The city of Cluj-Napoca in northwestern Romania hosted the Executive Board meeting of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), a high-level event promoting European inter-Christian dialogue, from May 22 to 24.
The meeting was chaired by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, who also serves as CEC President. The gathering had a decision-making character, focusing on:
- Evaluating current CEC activities,
- Approving the revised 2025 budget, and
- Shaping the strategic plan for 2026–2029.
Topics also included preparations for the 2028 General Assembly, youth engagement in church life, theological education programs, and contemporary issues such as security, artificial intelligence, and intergenerational equity, according to Radio Renașterea.
An Honour for Romania
“The CEC Board meets twice a year: once in Brussels (where the CEC headquarters is located) and once in a member country,” explained Fr. Prof. Cristian Sonea, a board member representing the Romanian Orthodox Church.
“In 2025, by the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel and His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, Romania had the honour of hosting this event in the city of Cluj-Napoca,” he added.
Also attending on behalf of the Romanian Patriarchate was Fr. Michael Tița, Honorary Patriarchal Counsellor and Vicar of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, who represented the Church in meetings with local Christian communities during the event.
Orthodox Liturgy Among Highlights
A particularly meaningful moment was the Orthodox liturgical service held on Friday evening, May 23, at the “Exaltation of the Holy Cross” Church in Cluj-Napoca, with the participation of CEC delegation members.
About the Conference of European Churches (CEC)
Founded in 1959, the CEC is an ecumenical organization that brings together more than 110 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican, and Old Catholic Churches across Europe. Its mission is to strengthen the common Christian witness in society and to promote unity, reconciliation, and cooperation among Churches, in fidelity to the Gospel of Christ.
Photo: Facebook / Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Cluj-Napoca
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