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New York, NY. (August 2026) – Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) offers its deep appreciation to the Elsie Skvir Ganister Foundation Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania for their generous support of Scholarships for the Certificate Program in Prison Ministry, a key part of our mission to equip clergy and lay volunteers for ministry to those behind bars. This grant funds a scholarship, books, and instructor travel for the Certificate Program in Prison Ministry, offered in partnership
with St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.
This is the most advanced prison ministry training available in the Orthodox Church. “The generosity of the Elsie Skvir Ganister Foundation Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania is making a profound difference in the lives of
countless incarcerated individuals,” said Niko Petrogeorge, Executive Director of OCPM. “Their support allows us to prepare more clergy and lay volunteers to bring hope and faith to people in prison.”
The Certificate Program in Prison Ministry trains participants through a semester-long course, covering several topics that culminates in a week-long in-person residency at St. Tikhon’s Seminary with daily visits to SCI Waymart. OCPM remains committed to serving incarcerated individuals and their families, while equipping ministry partners with the resources, training, and encouragement they need to transform lives and glorify God. With the ongoing support of donors like the Elsie
Skvir Ganister Foundation Fund, we are advancing our mission to share the light and love of the Orthodox Faith with those most in need.
