In 2013, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos shared this moving reflection on one of his visits to minister to Orthodox Christians who were incarcerated. Read more.
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
“…I was in prison and you came to me…” –Matthew 25:36
Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday has been designated by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops to be observed Sunday, July 25, 2021. This ministry is vital to those who are incarcerated and is a way for us, as Orthodox Christians, to share God’s love, mercy and compassion with these men and women who are in need of our prayers.
I ask that each parish in our Metropolis please observe Prison Ministry Awareness this Sunday in the following ways:
- Please read the attached Encyclical from His Eminence Archishop Mark, Episcopal Moderator for the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry.
- Please print the attached Bulletin Insert and share it with your parish on Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday, July 25, 2021.
- Please either make a donation from your parish or pass a special tray to provide your parishioners the opportunity to support this very important ministry.
- Following the observance of Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday, please send all contributions directly to: Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), 276 5th Avenue, Suite 704-3183, New York, NY 10001.
Praying that the Lord may open your hearts to respond with love and generosity for this important ministry, I remain,
With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco