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WASHINGTON, D.C.– Representing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Saint Anastasia Fellowship (SAF) was honored to participate in the “Called To Care – Strengthening Faith and Behavioral Health as Social Infrastructure for Recovery” meeting, held July 8–9, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The gathering, hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services branch tasked with advancing behavioral health and addressing substance use disorders—brought together faith leaders, academics, and public health experts dedicated to leading their communities in the prevention, treatment, and reintegration of individuals suffering from substance use disorders (SUDs).
The gathering provided a powerful testament to the dedication of those on the front lines, highlighting how organizations support vulnerable individuals through compassionate, wraparound care. The dialogue was instrumental in reframing the national perspective on the addiction epidemic, moving beyond the view of this issue solely as a clinical mental health crisis to recognize it as, at its core, a spiritual crisis. This shift in perspective is supported by compelling evidence illustrating the protective, preventative power of faith in addressing SUDs.
In the context of this integration, Father Nikolas Delaveris, Director of Development, emphasizes that the path to true, long-lasting recovery requires moving beyond institutional barriers. He observes:
“It is vital that we empower faith-based organizations to provide their sacramental and sacred offerings to their communities alongside our understanding of evidence-based care. This integration is essential to avoid the ‘whitewashing’ of these faith-based and culturally relevant supports, ensuring that individuals receive care that honors both their clinical needs and their spiritual identity. We must work as wells of healing rather than as silos; these silos are man-made constructs that find no precedent in the Gospel, which calls us to provide a holistic, communal response to the suffering of our neighbors.”
This approach advocates a model in which organizations reject the “silo” mentality—which often isolates clinical, evidence-based practices from the cultural and sacramental life of the individual—and instead function as “wells,” drawing from both scientific rigor and deep spiritual tradition. By bridging the gap between professional clinical standards and the intrinsic value of religious ministry, SAF aims to ensure that support remains authentic, culturally grounded, and spiritually restorative, ultimately creating a more effective network of care.
The discussions from this meeting are currently being synthesized into a forthcoming white paper. This document is intended to serve as a foundational roadmap for reintegrating our faith as a nation into our approach to addiction recovery and overall public health, strengthening collaboration between behavioral health sectors and faith-based institutions.
About The Fellowship:
The Saint Anastasia Fellowship—a ministry of the Direct Archdiocesan District—offers a uniquely Orthodox Christian approach to addiction recovery. By combining contemporary clinical practices with Scripture, Tradition, and the wisdom of the Orthodox Church Fathers, the Fellowship provides vital education, outreach, intercessory prayer, and peer-based group support to individuals and their families navigating addiction. This ministry is made possible through a generous grant from Leadership 100.
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