Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM)

Home
United States
New York, NY
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM)

Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) is the prison ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America.

Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) proclaims the love of Christ to men and women who are incarcerated. We do this by applying the teachings of the Orthodox Faith to correspond with thousands of prisoners, providing them personalized spiritual care, Bibles, books, icons, catechism, and study courses. For those wishing to live an Orthodox way of life, we advocate on their behalf for correctio

nal facilities around the country to recognize the Orthodox faith, so that priests can enter prison facilities and administer the Sacraments. As the national prison ministry of the Orthodox Church, we provide resources and training to local parishes and clergy, enabling them to offer local solutions and fulfill Christ’s command to visit Him in prison. As a result, families are reunited, marriages are healed, and thousands of incarcerated men and women have a new sense of peace and restored order in their lives.

08/19/2026

NEW! Suffer With You: Lessons on Forgiveness from Prison - STUDY GUIDE! Now available for free download on our website.

This study guide is perfect for book clubs, reading groups, or to enhance your personal reading experience. This guide includes deep discussion questions and journal prompts to read Suffer with You within your own community.

Let your friends and family know to head to our website and download this study guide today!

08/17/2026

Last month, Madi Cano (Outreach Coordinator) visited Asheville, North Carolina, to join local volunteers to participate in Storybook Connections at Haywood County Jail.

If you aren’t familiar with the program, the concept is simple. Volunteers go into correctional facilities to record incarcerated parents reading a children’s book aloud. That recording, along with a copy of the book, is then packaged and mailed directly to their child at home.

It is thanks to these incredible volunteers with such dedication and love that programs like Storybook Connections can continue to transform lives - keeping family bonds alive and bringing immense comfort to children during a difficult separation.

If you have ever wondered how to make a real difference, please prayerfully consider donating to OCPM today so incarcerated parents and volunteers across the country can experience the power of love in action. If you're ready to take the next step and get your church involved, visit the link in our bio today to get started with Storybook Connections.

08/15/2026

"Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life."

Kontakion of the Dormition of the Theotokos

08/12/2026

An incoming letter to one of our PSSM's from someone we have been writing to since 2012.

OCPM is committed to long-term relationships, and that is greatly thanks to the work of our Prisoner Spiritual Support Managers (PSSMs).

Each PSSM has a set caseload of Orthodox or inquiring people in prison whom they care for during the duration of that person’s sentence, through prison transfers, and even after his or her release. The long-term support PSSMs aim to offer each man and woman they serve is only possible if they receive long-term support from all of us.

Want to learn more about what our PSSM's do and how to support the long-term work they're doing? Head to the link in our bio to find out.

08/09/2026

"Six men were baptized into Christ July 11th 2026 at Michael Durfee Prison in Springfield SD and are now members of His Holy Catholic Orthodox Church... I cannot adequately express the glorious event and joy of that momentous occasion. These men prepared themselves with genuine repentance, prayer and study... May Christ our God through the prayers of His most holy mother and their patron saints strengthen them, encourage them and cause them to be true witnesses of Jesus Christ our Lord to those in need around them." - OCPM Clergy Corps Priest

The OCPM Clergy Corps is a team of Orthodox priests and deacons committed to visiting people in prisons and jails near them. The Clergy Corps provides visitation, pastoral counseling, and the Holy Sacraments.

Are you, or do you know, clergy ready to get involved in prison ministry? Let us know by writing in to [email protected]

08/06/2026

"You were transfigured on the Mount, Christ God revealing Your glory to Your disciples, insofar as they could comprehend. Illuminate us, sinners also, with Your everlasting light, through the intercessions of the Theotokos. Giver of light, glory to You."

Apolytikion of the Transfiguration of our Lord

08/03/2026

Have you ever seen—or even heard of—an Orthodox baptism taking place inside a prison?

For most of us, the answer is probably no.

For the past three years, our Certificate Program students have been blessed with the opportunity to witness a baptism at SCI Waymart on the final day of their residency.

At first glance, it may look different from the baptisms many of us are accustomed to seeing. But in every way that matters, it is the same. Surrounded by His Eminence Archbishop Michael, the clergy and staff of St. Tikhon's Seminary, the staff of SCI Waymart, and fellow incarcerated men, each baptism is a powerful reminder: there is no place beyond the reach of Christ's love.

07/31/2026

Some behind-the-scenes footage of filming for the OCPM Learning center.... COMING SOON!

The OCPM Learning center will be a place volunteers and churches can access in-person and virtual training on prison ministry best practices, delivered by experts with decades of experience at every level of prison security.

Stay tuned for more updates!

07/28/2026

Another successful Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday thanks to all those who participated!

Thank you for supporting our mission and remembering those in prison.

07/26/2026

TODAY is Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday!

As the national prison ministry of the Orthodox Church, we are entirely funded through parish and individual support. We are so thankful to all of those who have participated today and every day - we can't do this work without you.

BUT, it's never too late to get involved or support our mission! Head to our website to learn more.

Address

276 5th Avenue Suite 704-3183
New York, NY
10001

Telephone

+13478686957

Website

http://theocpm.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM):

Featured

Heart River Center for Intuitive Healing

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in New York?