Fellowship of St. Silas - An Eastern Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry - Father's Messages

Father's Messages -
August 2007

Dear Friends of the Fellowship of St. Silas,

As you can see from the heading we have changed our name from Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry to FELLOWSHIP OF ST. SILAS. We started this process last December, but it was finalized in May.

Everything thing else is the same. We have the same tax id number, the same mission, the same prisoners, the same address, the same financial and prayer needs. Everything is the same, except we are now officially the Fellowship of St. Silas and we are still under the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of America.

Please know that our "flock" is growing spiritually by leaps and bounds. Here is what one prisoner wrote this week.

"I found in reading about early church fathers, that they not only embraced the Scriptures, but teach a depth and commitment as well as self-sacrifice rarely read or taught in modern Christianity. Of course, I'm far from the goal and where I feel called to be, but I've been in studies and even more, seeking to apply the scriptures to my life." (Joseph in Texas)

And yes, even I receive letters from prisoners. Here is one I just received from Timothy in Colorado:

"I just wanted to drop you a couple of lines and thank you for your nice note and for blessing me with the real beautiful icons. That was very kind of you to do that! I pray for you and Fr. David constantly. Please continue to pray for me."

Timothy also sent me this quote from St. Barsanuphius: "How can one see Christ? The way to make this possible: the unceasing Prayer of Jesus, 'Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner' which alone is able to bring Christ to dwell in our souls."

When I read these letters I am humbled. Please continue to pray for prisoners and for their salvation.

Your sister in Christ,
Conccetta

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