Representatives of the Orthodox sister Churches and European Union institutions on Wednesday marked the 1,400th anniversary of the first chanting of the Akathist Hymn of the Mother of God at an event in Brussels.
The gathering was organised by the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU) and took place at the Ambiorix Orthodox Centre in Brussels, bringing together Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, other Christian organisations and diplomatic missions.
The evening opened with a moment of prayer, during which the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God was chanted in several languages. According to the organisers, participants appreciated the event for its spiritual dimension, “which thus became a discreet yet all the more beautiful testimony to the rich liturgical treasury of Orthodoxy”.
Prayer Warms Hearts
CROCEU Secretary General Fr George Vâlcu highlighted to Trinitas TV the role of prayer in strengthening relationships: “We could say that such moments are most welcome here in Brussels. We know well that prayer warms hearts and creates a favourable space for strengthening bonds.”
During the event, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Ecumenical Patriarchate) emphasised the theological significance of the Akathist Hymn, noting that it is a treasure of Orthodox tradition and expresses, in poetic language, the Church’s teaching on the Mother of God.
Fr. Sorin Șelaru, director of the Romanian Patriarchate’s representation to the European institutions, recalled the historical context of the year 626, when the hymn was first chanted in Constantinople.
For the Common Good of Society
Fr George Vâlcu also underlined the role of the Church’s mission in the European space: “All this activity of Church representation at European level is not like ordinary lobbying, but is directed solely towards the common good of society.”
The event concluded with a reception in accordance with the fasting period, offering participants the opportunity to engage in dialogue and strengthen relationships.
The Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union was established in 2010 to coordinate the common representation of Orthodox Churches in dialogue with European institutions.
Photo: orthodoxia.be
