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In a video announcement marking the beginning of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America called for an Archdiocesan-wide observance throughout October to confront the spiritual and physical affliction of addiction. He stressed that many in our parish communities suffer in silence, burdened by the shame and stigma that too often accompany this disease.

During his address, His Eminence introduced the Saint Anastasia Fellowship (SAF), the official addiction ministry of the Direct Archdiocesan District. His Eminence described the ministry’s mission as a “beacon of hope” for those struggling in the darkness of addiction.

The Saint Anastasia Fellowship works to:

  • Provide safe, confidential support groups for individuals and families affected by addiction, grounded in the principles of Orthodox Christian faith
  • Offer education and resources on addiction, recovery, and the spiritual aspects of healing
  • Raise awareness and actively work to end the stigma that isolates so many who are suffering

At the heart of His Eminence’s message was a call to action for every parish across the Archdiocese. His Eminence urged communities to hold a Paraklesis prayer service to Saint Anastasia, the ministry’s patron saint. This service, which forms the liturgical foundation of SAF, brings the community together in prayer for healing and concludes with the sacrament of Holy Unction for the healing of soul and body.

“Together, we can transform our parishes into true sanctuaries of healing, answering Christ’s call to bear one another’s burdens and bring hope to those who feel lost,” the Archbishop affirmed.

Coinciding with the October observance, the Saint Anastasia Fellowship also launched its Facilitator Training Program at the OCAMPR (Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion) conference earlier this month. Made possible through a generous grant from Leadership 100, this program provides essential training and resources to those preparing to lead SAF Support Groups in their parishes.

An SAF Support Group is a peer-led fellowship that provides a safe space for shared experiences and mutual support. Whether through the communal prayer of the Paraklesis, the fellowship of a Support Group, or both, an SAF ministry aims to transform a parish into a true spiritual hospital, offering Christ’s healing to all who suffer.

As Saint Paul reminds the faithful, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The Archdiocese will be sharing information throughout the month to help break the silence around addiction.

To learn more about the Saint Anastasia Fellowship and get information on starting an SAF Ministry in your community, please visit saintanastasiafellowship.org.

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