St Tikhon's Seminary & OCPM Complete Inaugural Certificate Program in Prison Ministry
St Tikhon's Seminary & OCPM Complete Inaugural Certificate Program in Prison Ministry
The Certificate Program in Prison Ministry recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort, marking a significant achievement in Orthodox prison ministry education. The program, designed to prepare participants for Orthodox Christian outreach within prison environments, is a collaborative effort between Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), Saint Tikhon's Seminary, and SCI Waymart.
One of the most compelling features of this program is the unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on ministry. Nick Petrogeorge, OCPM Executive Director, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "This is a special time that [sic] they're all able to be here in person and actually go into a prison and make visitations." The program's immersive component is a key element, enabling students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. Participants had the profound experience of hands-on work in a Pennsylvania state prison, SCI Waymart, where they witnessed firsthand the baptism of an inmate, the newly-illumined Moses. This event was deeply moving and spiritually enriching for all involved.
The program is not just about academic knowledge but also about fostering profound personal and spiritual growth among its participants. Nick Petrogeorge commented on the program's transformative nature, saying, "We could not have designed the Certificate Program to be so impactful. That's how we know it is blessed."
The intensive nature of the program, combined with the practical application in prison settings, ensures that students are fully prepared for their roles in inmate ministry. Joseph Nast, a 2024 graduate of the program, captured the essence of the program's significance in the lives of its students when he said, "I and all my colleagues this week have been thunderstruck. It's been an incredibly deep and meaningful experience." This sentiment was echoed by Natalie Becerra, who said, "I didn't really know what to expect getting into this program, but it's been better than I could have imagined. This is a life-changing experience for me, without a doubt." The transformative power of the program leaves students not only with a certificate but also with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the role in which they are called to serve.
As the program graduates celebrated their achievements, there was a profound sense of joy, community support, and anticipation for what lies ahead. Archbishop Michael aptly captured the spirit of the occasion, stating, "This is your graduation, but it's really commencement. It's a beginning. You speak with experience. You speak with faith." This ceremony symbolized the completion of their studies and the start of a significant journey. With their acquired knowledge and strengthened faith, the graduates are well-prepared to undertake their ministry with renewed dedication and a deep sense of purpose, ready to make a profound impact in the lives of those they serve.
Saint Tikhon's Seminary looks forward to welcoming the next cohort of individuals called to serve our nation's incarcerated. For more information about the Certificate Program in Prison Ministry and to apply for the Spring 2025 cohort, visit OMPC. Applications will open in early fall.
Photos courtesy of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry.
