Representatives of the Romanian Patriarchate to the European Union, Fr. Sorin Șelaru and Fr. George Vâlcu, took part on Tuesday in a meeting of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU), held at the Ambiorix Orthodox Centre in Brussels.
The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation among the local Orthodox Churches and to promote Christian values within the European public space.
Dialogue and Orthodox cooperation
The session was chaired by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Ecumenical Patriarchate), and brought together delegates from the Orthodox Patriarchates represented at European institutions.
Discussions focused on ways to consolidate the Orthodox Church’s presence and witness within the European Union, particularly in view of the upcoming high-level meeting organised by the European Commission under Article 17 of the Treaty of Lisbon, which establishes regular dialogue between EU institutions and religious organisations.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together for the common good of Europe by witnessing to the continent’s spiritual and ethical Christian values.
Members of CROCEU also prayed for peace in the Middle East, the protection of civilian populations, and support for Christian communities affected by ongoing conflicts.
Background
The Representation of the Romanian Patriarchate in Brussels was established in 2007, as an expression of the Romanian Orthodox Church’s European openness and responsibility, and in response to the European Union’s commitment to dialogue with religious institutions, later formalised through the Treaty of Lisbon.
Its main objectives include monitoring EU policies relevant to the Church’s mission, promoting dialogue between the Romanian Patriarchate and EU institutions, and informing the public about European initiatives that concern social, educational, and moral life.
Photo: orthodoxia.be
