Abp. Elpidophoros Launches St. Anastasia Fellowship Addiction Ministry

Abp. Elpidophoros is pictured during Patriarchal Orthros and Divine Liturgy in September during the visit of Pat. Bartholomew. Photo: Aaron Hickman/UOJ-USA

NEW YORK — In a video message marking the start of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America called for an Archdiocesan-wide observance throughout October to address the spiritual and physical affliction of addiction. Abp. Elpidophoros emphasized that many within parish communities suffer in silence, burdened by the shame and stigma surrounding this disease.

During his address, His Eminence introduced the St. Anastasia Fellowship (SAF), the official addiction ministry of the Direct Archdiocesan District. Describing it as a “beacon of hope,” the Archbishop said the ministry seeks to bring healing and light to those struggling in the darkness of addiction.

The St. Anastasia Fellowship provides confidential, faith-based support groups for individuals and families affected by addiction, offers educational resources on recovery and healing, and works to end the stigma that isolates those who are suffering.

Abp. Elpidophoros' provided a call to action for every parish to hold a Paraklesis service to St. Anastasia, the ministry’s patron saint. The service, which concludes with the sacrament of Holy Unction, unites the community in prayer for healing of soul and body.

Source: saintanastasiafellowship.org

“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,” His Eminence said.

Coinciding with the October observance, SAF also launched its Facilitator Training Program at the recent OCAMPR (Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion) conference. Supported by a grant from Leadership 100, the program equips facilitators to lead SAF Support Groups in their parishes.

Each SAF Support Group offers a peer-led space for shared experiences and mutual encouragement, helping parishes become “spiritual hospitals” offering Christ’s healing to all who suffer.

As the Archbishop reminded the faithful, quoting Saint Paul, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Throughout October, the Archdiocese will share resources to help raise awareness and break the silence around addiction.

More information on the St. Anastasia Fellowship and starting a ministry in your community is available at saintanastasiafellowship.org. The text for the Supplicatory Canon to Saint Anastasia, the Deliverer from Addictions, can be found here.

Previously, UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros had asked Romania to recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

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