Orthodox bishops in the Benelux met in Brussels on Tuesday for the 31st meeting of the Orthodox Episcopal Conference of the region.
Key topics included Christian Orthodox religious assistance in the Belgian armed forces and prison system, as well as the potential introduction of Orthodox religion classes in primary schools in the Netherlands.
The Conference was chaired by Metropolitan Athenagoras, Metropolitan of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Ecumenical Patriarchate). Hierarchs representing the Ecumenical, Romanian, Russian, Serbian and Georgian Patriarchates took part.
From the Romanian Patriarchate, Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, and Bishop Marc of Neamț, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Western Europe, were present.
Presence in the army and in prison
One of the main subjects addressed was the organisation of Orthodox religious assistance within Belgian state institutions, especially the army and the penitentiary system.
The bishops reviewed the difficulties encountered in pastoral activities and expressed hope that these obstacles would be overcome in the near future.
Initiatives by Orthodox priests serving in prisons in Belgium and the Netherlands were also presented, along with projects aimed at improving spiritual support for detainees.
Religious education
Another major point of discussion was the potential introduction of an Orthodox religion class in primary schools in the Netherlands. The hierarchs welcomed this prospect and noted the progress achieved so far.
During the meeting, the bishops were informed about pastoral and educational activities in the member dioceses, as well as collaboration between Orthodox theological institutes in Belgium and the Netherlands and the University of Leuven.
It was also agreed that the next pilgrimage of the Orthodox Episcopal Conference of Benelux will take place in Romania on September 15–20, 2026.
The Orthodox Episcopal Conference of Benelux was created following a decision of the 4th Pan-Orthodox Pre-Conciliar Conference held in Chambésy (Geneva) in June 2009.
Photo: orthodoxia.be
