The Committee of Representatives of Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU) held its annual meeting from November 20 to November 23 in Istanbul under the auspices of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. The event commenced with religious services held in historic locations and included discussions on enhancing dialogue between the Orthodox Churches and European institutions.
The Romanian Orthodox Church was represented by Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, accompanied by Fr. Sorin Șelaru, Director of the Romanian Patriarchate’s representation in Brussels, and Fr. George Vâlcu.
The meeting opened on Wednesday evening, Nov. 20, with a Vespers service at the Cathedral of St. George at the Phanar, attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and the delegations of the sister Orthodox Churches. Following the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch received the delegates, who expressed gratitude for their work representing Orthodoxy in Brussels.
“I am constantly informed and deeply appreciate your sacred work of bringing the Orthodox Church to Brussels and ensuring its voice is united,” stated Patriarch Bartholomew I.
The discussions reaffirmed the desire for active collaboration with European institutions and emphasized participation in pan-European forums to foster religious, spiritual, and economic solidarity across Europe and beyond. The delegations also held a working meeting with the Synodal Commission for European Affairs, chaired by Geron Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon.
On Wednesday November 20th 2024, the members of CROCEU were received in an audience by His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who appreciated the work done by the Committe. pic.twitter.com/sVGim5ogIr
— P. Sorin Selaru (@p_selaru) November 22, 2024
On Thursday, November 21, the delegates participated in the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Pera.
“Your participation in today’s Divine Liturgy symbolizes the unity and cooperation that bind Orthodox Christians across Europe and beyond. As Europe’s social landscape continues to evolve, the cohesion of the Orthodox community grows increasingly important. Faced with various challenges and conflicts, it is imperative that we remain united in faith and purpose,” noted Patriarch Bartholomew I.
“The work of the Brussels Committee provides hope, demonstrating what we can achieve as Orthodox Christians within the European context. Through collaboration on matters of shared interest, we can strengthen our collective voice and advocate effectively for our communities and societies’ spiritual and moral well-being.”
In an interview with Trinitas TV, Metropolitan Iosif highlighted Patriarch Bartholomew’s appreciation for the strong relationship between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He also noted that Patriarch Bartholomew will attend events in 2025, marking the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate at the invitation of Patriarch Daniel of Romania.
CROCEU members also visited the Monastery of the Holy Trinity on Halki Island.
Photo: Ecumenical Patriarchate
