On the Road to Strengthening Orthodox Prison Ministry:
Fr. John Kowalczyk’s Travels

Very Rev. John Kowalczyk, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, Director of Field Education, and Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) Co-Director of Training & Spiritual Care, has been actively engaged in spreading awareness and training volunteers in Orthodox prison ministry through a series of recent visits to Detroit, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C.

Detroit, MI – Equipping Volunteers for Prison Ministry

On March 1, 2025, Fr. John, alongside Niko Petrogeorge, Executive National Director of OCPM, traveled to Michigan to present at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Detroit and Holy Transfiguration Church in Livonia. Their talks focused on the vital role of volunteers in prison ministry, particularly the “Ministry of Presence,” which brings hope and transformation to those behind bars. They also prepared new volunteers to introduce a history course on the Orthodox Church, equipping them to share the faith with incarcerated individuals.

Cleveland, OH – Theological Reflections on Redemption

On March 15-16, 2025, Fr. John visited St. Matthew the Evangelist Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cleveland, where he delivered a reflection on Orthodox prison ministry. His talk emphasized the transformative power of Christ's presence within prison walls, highlighting themes of suffering, redemption, and personal transformation. He shared moving anecdotes from his ministry, illustrating how simple acts of presence and compassion can restore dignity to those often forgotten by society. He also discussed the critical role of seminary training in preparing future clergy and lay volunteers for this vital work.

Washington, D.C. – A Retreat on the Sunday of the Cross

On March 22-23, 2025, Fr. John led a retreat at St. Luke's Serbian Orthodox Church in McLean, Virginia (just outside Washington, D.C.), attended by nearly 40 people. On Saturday, he served as the retreat speaker, and on Sunday, he concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Fr. John Vitko, offering a sermon for the Sunday of the Cross. During the post-liturgy coffee hour, he led a Q&A session on OCPM’s mission and the role of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary in training future leaders in prison ministry.

Through these travels, Fr. John continues to raise awareness about the profound impact of prison ministry and inspire Orthodox faithful to answer the call of Christ in serving the incarcerated.

Explore Fr. John’s Journey: View the Visual Chronicle of His Travels Below