Orthodox bishops in Benelux expressed their support for Ukraine and condemned the persecution of Christians

The 33rd session of the Benelux Orthodox Bishops’ Assembly was held in Brussels, during which the hierarchs reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned the persecution of Christians around the world. The meeting was chaired by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium (Patriarchate of Constantinople) and attended by representatives of the Patriarchates of Antioch, Moscow, Romania, and Georgia, according to the Orthodox Times.

During discussions on the international agenda, the bishops strongly condemned the attack on an Orthodox church in Jordan, as well as the persecution of believers in Lebanon, Syria, and other regions. Addressing the situation in Europe, the assembly reiterated its support for Ukraine, citing an open letter from Christian churches in Belgium. An important item on the agenda was the discussion of internal security: the hierarchs reviewed the process of establishing a “Commission of Trust,” designed to ensure proper governance and prevent cases of sexual abuse within the Church in the Benelux countries.

The meeting participants also addressed issues related to the development of church life in the region, noting the official recognition of the Orthodox Missionary Administration (OZI) in the Netherlands and the significance of the recent audience of religious leaders with King Philippe of Belgium. Particular attention was paid to the achievements of Orthodox theological institutions, specifically their collaboration with the Catholic University of Leuven.

At the conclusion of the meeting, plans for the future were outlined, including preparations for the official visit of Patriarch Daniel of Romania to Brussels in May 2027 and the organization of a large-scale youth festival in 2028. The next meeting of the assembly, established in accordance with the decisions of the Fourth Pan-Orthodox Pre-Council Meeting, is scheduled for June 2027.