Ecumenical Patriarch welcomed CROCEU representatives in Constantinople for annual meeting

At the invitation of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the annual meeting of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches in the European Union (CROCEU) took place in Constantinople from November 20 to 23.

The meeting, a key gathering for Orthodox Churches within the EU, is traditionally hosted in different countries each year. Past meetings have been organised by the Local Orthodox Churches of Romania, Greece, Cyprus, and Russia.

On the first day of the meeting in Constantinople, representatives from the Orthodox Churches participated in a Vespers service at the Church of St. John the Divine, presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Following the service, the representatives were received by the Ecumenical Patriarch in an audience, where they discussed the current activities, challenges, and future goals of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches in the European Union (CROCEU).

The Ecumenical Patriarch warmly welcomed the members of the Committee, expressing his support and appreciation for their efforts, and greeted them with the words: “I am constantly informed and deeply appreciate your holy work in uniting the Orthodox Church in Brussels and expressing its voice with one accord.”

During the meeting, His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, in his capacity as CROCEU Chair, presented several challenges facing the Orthodox Churches to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. These included the preservation of the core values preached by the Church, as well as the integrity and sanctity of the Christian family.

The proposal to work more actively with European institutions was discussed, particularly in the context of drafting and presenting coordinated proposals and statements to support issues and activities in the European Union that are of interest to CROCEU.

The intention to participate in pan-European forums and meetings focused on religious, spiritual, and economic solidarity between the people of Europe and the rest of the world was also reaffirmed. This aims to foster fruitful dialogue and effective cooperation. Additionally, the representatives of the Orthodox Churches held a working meeting with the Synodal Commission for European Affairs, chaired by His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon.

On the second day, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple, CROCEU representatives participated in a concelebrated Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Theotokos in Stavrodromi.

The Divine Liturgy was presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by the hierarchs of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the EU: Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Ecumenical Patriarchate), Metropolitan Joseph of Western and Central Europe (Romanian Patriarchate), Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe (Bulgarian Patriarchate), and Bishop Apostolos of Tanagra (Church of Greece).

In his speech at the end of the Liturgy, the Patriarch highlighted the presence of the representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches in the European Union and their role:

“Your participation in today’s Divine Liturgy symbolises the unity and cooperation that bind Orthodox Christians throughout Europe and beyond. As the social landscape of Europe continues to change, the cohesion of the Orthodox community becomes ever more critical. In the face of various challenges and conflicts, it is imperative that we stand together, united in faith and purpose.

The work of the Committee in Brussels offers hope, showing what we can achieve as Orthodox Christians in our European context. By collaborating on issues of common concern, we can strengthen our collective voice and advocate effectively for the spiritual and moral well-being of our communities and societies.”

On the third day, the CROCEU program included a visit to Halki, a tour of the Holy Trinity Monastery and the library of the theological school, as well as other meetings scheduled in the official program.