The mission statement of the Saint Mark Prison Ministry is guided by the words of our Lord (Matthew 25:36-41) who said, “I was in prison, and you came to me.” This journey involves sharing the love Christ has for all people including those who are incarcerated.

Having gone through orientation and training under the auspices of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), each Team member is assigned a brother/sister in Christ inmate to reach out and begin a handwritten correspondence. Anonymity is critical to our mission as each of us has assumed a nom de plume (pseudonym pen name). Additionally, all related correspondence is received and sent through our Saint Mark Church Office. 

Our Ministry Team of 25 strong meets once a month in the Multi-purpose room and typically will include a guest speaker who discusses their personal, hands-on experiences in prison ministry. We also share with one another pertinent issues that can further enhance our commitment and devotion to this blessed Ministry. “Writer’s Workshops” enhance our correspondence skills while maintaining “boundaries” which are critical to this dialogue with inmates.

Having the experience and dedication of several years of ongoing correspondence, we have begun an in-person prison ministry at local State of Florida prison facilities with those Team members who choose to participate in a more personal encounter with prisoners who are in a dark place at the present time in their lives, offering them Hope, Faith and a Path to Christ.

Jim Giokas, Lay Leader

Father Anastasios Hallas, Spiritual Leader