart of prison ministry remains the same: OCPM is here to offer spiritual support to men and women who are ready to repent and enter the life of the Church.

“I pray every day for the first time in my life,” says one man in prison. “I'm very thankful and excited to be involved with OCPM and Orthodox Christianity. When you [Volunteer] and OCPM are supporting me, encouraging me, and making me feel cared for like you guys have been doing, I feel comforted and empowered to do my part. It makes me want to continue being part of the Orthodox Faith.”

"It took a few years for the anger and negative thoughts to subside,” says another, “but I eventually regained inner peace, humility, happiness, compassion, sympathy and grace again. I thank God for not giving up on me and for helping to transform me back into my authentic self.”

If you and your church would like to join us on July 26 for Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday, visit theocpm.org/pmas to learn more and download resources to share with your church community. OCPM has worked hard to make it easy to get involved, and we’d love to see you be a part of this annual day of recognition.

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 on Facebook and Instagram @theocpm.