Orthodox Christians Designate July 26 as Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday

Hundreds of Orthodox churches across the United States are marking July 26, 2026, as Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday, following a designation by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops.

The day highlights the work of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), an agency of the Assembly that has operated for nearly three decades. The organization provides spiritual care to incarcerated men and women and runs programs that connect prisoners with their families on the outside.

One of OCPM''s signature programs is Storybook Connections, which sends picture books home with recordings of incarcerated parents reading aloud to their children. The program aims to maintain family bonds during long periods of separation.

OCPM also runs the Clergy Corps, a nationwide network of Orthodox priests and deacons who visit prisoners at facilities near them. The organization has partnered with St. Tikhon''s Seminary to offer the first Certificate Program in Prison Ministry for Orthodox clergy and laity.

"I pray every day for the first time in my life," said one man currently incarcerated who participates in the program. "When you and OCPM are supporting me, I feel comforted and empowered to do my part."

Another participant described a years-long process of finding peace. "I eventually regained inner peace, humility, happiness, compassion, sympathy and grace again," he said. "I thank God for not giving up on me."

Churches interested in participating in Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday can download resources at theocpm.org/pmas. OCPM says it has worked to make participation straightforward for congregations of any size.