CROCEU Marks the 1400th Anniversary of the Akathist Hymn with Festive Reception in Brussels

The Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Church to the European Union (CROCEU) held a Festive Reception marking the 1400th anniversary of the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at the Orthodox Centre Ambiorix in Brussels.

Among the invited guests were Orthodox Members of the European Parliament (from Greece, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria), high-level representatives of the European Commission, including Mr. Vincent Depaigne (responsible for Interreligious Dialogue under Article 17 of the Treaty of Lisbon), representatives of Christian Churches to the European Union (COMECE, CEC and others), heads of Christian Churches in Belgium, as well as representatives of Embassies and Permanent Representations.

The evening began with the chanting of a short part of the Akathist Service to the Mother of God, first in Greek, followed by English and Romanian.

Addresses were delivered by His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, President of CROCEU, and Archpriest Dr. Sorin Selaru, Director of the Representation of the Patriarchate of Romania to the European Union.

In his remarks, Metropolitan Athenagoras highlighted the profound spiritual and theological significance of the Akathist Hymn, describing it as one of the most remarkable treasures of the Orthodox tradition and a living testimony of faith that unites history, doctrine, and prayer. He also underlined the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in today’s world, noting that in times of fragmentation and uncertainty, such engagement is not a luxury but a necessity for promoting peace, human dignity, and solidarity in Europe .

Father Sorin Selaru emphasized the particular mission of CROCEU as a coordinating body of the official representations of the local Orthodox Churches to the European Union, fostering cooperation, dialogue, and a common Orthodox witness within the European institutions.

The Church of Greece was represented by His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Tanagra, Director of its Representation to the European Union. Among the attendees was also His Grace Bishop Ioakim of Apollonia, Auxiliary Bishop to the Metropolitan of Belgium.

The evening concluded with a reception in accordance with the fasting period, offering guests the opportunity to meet, exchange views, and strengthen ties in a spirit of fellowship and dialogue.